It was specifically announced this was a new TSA mandate by the flight crews on the respective flights.

As I took several flights on 12/27 and this rule was not in place then (but was in place on 12/30), it must of been mandated within that 2-3 day period.

With all due respect, tuner, I sincerely doubt this is a Northwest airlines rule (otherwise the announcement would not of specifically referred to the TSA; on NW 31, the announcement was made by the pilot in command from the flight deck prior to pushback).

Additionally, due to "increased security" on LGW-DTW on Sunday, it was necessary to display our passports to US Customs & Immigrations officers in the Jetway as a condition of getting off the aircraft.

Furthermore, all passengers on NW 31 on 01/04 were required to endure a FULL SECONDARY US CUSTOMS SEARCH.

Luckily, I received my checked suitcase promptly as a World Business Class passenger and was then allowed to jump to the front of the queue. I made it through the full secondary search promptly & without much hassle -- but that didn't seem to be the case with others.

Unfortunately, my connecting flight was cancelled because of a mechanical problem; as such, later that evening (as I was en-route to my hotel) I spoke with other passengers on NW 31 and it apparently took in excess of 2 1/2 hours for them to get through the manditory US customs secondary. The passengers I spoke with had all missed their connecting flights because of this.

Anyone feeling safer yet?

Best,

SDF_Traveler

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"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." -- Ben Franklin