US-bound passengers face tougher security interviews at airports

By Yoon Ja-young

Those planning to fly to the United States had better hurry to the airport early so as not to miss their flight.

Airlines advise them to arrive at least four or five hours earlier than the departure time beginning Oct. 26, since they have to go through a security interview at the airport amid growing concerns over terrorist attacks.

According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, Tuesday, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requested all airlines flying to the U.S. as well as its territories such as Guam and Saipan to strengthen security checks of passengers back in June. The TSA was established in 2001 following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

As the first phase of the strengthened security measures, both low-cost and full-service carriers have been implementing additional screening of portable electronic equipment at the boarding gate since July 19.

The security interview is the second phase of TSA measures, scheduled to be implemented from Oct. 26. Passengers going to the U.S. will be asked questions at the airlines’ ticket desks such as why they are visiting the U.S., how long will they stay there, and where they will stay.

Anyone deemed suspicious during the interview will have to go through more thorough checking before they will be allowed to board. All passengers will also have their belongings reexamined before boarding.

The measure will first apply to American carriers such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines as well as local low-cost carriers flying to the U.S. territories of Guam and Saipan. They are among the most popular tourist destinations for Koreans.

“Korean Air and Asiana Airlines, which operate numerous flights to the U.S., have requested a delay for the implementation since they will have to relocate facilities when the second terminal of Incheon International Airport is completed,” the ministry said.

Terminal No. 2 is scheduled to be completed in January, which will lead to the relocation of the carriers. Korean Air will move to the new terminal while Asiana Airlines will move from the western to the eastern section of the current terminal.

While airlines recommend passengers bound for the U.S. arrive at the airport three hours before departure, they will have to add one or two hours to their calculation due to the toughened security check.

“The ministry has been working with airlines as well as Incheon International Airport to cope with this to minimize passenger inconveniences,” the ministry noted.