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)
Dec 11, 2017, 5:27 am
#286
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: New York
Programs: AA, CX, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 1,484
"Travelers in the U.S. also will be subject to more stringent screening at airports, focused on carry-on bags. In July, the Transportation Security Administration announced rules that require electronics larger than a cellphone be placed in separate screening bins. With more travelers opting bring their bags on board with them rather than pay money to check them, TSA officials are hoping the new measures will help give screeners a clearer view of what travelers are carrying.
The new procedures do not apply to those who are part of TSA’s Pre-Check program, which offers expedited screening for travelers who have undergone background checks.
The new procedures are expected to be put into place at Dulles International and Reagan National airport in coming weeks."
Given there is technically no "US-bound" flights (defined in the first part, meaning overseas flights to the U.S.) in Washington, "the new procedures" refer to the strengthened security for domestic flights, detailed above.
Dec 11, 2017, 5:48 am
#287
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: DCA
Programs: UA US CO AA DL FL
Posts: 50,262
OP - The thread title has to be changed as OP's central question has nothing to do with TSA or TSA-Precheck. The latter is a specialized Trusted Traveler Program for certain individuals departing US airports and has nothing to do with inbound to the US flights.
While the US Dept. of Homeland Security has recently enhanced both the volume of passengers subject to enhanced procedures and the nature of what that involves, the basic questioning of a certain number of US-bound passengers has been around for many years and is itself nothing new.
If OP wants to know why he was selected, he will never find out. Could have been random, could have been because he met certain criteria, could have been because his name sounds like someone on a watch list, could be that he is on a watch list, or could be because he had a go around with a check-in agent.
While the US Dept. of Homeland Security has recently enhanced both the volume of passengers subject to enhanced procedures and the nature of what that involves, the basic questioning of a certain number of US-bound passengers has been around for many years and is itself nothing new.
If OP wants to know why he was selected, he will never find out. Could have been random, could have been because he met certain criteria, could have been because his name sounds like someone on a watch list, could be that he is on a watch list, or could be because he had a go around with a check-in agent.
Dec 11, 2017, 5:58 am
#288
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
Flying AA metal from ZRH to JFK, the extra security (questions and bag check) is given to pax when SSSS is on their bp--this is generally random.
Normally my bp (from ZRH to JFK) has TSA PRE-CHECK--but I don't get PC's amenities.
Normally my bp (from ZRH to JFK) has TSA PRE-CHECK--but I don't get PC's amenities.
Dec 11, 2017, 2:06 pm
#290
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 386
It's been like that on US carriers operating out of most (all?) European airports for years.
I even got the whole shebang when flying on a United BRU-LHR hop a few years ago.
[not sure why you chose the title you did; TSA Pre✓ seems to have nothing to do with your story]
I even got the whole shebang when flying on a United BRU-LHR hop a few years ago.
[not sure why you chose the title you did; TSA Pre✓ seems to have nothing to do with your story]
Dec 11, 2017, 4:07 pm
#291
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
i was rebooked from the cancelled BA 67 flight to PHL today to an AA flight. I was “screened” not seemingly by a security agent but by the bag drop lady who spoke very heavily accented English which was difficult to understand. Her line of questioning led me to believe she was not trained in such techniques (anyone who’s flown from TLV will have seen the experts at work). After 5 minutes of unskillful questioning I was on my way.
But the most surprising part was that whilst queuing I noticed some others apparently not being questioned in a similar manner. Perhaps I am “special”. Curious to know when the premium bag drop staff began to manage this function (I usually fly BA and have never been questioned in such a manner by them when flying to be US).
But the most surprising part was that whilst queuing I noticed some others apparently not being questioned in a similar manner. Perhaps I am “special”. Curious to know when the premium bag drop staff began to manage this function (I usually fly BA and have never been questioned in such a manner by them when flying to be US).
I doubt they’ve received more than cursory training by ICTS - the AA contractor formed by former El Al and Shin Bet agent’s. But the US has mandated intensified screening for US bound passengers since it was determined some terrorists had learned how to modify laptops so they contained an IED and sufficient battery to operate the laptop in a power on test.
:mad 
Dec 12, 2017, 6:05 am
#293
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Arizona, USA
Posts: 2,403
estnet, that is fantastic! I think you should schedule some follow-up "sessions" with her (and bill accordingly).
"Before my last flight, we were talking about some of the defense mechanisms you find yourself using around your mother. Did you have a chance to write about any of those in your journal?"
