Originally Posted by
Msokrent
I’d thought that my awful experience at LHR on 14-April could not have been topped. Realizing my physical and emotional exhaustion, the LIS security agents (arrivals) suggested that I request wheelchair assistance for departure on TAP (LIS/LHR) and DL (LHR/JFK). My 20-April security checks went from LIS passport control (great), arrival at LHR fast track transit security check (great) then to baggage claim (TAP refused my tiny soft-sided suitcase without putting it in sizer “it’s expanded” it wasn’t), then to departures security check (out of wheelchair, into 360 x-ray), then to gate, where I was interrogated and ushered into a crowded room with a split-out lane for those boarding directly. Wheelchair was left outside, attendant accompanied me to my seat. It seemed like only US pax were detained. I was called to desk, opened my 2 carryons and purse for physical inspection of their contents, then stood for a wand search, removed my shoes for a swab of my stockinged feet, and swab of my hands. My repeated requests for information were met with only “it’s a requirement of American Airlines and Delta, not Heathrow”. The attendant accompanied me onboard to my Delta One seat - almost the last to board. FAs weren’t aware of extra security and neither were nearby pax. I have a KTN and TSA Pre. No odd identifiers on electronic boarding pass. Can anyone confirm that this is “normal” AA and DL procedure? Thanks for reading.
That kind of screening is within the normal routine procedure at LHR when the passenger on these US carriers is marked with the SSSS flag at check-in or otherwise selected for such screening there. Having GE membership doesn’t give a pass around this kind of normal routine procedure at LHR for those hit with the SSSS flag or otherwise directed for such screening.
I have had much the same kind of thing happen to me or other members of my travel party. It’s part of the normal routine there, albeit some experience this more frequently than others.