Pre-screening interviews start on US flights

US-BOUND BUSINESS TRAVELLERS travelling on Emirates and Egyptair should factor in additional time as new interviews are introduced as part of enhanced prescreening measures.

An Emirates statement said the new directive requires passenger pre-screening interviews at the check-in counter for originating passengers and at the gate for transfer and transit passengers.

“These measures will complement current additional screening measures conducted at the boarding gate (including those for electronic devices). Passengers should allow additional time to be checked-in and boarded if travelling to the US from Dubai International Airport.”

Air France, Lufthansa and Cathay Pacific are other carriers cited and Royal Jordanian will introduce the measures mid-January.

The TSA Pre programme now covers 42 domestic and international carriers, with All Nippon Airways, Cathay Pacific, Contour Aviation, Finnair and Korean Air recently joining the expedited screening program. But this is only open to US citizens, nationals and “lawful permanent residents” who can apply ($85 for five years, or $17 per year) and access TSA Pre lanes, while foreign citizens must meet “specific citizenship/residency requirements”. Pre travellers do not need to remove items such as shoes, laptops and belts at 200 US airports.

Dubai Airports is planning to introduce biometric ‘smart tunnels’ that will enable travellers to complete immigration checks in just 15 seconds.