Last edit by: JDiver
MODERATOR NOTE
NOTE: This thread is exclusively for q&a, discussion about security procedures encountered by AA passengers. General discussion about airport security properly belongs in the Travel Safety / Security fora, particularly the Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate subforum. Link.
The 2017 enhanced security interviewing general discussion is New passenger screening "interviews" to US, starting Oct 26/2017
As of Thursday, 26 Oct 2017 the procedures described below have been expanded to all airlines and departure points to the USA, required to avoid the alternative ban on personal electronic devices larger than a mobile phone that was originally imposed. By October 26 2017 these have been implemented network-wide by AA and most airlines. A few airlines were granted extensions until mid-January 2018.
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to complete these additional procedures, which may include all procedures detailed below, including interviews, deeper scrutiny of documents, carryon baggage and personal items, including explosives detection swabbing of electronic devices.
Link to Reuters article, 29 June 2017
Link to Time article, 25 Oct 2017
Link to USA Today article, 25 Oct 2017
Security procedures for those departing internationally to the USA, particularly since 11 Sep 2001, have been more extensive. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security requires ALL airlines perform more extensive passenger screening of USA-bound passengers. (AA began in Europe with ICTS International a Dutch firm founded by former Israeli Shin Bet (internal security) and El Al personnel. In Europe, when you have been cleared (at or near the gate generally) they will affix a sticker (base and letter colors may vary by day, etc.) marked "ICTS" to your passport cover.)
Passenger questioning generally includes a first layer of questions, usually asked by check-in staff, that include such items as "Who packed your baggage?", "Has your baggage been in your possession since it was packed?", "What electronic devices do you have?", "Have you had any repaired while on your trip?"
A second layer of questions may include requests for more detailed information about you and your travels, such as "What do you do for a living?", "What company do you work for?", "What's the name of your CEO?", "How many times a year do you travel through XYZ?", "Where did you stay?", "What's your favorite restaurant in ....?", "Tell me about your best ever holiday?", "describe your neighborhood" and include questions about your home address, neighborhood, children, etc. To some people these questions might appear intrusive; others may feel the body language, tone and language used are inappropriate in some way.
These second layer questions were previously asked by contract security personnel, but now might be asked by airline check-in staff as well. Note the behavior of the passenger is observed and may be emphasized over answer content. Failure to reply with requested information or refusal may result in more extensive procedures.
Be aware: it has been verified the agents have the ability to issue your boarding pass with "SSSS", meaning you will get "heavy" screening. Several people have described "giving lip" or declining to answer agent second layer questions for various reasons and getting SSSS.
Though USA-bound passengers are generally screened at or prior to entering the gate area for departure, additional screening may include more extensive questioning by AA or contracted security personnel and / or more screening of possessions. This may be entering or at the gate area, or even at temporary stations set up at the gate or on the boarding bridge; passengers may be selected randomly, or from lists that may include other countries one has visited.
Other procedures may be used at other airports for departing passengers boarding to the USA. Procedures may intensify or lessen as influenced by current security status or information in possession of local, airport, airline or other security and intelligence entities.
More extensive security suggest giving yourself more time to process these enhanced procedures.
Please refrain from altering this moderator note.
NOTE: This thread is exclusively for q&a, discussion about security procedures encountered by AA passengers. General discussion about airport security properly belongs in the Travel Safety / Security fora, particularly the Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate subforum. Link.
The 2017 enhanced security interviewing general discussion is New passenger screening "interviews" to US, starting Oct 26/2017
As of Thursday, 26 Oct 2017 the procedures described below have been expanded to all airlines and departure points to the USA, required to avoid the alternative ban on personal electronic devices larger than a mobile phone that was originally imposed. By October 26 2017 these have been implemented network-wide by AA and most airlines. A few airlines were granted extensions until mid-January 2018.
Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to complete these additional procedures, which may include all procedures detailed below, including interviews, deeper scrutiny of documents, carryon baggage and personal items, including explosives detection swabbing of electronic devices.
Link to Reuters article, 29 June 2017
Link to Time article, 25 Oct 2017
Link to USA Today article, 25 Oct 2017
Security procedures for those departing internationally to the USA, particularly since 11 Sep 2001, have been more extensive. The U. S. Department of Homeland Security requires ALL airlines perform more extensive passenger screening of USA-bound passengers. (AA began in Europe with ICTS International a Dutch firm founded by former Israeli Shin Bet (internal security) and El Al personnel. In Europe, when you have been cleared (at or near the gate generally) they will affix a sticker (base and letter colors may vary by day, etc.) marked "ICTS" to your passport cover.)
Passenger questioning generally includes a first layer of questions, usually asked by check-in staff, that include such items as "Who packed your baggage?", "Has your baggage been in your possession since it was packed?", "What electronic devices do you have?", "Have you had any repaired while on your trip?"
