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)
Jun 1, 2019, 10:46 pm
#361
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
I learned recently that once the LHR-XXX flight has departed, you can have AA remove and add your PreCheck number and any re-generated connecting boarding passes will have the PreCheck designation. Did this in air on the way from LHR to LAX (onto SFO) last month when SSSS'd at Heathrow.
Jun 2, 2019, 7:20 am
#362
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: LAX/BUR, RDU
Programs: DL SM, AAdvantage, SPG
Posts: 1,360
IME, AA does ask more questions on flights from Europe to the US. EK and DL just ask "did you pack your bag yourself?" and "did your bag ever leave your sight?". AA plays the 20 questions, and for some reason, last year when I flew through BCN, they split up family members for the questioning, which made for a fairly long line.
Jun 5, 2019, 2:53 am
#363
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NC
Programs: AAConciergeKey/1MM, DL DM/2 MM, UA Gold,Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 11,982
Haha I told MAD security that I was a street performer. When she asked where I was doing when I got home , I said not sure and that threw me off. So may test to show they don’t have any real purpose was thrown off. I said I don’t know. Maybe unpack? Then when I wouldn’t say which road I was taking home (that has to be a new one), she went to the supervisor to have me searched. Then she saw I was TSA pre check and I didn’t have to be asked the questions (also not true as I’ve always had the questions). What a farce!
Jun 27, 2019, 1:22 pm
#364
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, HH Diamond.
Posts: 171
Really wish there was a way for me of avoiding AA from MAN but there isn't. I'm getting so irritated by this BS.
I'm finding really difficult to hold it together when the same person as a couple of months ago asked me the same questions..
"What do you do for hobbies?"
....I play golf.
"How many clubs are you allowed in your bag?"
... I don't know, I've got 12.
"You're allowed 14..."
.... oh well, I might buy another driver when I get back then.
"What other hobbies do you have?"
......I go to the gym
"How much is your gym membership?"
.......It's included in my HOA fees...
"What's an HOA fee?"
I'm finding really difficult to hold it together when the same person as a couple of months ago asked me the same questions..
"What do you do for hobbies?"
....I play golf.
"How many clubs are you allowed in your bag?"
... I don't know, I've got 12.
"You're allowed 14..."
.... oh well, I might buy another driver when I get back then.
"What other hobbies do you have?"
......I go to the gym
"How much is your gym membership?"
.......It's included in my HOA fees...
"What's an HOA fee?"
Jun 27, 2019, 2:32 pm
#365
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
Over the years, I have had regular AAgents do this for me at PHL, JFK, LGA, and ORD.
AA’s contractors do tend to ask me more, but I’ve had DL’s ask me some ones beyond the usual. This month, DL’s in the EU asked me where am I going and why I am going home. “I’m always going home or I’m going away, this time I’m going home” is what I told the guy and his trainee (both of whom were definitely not from the country being departed). Then he asked if I spoke some language. Had this check with the same guy’s trainee less than a week later, and she asked the same question about why and to where I’m going. I told her, I’m going away. She said something like “I thought he [her boss/trainer] says he knows you from before since you live here ”. My response: “I like to move”. The guy behind sings “I like to move it, move it” — probably because he was trying to grab someone’s attention. I smile and say to him: “for her, it’s hard to keep up, but she will be done in a few minutes”. It was over in seconds.
IME, AA does ask more questions on flights from Europe to the US. EK and DL just ask "did you pack your bag yourself?" and "did your bag ever leave your sight?". AA plays the 20 questions, and for some reason, last year when I flew through BCN, they split up family members for the questioning, which made for a fairly long line.
Jun 29, 2019, 10:41 am
#367
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 5,632
Strangely, no interrogation at CDG last week. I am GE and don't get hassled any more, but usually there is someone before check-in (I checked luggage at the counter) with a serious expression pretending to be doing something useful. In this case, the only thing was, when boarding, everyone was listlessly asked "Have you received anything at the airport"; over in seconds.
Sep 16, 2019, 7:51 am
#368
Join Date: Mar 2014
Programs: AA Platinum Pro, HH Diamond.
Posts: 171
No questions at all on the AA AMS-PHL flight yesterday. I'm not complaining. They made an announcement to anybody with the dreaded code on their tickets to step forward further security screening. All done in a polite, courteous efficient manner. MAN desk staff could learn so much from those in AMS
Sep 16, 2019, 7:35 pm
#369
Join Date: Jul 2014
Programs: AA Exec Plat
Posts: 192
I think this may not be appropriate for this thread but I will mention it anyway. Whether it be during security screening or SSSS screening, do not bring carabiners in your carry on in Spain.
I have had 3 carabiners confiscated on 3 different trips only in Spain. They are usually attached to my seat cover which then I need to hand carry. Whenever I lament this to security officers at LHR while waiting in line (my next stop usually on Europe biz trips) they laugh.
