USA TODAY International Edition
Security intensifies for laptops on flights
325,000 overseas travelers a day must undergo more rigorous screening
WASHINGTON In a massive escalation of airline security worldwide, hundreds of thousands of travelers flying to the USA from overseas will face additional scrutiny for laptops and other electronics larger than cellphones, the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday.
The tougher standards apply to 180 domestic and foreign airlines that fly direct to the USA from 280 airports in 105 countries. The new rules will affect about 2,000 daily flights carrying 325,000 passengers.
Intelligence about terrorists developing ways to hide bombs and infiltrate airport staffing prompted the tougher measures, according to two senior DHS officials who spoke on condition of anonymity during a conference call Wednesday.
In the case of recent airline bombings in Egypt and Somalia, investigators suspect airport workers smuggled explosives aboard planes.
“Make no mistake: Our enemies are constantly working to find new methods for disguising explosives, recruiting insiders and hijacking aircraft,” John Kelly, secretary of Homeland Security, said in a speech Wednesday at the Center for a New American Security, a non- profit group that develops security and defense policies.
“It is time that we raise the global baseline of aviation security,” Kelly said. “We cannot play international whack- amole with each new threat.”
The DHS expects 99% of airlines to be able to meet the new requirements and time frames, the officials said. They did not give specifics on either the requirements or the time frame.
If airlines don’t or can’t comply, the United States could ban electronics larger than cellphones entirely from planes — in carry- on bags and checked luggage, the officials said. The Federal Aviation Administration could block flights by pulling an airline’s certificate, the officials said.
The measures will be seen and unseen, Kelly said, and will focus on enhanced screening for electronics, more thorough passenger vetting and
If airlines don’t comply, electronics larger than cellphones could be banned entirely on planes — in carry- on bags and checked luggage.
measures to reduce the threat of insider attacks.
“Terrorists want to bring down aircraft to instill fear, disrupt our economies and undermine our way of life — and it works, which is why they still see aviation as the crown jewel target in their world,” Kelly said. “The threat is not diminished. However, we are not standing on the sidelines while fanatics hatch new plots.”
Protocols will change for passenger areas around gates and on the tarmac around planes. Security methods could vary by airline and airport.
Travelers could see more bomb- sniffing dogs or upgraded technology such as CT scanners at airports. American Airlines is running a test at Phoenix’s airport with the Transportation Security Administration. The advanced technology can better examine carry- ons.
The tougher standards aren’t an expansion of the laptop ban enacted in March for carry- on bags on flights of nine airlines from 10 airports in eight countries, officials said. Those airlines can get out from under that ban — passengers will be allowed to bring laptops again — if they meet the new standards.
DHS officials encourage more foreign airports to join Customs and Border Protection’s preclearance program, which screens inbound travelers for Customs and Immigration before they board planes.