A second layer of questions may include requests for more detailed information about you and your travels, such as "What do you do for a living?", "What company do you work for?", "What's the name of your CEO?", "How many times a year do you travel through XYZ?", "Where did you stay?", "What's your favorite restaurant in ....?", "Tell me about your best ever holiday?", "describe your neighborhood" and include questions about your home address, neighborhood, children, etc. To some people these questions might appear intrusive; others may feel the body language, tone and language used are inappropriate in some way.
These second layer questions were previously asked by contract security personnel, but now might be asked by airline check-in staff as well. Note the behavior of the passenger is observed and may be emphasized over answer content. Failure to reply with requested information or refusal may result in more extensive procedures.
Be aware: it has been verified the agents have the ability to issue your boarding pass with "SSSS", meaning you will get "heavy" screening. Several people have described "giving lip" or declining to answer agent second layer questions for various reasons and getting SSSS.
Though USA-bound passengers are generally screened at or prior to entering the gate area for departure, additional screening may include more extensive questioning by AA or contracted security personnel and / or more screening of possessions. This may be entering or at the gate area, or even at temporary stations set up at the gate or on the boarding bridge; passengers may be selected randomly, or from lists that may include other countries one has visited.
Other procedures may be used at other airports for departing passengers boarding to the USA. Procedures may intensify or lessen as influenced by current security status or information in possession of local, airport, airline or other security and intelligence entities.
More extensive security suggest giving yourself more time to process these enhanced procedures.
Please refrain from altering this moderator note.
Airports initially used by AA included because of different, more thorough etc. security included:
AMS - Amsterdam, The Netherlands: USA-bound AA passengers are reported to undergo airline security contractor questioning at check-in or when transiting.
BOG - Bogotá, Colombia: USA-bound AA passengers are reported to undergo more intense, even aggressive, questioning even from than other Colombian airports served by AA in 2016.
BRU - Brussels, Belgium: a terror bombing at departures 22 Mar 2016 has impacted BRU and security procedures have changed and intensified as it slowly reopens.
DUB - Dublin, Ireland: AA passengers departing to the USA pass through airport security to the airside departures area with shops and lounges - followed by US Customs and Border Protection (customs and immigration) formalities and TSA security, as this is one of several pre-clearance airports (the aircraft arrives in the USA as a domestic flight). Please discuss DUB in the dedicated thread - link.
LHR - Some members report more extensive and intrusive questioning of AA USA-bound passengers. It doesn't seem different than questioning that has been used on departing passengers elsewhere (e.g. AMS, BRU, CDG, FCO, FRA, MAD in the wiki author's experience), but the intensity could vary - influenced by current security status or information in possession of local, airport, airline or other security and intelligence entities.
MEX - México City, Mexico: Hand baggage inspection tables are generally set up at the jetbridge for further examination of documents and carry-on items. Though passengers are said to be randomly selected, the first passengers boarding are often selected.
AMS - Amsterdam, The Netherlands: USA-bound AA passengers are reported to undergo airline security contractor questioning at check-in or when transiting.
BOG - Bogotá, Colombia: USA-bound AA passengers are reported to undergo more intense, even aggressive, questioning even from than other Colombian airports served by AA in 2016.
BRU - Brussels, Belgium: a terror bombing at departures 22 Mar 2016 has impacted BRU and security procedures have changed and intensified as it slowly reopens.
DUB - Dublin, Ireland: AA passengers departing to the USA pass through airport security to the airside departures area with shops and lounges - followed by US Customs and Border Protection (customs and immigration) formalities and TSA security, as this is one of several pre-clearance airports (the aircraft arrives in the USA as a domestic flight). Please discuss DUB in the dedicated thread - link.
LHR - Some members report more extensive and intrusive questioning of AA USA-bound passengers. It doesn't seem different than questioning that has been used on departing passengers elsewhere (e.g. AMS, BRU, CDG, FCO, FRA, MAD in the wiki author's experience), but the intensity could vary - influenced by current security status or information in possession of local, airport, airline or other security and intelligence entities.
MEX - México City, Mexico: Hand baggage inspection tables are generally set up at the jetbridge for further examination of documents and carry-on items. Though passengers are said to be randomly selected, the first passengers boarding are often selected.
Enhanced AA airport security screening procedures, questions (master thd)
#241
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: AA
Posts: 14,733
Yes it has been pretty standard for US carriers, but it's now being expanded to non-US carriers. It was always one of the differentiators between flying a US based carrier and non-US based carrier eg "I prefer flying BA to AA out of LHR because of the security theater AA makes you go through at LHR."