What do they think I will do? Hit someone with it?
I have had 3 carabiners confiscated on 3 different trips only in Spain. They are usually attached to my seat cover which then I need to hand carry. Whenever I lament this to security officers at LHR while waiting in line (my next stop usually on Europe biz trips) they laugh.
What do they think I will do? Hit someone with it?
Sep 16, 2019, 10:34 pm
#370
Join Date: Nov 2018
Posts: 1,285
Flew BCN-ORD few weeks ago. Agent at check in at BCN didn’t asked questions and put the sticker on my passport before printing BP. When she printed my BP it had SSSS which i expected because I rebooked my flight less than 24 hours before departure. When i went to the gate a little earlier than I normally would, I told gate agent that i have a quad. He took me to a room nearby and my bag and shoes got swabbed and 30 seconds later i was on my way. Very efficient and professional compare to CDG. Connecting passengers without SSSS were asked bunch of dumb questions tho and there was a long line
Mar 10, 2020, 7:22 am
#371
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 5
Is aggressive and intrusive questioning common with AA?
To preface this, I'm an expat living in Germany. I have flown internationally out of Germany 15 times in the last three years and over 20 times within Europe originating in Germany. Internationally I have flown Delta (Air France / KLM) all but one time (story below). Within Europe I've flown Ryanair, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM & Swiss. Never had this happen.
7:00am I show up to check my bags at the Frankfurt airport for an international flight to the US. I pull up to the counter and give my passport. Now every time I’ve flown international a Delta employee will ask me some general security questions. Did you pack your bags yourself? Did anyone give you anything? Etc. Before they do this they always, and I mean every single time I’ve ever flown international, preface the questioning with a statement that they are going to ask you a series of security related questions. Normally this is a person directly before bag check that is also directing the line.
So back to the story. 700am, I have pulled up to the American Airlines counter and give the woman my passport and residence permit. Without a statement that she was going to ask me a series of questions, the woman starts rapid firing questions in a style meant to confuse. And these aren’t the usual security questions above. Where do I work? What do they do? Why do you live in Germany? Who’s the CEO? Where is the HQ located? After answering a few I stop and calmly say “What’s going on here?” She tells me to please not get aggressive. I literally laugh out loud because I'm not being aggressive in the slightest and I have no idea what’s happening. I then say “I’m sorry are you security? I’m honestly confused.” She tells me that as an airline employee she is entitled to verify my identity. I said “you have my passport and my residence permit how are any of these questions relevant?” She just looked at me, didn’t answer and finished checking me in, in silence, for what felt like the most awkward three to five minutes ever.
After giving me the boarding pass I check it and there's no gate or gate concourse. Having never flown American I ask which concourse and she just points in a general direction without saying anything and walked away.
Honestly I wouldn't have been phased by the questions had she advised me she was going to ask them, but she just aggressively, and I mean aggressively like I was a criminal, questioned me out of nowhere. Is this common with American? Never once had this happen on Delta.
7:00am I show up to check my bags at the Frankfurt airport for an international flight to the US. I pull up to the counter and give my passport. Now every time I’ve flown international a Delta employee will ask me some general security questions. Did you pack your bags yourself? Did anyone give you anything? Etc. Before they do this they always, and I mean every single time I’ve ever flown international, preface the questioning with a statement that they are going to ask you a series of security related questions. Normally this is a person directly before bag check that is also directing the line.
So back to the story. 700am, I have pulled up to the American Airlines counter and give the woman my passport and residence permit. Without a statement that she was going to ask me a series of questions, the woman starts rapid firing questions in a style meant to confuse. And these aren’t the usual security questions above. Where do I work? What do they do? Why do you live in Germany? Who’s the CEO? Where is the HQ located? After answering a few I stop and calmly say “What’s going on here?” She tells me to please not get aggressive. I literally laugh out loud because I'm not being aggressive in the slightest and I have no idea what’s happening. I then say “I’m sorry are you security? I’m honestly confused.” She tells me that as an airline employee she is entitled to verify my identity. I said “you have my passport and my residence permit how are any of these questions relevant?” She just looked at me, didn’t answer and finished checking me in, in silence, for what felt like the most awkward three to five minutes ever.
After giving me the boarding pass I check it and there's no gate or gate concourse. Having never flown American I ask which concourse and she just points in a general direction without saying anything and walked away.
Honestly I wouldn't have been phased by the questions had she advised me she was going to ask them, but she just aggressively, and I mean aggressively like I was a criminal, questioned me out of nowhere. Is this common with American? Never once had this happen on Delta.
Mar 10, 2020, 7:31 am
#373
Join Date: Mar 2020
Posts: 5
They wear the AA uniform? Just like the Delta agents wear the Delta uniform. I assume they would have to as they need to abide by the airlines policies and such. It wouldn't make sense for Frankfurt to train different employees on different airline polices when that airline could use their own.....