"Do you think maybe asking questions to passengers about their luggage is a way for you to deflect asking questions about your own emotional baggage?" (Have a tissue handy).
"Before my last flight, we were talking about some of the defense mechanisms you find yourself using around your mother. Did you have a chance to write about any of those in your journal?"
"Do you think maybe asking questions to passengers about their luggage is a way for you to deflect asking questions about your own emotional baggage?" (Have a tissue handy).
Dec 31, 2017, 7:52 pm
#294
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: DFW
Posts: 522
I recently flew CDG-ORD with my wife. She checked a bag, but I did not. She got asked a bunch of questions at the bag check line. They were things like: What kind of work do you do, what did you do in Paris, who did you stay with.
When we got to the gate and they scanned our boarding passes, we both got a red light indication. We were told to step aside for some questions. The lady started to ask the same type of questions. I quickly cut her off and said my wife had already been asked these intrusive questions and we will not be answering anything further. We are American citizens and simply want to return home.
Her response: "OK, have a nice flight"
Is ICTS no longer in use? I noticed the stickers on my passport had AA on them.
When we got to the gate and they scanned our boarding passes, we both got a red light indication. We were told to step aside for some questions. The lady started to ask the same type of questions. I quickly cut her off and said my wife had already been asked these intrusive questions and we will not be answering anything further. We are American citizens and simply want to return home.
Her response: "OK, have a nice flight"
Is ICTS no longer in use? I noticed the stickers on my passport had AA on them.
Jan 19, 2018, 3:38 pm
#295
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: Advantage, Skymiles
Posts: 4
Hand written SSSS at LHR
I recently traveled via LHR to CLT with AA connecting from BA codeshare flight into LHR. I was able to check in online and received both boarding passes. At the gate prior to boarding the AA flight from LHR, the gate personnel handling boarding passengers checked the name on a list and manually wrote SSSS on the boarding pass originally issued by BA. On entry into the US, I experienced no additional screening that would fit an SSSS designation. I am also a Global Entry traveler.
My prior one time experience with SSSS, a few years ago on AA, is that it is printed on issuance of the boarding pass. One is not able to check in for their flight online or at a kiosk and is directed to check in at the counter, which did not happen.
Are manual hand written SSSS designations by airline personnel normal and are they driven by TSA (as claimed by security)? After asking why it was not automatically printed, I was informed by security that if had it been an AA boarding pass it would have the designation, which begs the question of why passengers heading to the US are asked to check in at the AA counter (prior to getting to the gate counter) with their boarding pass and travel documents for validation, but are not issued with a new boarding pass that would reflect an TSA issued SSSS designation.
Is summary, are hand written SSSS designations by gate personnel, normal at LHR?
My prior one time experience with SSSS, a few years ago on AA, is that it is printed on issuance of the boarding pass. One is not able to check in for their flight online or at a kiosk and is directed to check in at the counter, which did not happen.
Are manual hand written SSSS designations by airline personnel normal and are they driven by TSA (as claimed by security)? After asking why it was not automatically printed, I was informed by security that if had it been an AA boarding pass it would have the designation, which begs the question of why passengers heading to the US are asked to check in at the AA counter (prior to getting to the gate counter) with their boarding pass and travel documents for validation, but are not issued with a new boarding pass that would reflect an TSA issued SSSS designation.
Is summary, are hand written SSSS designations by gate personnel, normal at LHR?
Jan 19, 2018, 3:41 pm
#296
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: It's hot here
Posts: 4,284
I'm not sure of all of the answers here, but I was in LHR recently and saw people with handwritten SSSS. I noticed because my bf seems to get "randomly selected" constantly and I was nervous he was going to get one. I spied on quite a few boarding passes in the waiting area.
Jan 19, 2018, 4:01 pm
#298
Join Date: Jan 2018
Programs: Advantage, Skymiles
Posts: 4
@MissJ the handwritten ones are odd, they don't quite inspire confidence that its truly random. Interestingly enough, it seemed the number of people passing through SSSS was extra ordinarily high for a flight with several seats empty. Perhaps with more flights, your bf will get less SSSS selections.
@Antarius, that's what they always say, but one never gets to know the real reason. One is then left in limbo on whether to dig deeper into it and risk being always selected/flagged or take the chance that it may not happen on the next flight
@Antarius, that's what they always say, but one never gets to know the real reason. One is then left in limbo on whether to dig deeper into it and risk being always selected/flagged or take the chance that it may not happen on the next flight
Jan 19, 2018, 4:22 pm
#299
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: 4éme
Posts: 12,023