LAX "Security Sweep": Any of This Avoidable?
 

Facing another IRROP at LAX today and wondering this:

Why can't Customs "clear" international flights the SAME DAY they arrive so that onward domestic runs aren't delayed by the security sweep?

It would make equipment changes at big stations like LAX much easier. Obviously, safety comes first. But aren't arriving flights routinely cleared ASAP?

I don't understand this post. Was the DL terminal at LAX evacuated today? It's just late morning there. How can connections be impossible for the rest of the day? What happened and what is happening?

No. This is an equipment change delaying an outbound domestic. Delta found a plane that had arrived o'nite from South America but hadn't been 'cleared' by routine security sweep. That process extended - by 40 minutes - an already-delayed flight. No LAX issue, per se. Just a Customs issue re incoming flights from overseas.

I'm thinking the OP is referring to security sweeps of aircraft, after they arrive from an int'l flight, and before they depart again. Maybe his aircraft arrived the night before, and didn't get security clearance til morning.

I see that DL 16 LAX/ATL was delayed 43 minutes today, even though it came in on time.

edited to add . . . .

What DL flight operates nonstop from South America to LAX?

Why does customs do the security sweep? Shouldn't it be done by security specialists or the TSA?

I would expect that US Customs would search for hidden contraband - - drugs n' stuff.

DL operates a GUA flight... perhaps OP meant Central America?

Seems like an odd route. Is it popular?

Correct. Guatemala City, not South America.

IIRC the sweep has to be done just prior to the aircraft going back online for its next flight. Since they weren't expecting to use that aircraft for this flight, perhaps it wasn't scheduled to be back online for some hours so they had scheduled it for later. For example, in ATL, an international inbound plane may be towed to the hangar after arrival to free up gate space prior to its next flight, then the sweep would happen when it's brought back online.

The process is done by airline personnel.

We were told the sweep was done by the Feds and no airline personnel could be on board.

Thanks for the info. Just wondered why the security sweep doesn't happen on arrival and BEFORE the plane is parked overnight. The resolution of security issues has to be easier to manage. Since the TSA has to pull up all 175+ seat cushions, this procedure has to wait until the agency schedule permits. Today, we were near the back of the queue.

That's my point. Searching for drugs, etc. on the plane is a customs type issue, not airport/airline security.

Hmmmm, I thought it was handled by airline contractors, hence I said 'airline' personnel (which I know is not really the same thing, but different from Customs/Border Patrol or TSA). But you were told differently so if that's the case I learned something new today. :eek: In any case, it makes sense that FAs etc. could not be on board prepping the plane while the sweep happens, to keep a 'sterile' environment.

Thread Alert
 

The topic of this thread is better suited in its new home, which is now the Checkpoints and Borders Policy Debate forum, as it is not specific to Delta Air Lines or the SkyMiles frequent flier loyalty program.

Regards,

Canarsie
Co-Moderator, Delta SkyMiles forum

Still, these would appear to involve DL procedures (parking an unchecked plane) resulting in a significant flight delay with consequences relating to missed connections in ATL tonight, extended crew assignments and equipment allocation.