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)
#256
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: NYC
Programs: AA 2MM, Bonvoy LTT, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 14,640
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?
#257
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
#258
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
This is so easily defeated. It like a lie detector test, if you know what's going on, it's easy to pass. Fortunately, most people don't know and trip themselves up.
Now if they would take you drinking for an hour and THEN ask the questions!!!
#259
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: TPA/DFW/K15
Programs: AA EXP, Mar AMB, HH LT DIA
Posts: 1,653
#260
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
Definitely has changed. They do some checks at the jetbridge for people who have been selected for haraSSSSment and do a secondary screening on them. I fly out of Japan a couple of times a year, and I've never had a secondary liquids check in the past 10 years. Very different from HKG, Korea, and China where they want to toss your water bottles.
#261
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, HH Diamond.
Posts: 171
another set of BS gems directed at my wife flying out of MAN on AA.
Where did you eat during your stay in the UK?
Wife: at our son's house.
Where do you work in the US?
Wife: I don't.
You don't? What do you do?
Wife: My husband works, I live there with my husband.
So what do you do in the day?
Wife: I go to the gym...
How much is your gym membership?
Wife: I don't know, it's included in our HOA fees.
What's a HOA fee?.....
Where did you eat during your stay in the UK?
Wife: at our son's house.
Where do you work in the US?
Wife: I don't.
You don't? What do you do?
Wife: My husband works, I live there with my husband.
So what do you do in the day?
Wife: I go to the gym...
How much is your gym membership?
Wife: I don't know, it's included in our HOA fees.
What's a HOA fee?.....
#262
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: AA-Platinum
Posts: 8
I agree, typical BS from AA. How do these questions pertain to the safety of the aircraft? I refuse to fly the transatlantic. I cannot even get them to admit that it's a program that AA works with the TSA.
It's pretty bad when the passenger knows more than the airline staff. Unfortunately, it's typical. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to educate airline employees and the TSA as they are completely clueless. The TSA is another story and another thread.
It's pretty bad when the passenger knows more than the airline staff. Unfortunately, it's typical. I cannot tell you how many times I've had to educate airline employees and the TSA as they are completely clueless. The TSA is another story and another thread.
#263
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: bay area, ca
Programs: UA plat, , aa plat, marriott LT titanium
Posts: 4,833
So asking questions that they can't know the answer to is security? I don't believe that the staff are adequately (if at all) trained to detect subtle signs of discomfort of the facial issues involved in lying (which would make it useful) so more theater
As for AA MW - the pitiful tiny amounts they give you aren't close to the 100 ml limit!
As for AA MW - the pitiful tiny amounts they give you aren't close to the 100 ml limit!
#264
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
So asking questions that they can't know the answer to is security? I don't believe that the staff are adequately (if at all) trained to detect subtle signs of discomfort of the facial issues involved in lying (which would make it useful) so more theater
As for AA MW - the pitiful tiny amounts they give you aren't close to the 100 ml limit!
As for AA MW - the pitiful tiny amounts they give you aren't close to the 100 ml limit!
#266
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: NYC
Posts: 6,434
It's clear the the enhanced questions are useless for any legitimate security purpose.
However, I'm curious what those of you who resist the questions think you're accomplishing? You're not going to change AA's procedures. You're not going to get to your flight any quicker. I doubt you're going to cause a major annoyance to the questioner. You risk a more serious security procedure or perhaps missing your flight.
I can see complaining to AA, although that doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What does complaining, etc. to some front line employee or contractor accomplish?
However, I'm curious what those of you who resist the questions think you're accomplishing? You're not going to change AA's procedures. You're not going to get to your flight any quicker. I doubt you're going to cause a major annoyance to the questioner. You risk a more serious security procedure or perhaps missing your flight.
I can see complaining to AA, although that doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What does complaining, etc. to some front line employee or contractor accomplish?
#267
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
It's clear the the enhanced questions are useless for any legitimate security purpose.
However, I'm curious what those of you who resist the questions think you're accomplishing? You're not going to change AA's procedures. You're not going to get to your flight any quicker. I doubt you're going to cause a major annoyance to the questioner. You risk a more serious security procedure or perhaps missing your flight.
I can see complaining to AA, although that doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What does complaining, etc. to some front line employee or contractor accomplish?
However, I'm curious what those of you who resist the questions think you're accomplishing? You're not going to change AA's procedures. You're not going to get to your flight any quicker. I doubt you're going to cause a major annoyance to the questioner. You risk a more serious security procedure or perhaps missing your flight.
I can see complaining to AA, although that doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What does complaining, etc. to some front line employee or contractor accomplish?
As for those balking at the process, if you only get a few seconds of stress relief, then go for it. I don't suggest going beyond a brief episode as these people can ruin your day insisting upon added screening and follow-on complications. It's now a fact of life we have to live with and I prefer navigating the simplest path to my destination.
#268
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Wanting First. Buying First.
Programs: Lifetime Executive Diamond Platinum VIP with Braniff, Eastern, Midway, National & Pan Am
Posts: 17,492
You're not going to get to your flight any quicker.
I could see this happening with the new security questions:
"Look, I'm not going to play your little 20 questions game so you can stop wasting both of our time and just send me to secondary right now."
I can see complaining to AA, although that doesn't seem to accomplish anything. What does complaining, etc. to some front line employee or contractor accomplish?
My HOA dues and gym membership status, on the other hand, have never attempted to bring down an aircraft.
Last edited by Herb687; Oct 29, 2017 at 12:22 pm Reason: multi-quote
#269
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Thousand Oaks, Ca., USA
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat; Bonvoy Titanium Lifetime Elite;Hyatt Globalist; HHonors Diamond; United Silver
Posts: 8,317
Lhr-lax back in June on AA, I got irritated with the idiot questions and got SSSS. Whatever good I felt by telling them “I had no hobbies” after hearing the stupid questions about my wife’s hobby”: where do you garden?” “What do you plant” was lost as I worried I’d have the SSSS stuck for a few months on my domestic travels. Didn’t happen, but I can tell you that I will suffer the fools gladly just to be done with them more quickly (and yes, it was quicker when you factor in the wait for the gate secondary screening).
#270
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
I'm envisioning the ICTS conference room at Heathrow.
Executives from American Airlines are flipping through PowerPoints with images of crashing planes.
"Don't worry, my friends," pitches the ICTS salesperson with a Dutch accent.
"We have certain 'stress questions' about the cost of a gym membership. No terrorist can defeat us!"
American Airlines: "Sold! Where do we sign?"
I have a great answer for, "What do you do during the day?"
"I disparage you and your coworkers online."
Executives from American Airlines are flipping through PowerPoints with images of crashing planes.
"Don't worry, my friends," pitches the ICTS salesperson with a Dutch accent.
"We have certain 'stress questions' about the cost of a gym membership. No terrorist can defeat us!"
American Airlines: "Sold! Where do we sign?"
I have a great answer for, "What do you do during the day?"
"I disparage you and your coworkers online."