Apr 3, 2016, 11:47 am
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)
Jan 22, 2018, 4:40 pm
#316
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: AA EP
Posts: 2,203
Yes. LHR is “testing” no crazy questions if you hve TSA Pre. Started right before Xmas. Maybe there are different things being tested, I’m not sure but agent said so far the “no questions” has gone very well (not sure how they know if it is going well or not!)
But, I flew out of FRA the other day and they did ask the questions and were surprised when I told the agent that LHR was testing no questions for TSA pre check members
But, I flew out of FRA the other day and they did ask the questions and were surprised when I told the agent that LHR was testing no questions for TSA pre check members
Has the process changed at LHR ? I checked-in at the Terminal 3 (B area). Was in J on the JFK
flight. Was given BP and I used that to access Fast Track. Then went to CX lounge and straight to
gate. BP scanned and told to go to boarding area. No questions asked anywhere or secondary
handbag screening !
flight. Was given BP and I used that to access Fast Track. Then went to CX lounge and straight to
gate. BP scanned and told to go to boarding area. No questions asked anywhere or secondary
handbag screening !
Jan 22, 2018, 7:38 pm
#317
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vail, CO
Programs: AA EXP/1mm, Marriott Titanium/LT Gold, UA Silver
Posts: 626
I got the SSSS treatment today at LHR on AA109 - first time has ever happened. It wasn't printed onto my boarding pass but they checked a list and hand wrote it on. Fun stuff...
Jan 23, 2018, 6:16 am
#318
Join Date: Jul 1999
Programs: QF WP, AA EXP
Posts: 3,520
Last spring was connecting through LHR. Picked up my boarding pass in the AA transit area and was expecting the usual BS questions. Got by BP with PreCheck and wasn't asked any of the questions. Later I went to board and found out I was SSSS'ed. Nothing on my boarding pass but on a printout at the gate. Amazing that one can be both SSSS and PreCheck. Just illustrates the complete incompetence of the DHS.
Jan 23, 2018, 6:57 am
#319
Join Date: May 2001
Location: (AA EXP)
Posts: 609
Flying GRU-MIA, got the dreaded SSSS printed on my boarding pass (I have Global Entry). Asked at the desk if they could remove it, of course the answer was no. Since I was flying business class, I wasn't worried about the overhead space, I decided to be the last person on the plane, hoping the desire to get the plane out on time would minimize the harassment level. I packed two bottles of water in each of my carry ons (a rolling bag and a backpack), in the past when they found the first bottle of water they would zip up the bag and quit looking. This time, however, SSSS did not get me any extra questioning or unpacking of the bag. I only got the "cloth rubbing" explosive detection treatment, rubbing the zippers and the inside and outside of my shoes.
Jan 23, 2018, 7:08 am
#320
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: NYC/PSP
Programs: AA EXP, A3 Gold
Posts: 4,106
I've noticed a similar change in the SSSS procedures at CDG. Last year it meant a full unpacking of your carryons. Every. Single. Item. Ridiculous. This year, it's just a swabbing of the carryons, palms, and shoes. Better.
Jan 23, 2018, 7:29 am
#321
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
First, I think it is wonderful that they are acknowledging PreCheck. It is just too insane to be vetted by the US, Mexican, and Canadian governments for Global Entry, Nexus, Sentri, and PreCheck only to be asked over-the-top questions. As the airlines say, "We want to know you are who you say you are." I think the interviews, fingerprinting, eye scanning, and background check should have been adequate.
Let's hope this continues!
I am guessing that the scaled-down procedures for SSSS passengers are due to the volume. There are reports of 15 percent or more passengers getting "selected." If there are 310 passengers on a full 777-300, and--say--four security staff at the gate. That means that two of the staff are left to question passengers and check passports, while two are left to handle selectee screening. If they each have 23 passengers to question, swab, frisk, etc. it would take them each 230 minutes. Even if you double the security staff, the gate is only open for perhaps 90 minutes prior to departure.
The glove and zipper swiping and ion scan, albeit probably useless, is entirely benign. It's nothing like ten minutes worth of additional questions or the TSA's "lecture" followed by a mandatory four-time groin examination.
Moreover, this frees the security staff to focus their attention on anything or anyone who could present a genuine threat. Instead of frisking 13-year-olds because they have to meet a quota, the staff can do a ceremonial ion scan to satisfy government regulations, but they would still have time to attend to the passenger who is carrying fireworks and enriched uranium in his or her hand luggage. (Enriched uranium is fine, but it has to go in a resealable one liter Ziploc bag. )
And just in case nobody is really suspicious, they can help get the flight out on time.
