prw555

A twist to this if flying to the US. As of 10/26 in town check in will be closed for flights heading to the US, with the exception of the YVR-JFK flight. They are imposing "security" questioning at check in, probably rather like when leaving UK for US.

Wonder if this will impact OLCI for said routes - probably my guess.

LoveHateRelationship

Ugh it's terrible how hyper sensitive Americans have gotten about their flying. Is there a source for this or hearsay?

maortega15

Americans have become sensitive to everything.

QRC3288

Awful. But​​ not surprised. Just sad to see what's happening to the US over time.

I suspect it is true. Colleague said he had a hell of a time at HKIA with some new procedures for his US-bound flight last week.

TravelwhileyouEat

Most likely to "look tough" on immigration and national security. I wonder what happens to passengers connecting to the US? (ex. TPE-HKG-SFO) Will they eventually be required to have to go through additional security questioning at the transit area? Also, I wonder if CX is the only one suspending ITCI for flights to the US?

This just adds time to an already long journey, and arriving at the airport early (even with lounge access) is something I don't particularly enjoy on my most traveled routes

maortega15

What I hate the most is the secondary screening where they search liquids and all.

G-CIVC

I already had a flight to the US under the 'new procedures'. Actually, if you speak Cantonese, the questioning process is borderline comical. No need to worry/sweat/feel anything about it.

sxc

https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_...ements-us.html

QRC3288

that's the whole thing.

Just like the secondary screening is nonsensical (they miss your water half the time anyway), this is just more nonsense. I hold an American passport, and it's just embarrassing. Everyone knows it's just theater. Reminds me of a banana republic. Sad to see.

Unterwegs

Most banana republics I know are more reasonable and logical.

TravelwhileyouEat

Exactly, as a US passport holder I find it inconvenient to have to do this extra screening each time. I wish they would at least allow ITCI and then just do the additional security questions there (or incorporate this with secondary screening). Lugging bags on the airport express is not one of my preferred activities.

Next security update will require you to sing the Star Spangled Banner while eating a burger.

toplayer

Its a complete joke. Round 1: Aisle B (diagonally opposite F check in desks). Why are you going to the US. How many phones do you have. Why do you have 2 phones. Why do you have a phone for work. Why do you have a laptop. Did you pack your luggage. When did you pack it. You get the feeling that the people questioning you have never been on a plane before.

Round 2: Gate entrance (same questions but shorter due to the number of people waiting)

Round 3: Jet bridge (unfortunately got SSSS'd). More of the same questions plus shoe check.

On the plus side on arrival into SFO not a peep re SSSS, very smooth.

[MODs please redact if this is too specific re security].

QRC3288

don't forget the Freedom Fries with that

QRC3288

I think you answered it yourself with your opening line...

Let's not even pretend for a moment this is anything remotely related to actually making us more secure.

Anyone remember how the US originally forced a bunch of ME airlines to jam everyone's laptops in the cargo hold? And then just a week or two ago, the FAA announces that even a single laptop in the luggage compartment can create a catastrophic cargo fire and to propose a total ban on laptops in luggage? A lot of ham-fisted US security measures actually make us all less safe, not more. It's really sad. I'd chalk up these new CX / HKIA measures at best in the "let's waste money and time" for security theater. At worst, there could always be unintended consequences that make us less safe. Already, the fact the US has these stupid "yelling fire" security measures all the time immunizes people to genuine risks. "Security threat" is a magic word in the US. Everyone flying to/from/within the US is so immunized to the risk / security theater and tolerates it that I'm sure there are real risks that aren't getting proper resources. Tragic.

percysmith

(Asked for @Majuki , a little OT but) I called American Airlines HK this morning 3057 9197, specifically using the Canto line to try to get a local agent.

American Airlines HK says they aren't suspending In Town Check In yet, but Airport Authority will grill US-bound pax more