The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced today that flights arriving to the United States will undergo additional security measures. This is response to increased threats on commercial aviation as a whole. Starting later this week, passengers flying to the United States should expect additional security measures.
These security measures include:
- Enhanced screening of travelers
- Increased security screening of aircraft and passenger areas>
- Heightened screening of electronic devices that are larger than a standard smartphone
- Being prepared to remove these devices from protective cases or packaging if asked.
- Using additional technology
- Expanding canine security
- Establishing additional pre-clearance locations
This heightened change effects 105 countries and approximately 280 airports that serve as the last points of departure to the United States. This affects 180 airlines, an average of 2,100 flights per day and 325,000 daily passengers on average. The DHS and TSA will be working with airline stakeholders over the next weeks and months to ensure these security protocols are fully implemented. Stakeholders that fail to adopt these requirements within certain time frames will run the risk of additional security restrictions being imposed.