I'll keep my eyes open to this forum, but it makes me far less anxious/annoyed about taking AAmerican for flights to the USA.
Let's hope this continues!
I am guessing that the scaled-down procedures for SSSS passengers are due to the volume. There are reports of 15 percent or more passengers getting "selected." If there are 310 passengers on a full 777-300, and--say--four security staff at the gate. That means that two of the staff are left to question passengers and check passports, while two are left to handle selectee screening. If they each have 23 passengers to question, swab, frisk, etc. it would take them each 230 minutes. Even if you double the security staff, the gate is only open for perhaps 90 minutes prior to departure.
The glove and zipper swiping and ion scan, albeit probably useless, is entirely benign. It's nothing like ten minutes worth of additional questions or the TSA's "lecture" followed by a mandatory four-time groin examination.
Moreover, this frees the security staff to focus their attention on anything or anyone who could present a genuine threat. Instead of frisking 13-year-olds because they have to meet a quota, the staff can do a ceremonial ion scan to satisfy government regulations, but they would still have time to attend to the passenger who is carrying fireworks and enriched uranium in his or her hand luggage. (Enriched uranium is fine, but it has to go in a resealable one liter Ziploc bag. )
And just in case nobody is really suspicious, they can help get the flight out on time.
I'll keep my eyes open to this forum, but it makes me far less anxious/annoyed about taking AAmerican for flights to the USA.
Jan 26, 2018, 3:09 pm
#322
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 522
MrsDallas49er and I flew in J, on different records together PEK-DFW in September 2017. She got SSSS and I didn't. They went through her carryons and that was it.
We flew CDG-DFW after Thanksgiving 2017 on the same record in J. On check-in, we both got SSSS and were to be at the gate earlier for "additional screening". It was on the jet way, with those selected standing in line, waiting to be called. My wife and I were screened about 5 feet apart from each other. My interregator was a young female with a lot of attitude. After a testy 10 minutes in English and French (where she told her partner I was an A** **** in French) , unloading my carry on item by item, she said "You should think very carefully about your next answers. It will determine if you fly today!" When finally cleared, I said "Since you unpacked my bag, perhaps you would have the courtesy to re-pack it for me?" Her answer "One more word from you and you will not fly today.".
Point being is I don't think my person was likely to say "Ok, have a nice flight" after being informed of our citizenship.
We flew CDG-DFW after Thanksgiving 2017 on the same record in J. On check-in, we both got SSSS and were to be at the gate earlier for "additional screening". It was on the jet way, with those selected standing in line, waiting to be called. My wife and I were screened about 5 feet apart from each other. My interregator was a young female with a lot of attitude. After a testy 10 minutes in English and French (where she told her partner I was an A** **** in French) , unloading my carry on item by item, she said "You should think very carefully about your next answers. It will determine if you fly today!" When finally cleared, I said "Since you unpacked my bag, perhaps you would have the courtesy to re-pack it for me?" Her answer "One more word from you and you will not fly today.".
Point being is I don't think my person was likely to say "Ok, have a nice flight" after being informed of our citizenship.
I still don't know what is the purpose of these security people. Why interview American citizens who are returning home after a vacation in Europe?
Jan 26, 2018, 3:33 pm
#323
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: KHOU/KIAH
Programs: AA EXP | Marriott Bonvoy Titanium| Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 11,268
Kidding - I once had one of these people ask me 4 different ways why I was flying LHR-DFW. Clearly she either didn't understand the first answer of "I'm going home". But seriously, it is pretty stupid.
.
Jan 26, 2018, 3:38 pm
#324
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: San Diego
Programs: AA-Platinum
Posts: 8
I have found that American is the only airline in the OneWorld Alliance to ask the stupid questions when departing LHR for the USA. I have a set of standard false answers that I give them. As always questions are completely irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft as it's none of their business as to where I holiday or my pets names (yes I've been asked). As an AA Exec Plat member, I've complained many times only to be referred to the TSA. Totally lame. BA never asks any questions at check-in and it's a very civil experience.
Last week I flew from BNE to LAX. The third party "security agent" asked me how long I will be in the USA. Um, you see my passport is USA right? Just stupid. Again, totally irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft.
Last week I flew from BNE to LAX. The third party "security agent" asked me how long I will be in the USA. Um, you see my passport is USA right? Just stupid. Again, totally irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft.