#242
Moderator: American AAdvantage, Travel Safety/Security & Texas, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: AUS / GRK
Programs: AA, HHonors, Hertz
Posts: 13,485
You may also want to check out this thread in the TSS forum that deals with the specifics of the newest updates:
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chec...26-2017-a.html
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/chec...26-2017-a.html
#243
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
So in the news today I saw that all US bound pax are subject to getting "interviewed" by airlines.
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
This requirement was initially announced in June. It is part of the "deal" foreign airlines agreed to participate in so that US-bound passengers could continue bringing aboard personal electronic devices larger than mobile phones. Originally, AA began pretty much with these enhanced security screenings in certain airports in 2016. Please read the Wikipost at the top of this page.
Your query has been merged into this active thread.
/Moderator
Last edited by JDiver; Oct 26, 2017 at 1:01 pm
#244
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,652
So in the news today I saw that all US bound pax are subject to getting "interviewed" by airlines.
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
#245
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Datapoint from AA 288 on 10/23 PVG-ORD:
No pasture pancakes questions by AA contract personel
No pasture pancakes questions by AA personnel
No pasture pancakes questions by PRC security
No pasture pancakes questions by AA contract personnel, AA personnel, or PRC security at gate.
No pasture pancakes questions by AA contract personel
No pasture pancakes questions by AA personnel
No pasture pancakes questions by PRC security
No pasture pancakes questions by AA contract personnel, AA personnel, or PRC security at gate.
#247
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Data points from CDG-USA 5/8-#49. 8/1-#45, & 9/26-49
Totally pasture pancakes questions by check-in agents. Job?, Who do you work for?, what is a financial security?, does it pay well?, why do you have an apartment here in Paris?, where did you eat while you are here?, etc.
No SSSS or special people rooms-I was patient and recognized it for what it was-totally ineffective pasture pancakes "street theatre".
YMMV
Totally pasture pancakes questions by check-in agents. Job?, Who do you work for?, what is a financial security?, does it pay well?, why do you have an apartment here in Paris?, where did you eat while you are here?, etc.
No SSSS or special people rooms-I was patient and recognized it for what it was-totally ineffective pasture pancakes "street theatre".
YMMV
#249
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
#250
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, TX - AUS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 1,625
So in the news today I saw that all US bound pax are subject to getting "interviewed" by airlines.
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
Hasnt this always been the case?
Everytime I fly through NRT on to DEN or DFW or ORD, I am pulled aside and they swab me and have even asked me to turn on my cell and stuff.
Is this common? It has been for me almost every single time. It could be because I dont have US passport.
What are your experiences?
#251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
AA has been including mouthwash in the BC amenities kits. Has the MW been routinely confiscated (even if the kit has not been opened)?
#252
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Join Date: May 2000
Location: NorCal - SMF area
Programs: AA LT Plat; HH LT Diamond, Maître-plongeur des Muccis
Posts: 62,948
Data points from CDG-USA 5/8-#49. 8/1-#45, & 9/26-49
Totally pasture pancakes questions by check-in agents. Job?, Who do you work for?, what is a financial security?, does it pay well?, why do you have an apartment here in Paris?, where did you eat while you are here?, etc.
No SSSS or special people rooms-I was patient and recognized it for what it was-totally ineffective pasture pancakes "street theatre".
YMMV
Totally pasture pancakes questions by check-in agents. Job?, Who do you work for?, what is a financial security?, does it pay well?, why do you have an apartment here in Paris?, where did you eat while you are here?, etc.
No SSSS or special people rooms-I was patient and recognized it for what it was-totally ineffective pasture pancakes "street theatre".
YMMV
AA considered doing something like this years ago and sent some AA staff to be trained in Israel. They ultimately canned the idea, but looks like they resuscitated the idea in certain airports a year ago. Now similar techniques are being used for passengers of all ~2,100 daily departures to the USA.
#253
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
When was this? Japan has never pulled this nonsense on any of the flights I have ever been on to the US. Last flight was HND-LAX on AA three weeks ago. It's one reason I prefer connecting through Japan rather than HKG.
#254
Suspended
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Watchlisted by the prejudiced, en route to purgatory
Programs: Just Say No to Fleecing and Blacklisting
Posts: 102,095
And most of the kind of questions being asked when flying to the US on AA or other US airlines weren't asked by LY or Shin Bet. The questioning technique however does have a root in what LY and Israel has done, but they both cleared the wannabe shoe-bomber to fly (repeatedly at that), so it really shouldn't inspire a whole lot of confidence.
MW and toothpaste and lotions from amenity kits are subject to the liquid/gel/aerosol restrictions and screening procedures, but policy and practice aren't completely indistinguishable.
Last edited by GUWonder; Oct 27, 2017 at 5:43 am
#255
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, TX - AUS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 1,625
2008. Maybe things have changed since then. Or maybe they select certain flights to have the gate screenings and my flight happened to be one of them.