Passengers travelling into the US are advised to allow a minimum of two hours in the airport, as enhanced security checks begin this week.
The US administration announced extra checks on all international flights arriving in the country, which could affect around 325,000 people and 2,000 flights daily. All Beyond Business Travel clients have been informed and advised. If you need assistance with your corporate travel journey, please get in touch.
Passengers could be subject to extra questioning, or form filling before boarding their plane and may experience longer wait times and queues as a result.
It has also been reported that electronic devices could undergo enhanced screening. With The Telegraph reporting that passengers may be asked to power off laptops and phones, to prove they are not being used for terrorist purposes.
Norwegian Air, which recently started flying from Belfast to New York, has already advised its customers to allow more time at the airport and be prepared for delays.
A spokesperson for the firm stated: “These new measures mean that our passengers travelling to the US need to plan for more time at the airport to answer a series of questions during check-in. Further details will be shared with our passengers prior to departure.”
Virgin Atlantic have asked their passengers to check in two hours before departure time, however say that they are expecting passengers to be questioned while queuing for check-in or security, so disruption is minimised.
The new regulations follow the lifting of the laptop ban, which affected passengers from eight countries up until June 2017. The US have confirmed that they may reimpose this, or similar measures, if airlines and airports do not boost their security procedures.
If you need assistance with your corporate travel to the US or any other destination, Beyond’s team are up to date with all international travel regulations and situations. We are experts at managing disruption and keeping travellers safe. Get in touch to book.