Jan 26, 2018, 4:00 pm
#325
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
I have found that American is the only airline in the OneWorld Alliance to ask the stupid questions when departing LHR for the USA. I have a set of standard false answers that I give them. As always questions are completely irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft as it's none of their business as to where I holiday or my pets names (yes I've been asked). As an AA Exec Plat member, I've complained many times only to be referred to the TSA. Totally lame. BA never asks any questions at check-in and it's a very civil experience.
Last week I flew from BNE to LAX. The third party "security agent" asked me how long I will be in the USA. Um, you see my passport is USA right? Just stupid. Again, totally irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft.
Last week I flew from BNE to LAX. The third party "security agent" asked me how long I will be in the USA. Um, you see my passport is USA right? Just stupid. Again, totally irrelevant to the safety of the aircraft.
Jan 26, 2018, 5:07 pm
#326
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Boston, USA
Programs: AA EXP, TK Elite, HH Gold, SPG/Marriott Gold
Posts: 939
Fortunately TSA does not know the correct answer, such as pet names. The purpose is supposed to be to watch your behaviour during the response. A poor man's lie detector. If you don't rattle off an answer with a confident demeanor, you should be sent for further screening, just don't pick an answer that they may know the answer (I'm the director of TSA for example). I went through this type of thing during interviews where the answer didn't matter but how I might go about addressing a particular situation.
assess the risk ? I think not...This is a sham ! But good thing is that if you have TSA Pre
looks like you are not being subjected to this stupid charade...
Jan 26, 2018, 5:23 pm
#327
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
One of the ongoing beliefs is that this is a function of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The requirement to question passengers comes from a separate division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is quite common to hear of security screeners and operations outside of the United States as "The TSA," when they are not. The TSA collaborates to some degree, but those are not TSA employees.
The Department of Homeland Security sets expectations for flights to the USA, but these are interpreted and implemented in a wide variety of ways. American Airlines has adopted this intrusive, silly, and time-consuming process. I imagine that this arose from American's own in-house security staff and their attorneys. After all, ICTS employees who conduct the questioning do not (usually) ask insane questions when they are interviewing United passengers. There have been a few reports of ridiculous questions at Delta, but this is very much a project of American Airlines.
The requirement to question passengers comes from a separate division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is quite common to hear of security screeners and operations outside of the United States as "The TSA," when they are not. The TSA collaborates to some degree, but those are not TSA employees.
The Department of Homeland Security sets expectations for flights to the USA, but these are interpreted and implemented in a wide variety of ways. American Airlines has adopted this intrusive, silly, and time-consuming process. I imagine that this arose from American's own in-house security staff and their attorneys. After all, ICTS employees who conduct the questioning do not (usually) ask insane questions when they are interviewing United passengers. There have been a few reports of ridiculous questions at Delta, but this is very much a project of American Airlines.
Jan 26, 2018, 5:46 pm
#328
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
One of the ongoing beliefs is that this is a function of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
The requirement to question passengers comes from a separate division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is quite common to hear of security screeners and operations outside of the United States as "The TSA," when they are not. The TSA collaborates to some degree, but those are not TSA employees.
The Department of Homeland Security sets expectations for flights to the USA, but these are interpreted and implemented in a wide variety of ways. American Airlines has adopted this intrusive, silly, and time-consuming process. I imagine that this arose from American's own in-house security staff and their attorneys. After all, ICTS employees who conduct the questioning do not (usually) ask insane questions when they are interviewing United passengers. There have been a few reports of ridiculous questions at Delta, but this is very much a project of American Airlines.
The requirement to question passengers comes from a separate division of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
It is quite common to hear of security screeners and operations outside of the United States as "The TSA," when they are not. The TSA collaborates to some degree, but those are not TSA employees.
The Department of Homeland Security sets expectations for flights to the USA, but these are interpreted and implemented in a wide variety of ways. American Airlines has adopted this intrusive, silly, and time-consuming process. I imagine that this arose from American's own in-house security staff and their attorneys. After all, ICTS employees who conduct the questioning do not (usually) ask insane questions when they are interviewing United passengers. There have been a few reports of ridiculous questions at Delta, but this is very much a project of American Airlines.
May 14, 2018, 5:42 am
#330
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Earth
Programs: AA - EXP 1MM, Marriott/SPG Plat, Hilton Gold, BA, DL, TWA Royal Ambassador
Posts: 309
Over the weekend at LHR my better half, with Pre-Check nearly 5 years received her first SSSS. We were told that this is completely random by Homeland Security. I also received the SSSS a few months ago. This is just plain stupid, a waste of time and money. Homeland would be better served to follow how ELAL does security.
Last edited by MarJon; May 14, 2018 at 5:44 am Reason: Spllng