Latest ‘security interviews’ to begin for US-bound flights

Travelers on international flights to the United States may face longer check-in and boarding lines this week as new U.S. security requirements kick in.

A set of new security measures for U.S.-bound flights takes effect Thursday, part of an effort by the Department of Homeland Security to scrutinize electronics brought aboard commercial airliners.

Ahead of the measures, at least four large global carriers said they have started new “security interviews” for all passengers on U.S.-bound flights. Those airlines said that has come at the request of the U.S. Other global airlines that fly to the U.S. will likely do the same.

The changes come after a previous ban the U.S. imposed on carry-on laptops and other electronics from certain airports in Turkey, the Middle East and Africa. The ban was instituted in March but ended by July after new U.S. security requirements.

Airlines were given a 120-day deadline to meet all of the new regulations. That deadline arrives Thursday, likely leading to the warnings by global carriers of the new security procedures.

Vaughn Jennings, a spokesman for Airlines for America, a trade group representing most of the largest carriers, said airlines are working with the Department of Homeland Security to achieve the shared goals of enhancing security while minimizing the effect on travelers.

A spokesman for the International Air Transport Association, a trade group that represents airlines worldwide, said: “The new measures raise the bar on aviation security. They have required a significant amount of work on the part of airlines and airports. TSA has demonstrated flexibility and a willingness to work with industry to achieve the goals of the new measures.”

Among global airlines, Dubai-based Emirates said passengers flying to the U.S. on its flights would now face “prescreening interviews” at its check-in counters for passengers. Also affected would be flyers connecting to the U.S. via its hub in Dubai.

The carrier has advised customers to allow extra time for both checkin and boarding.

Homeland Security, which includes the Transportation Security Administration, announced the measures June 28 to better detect explosives hidden in electronics and to thwart airport workers from smuggling bombs onto planes.