Next month I'm flying from CDG to the US. I was told that US bound flights only have an extra security screening at the gate and any bottled water I buy (I usually buy a couple bottles for overseas flights) will be discarded at the second security screening. Thanks for the help.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
I have not encountered that before. The only time I hit a secondary screening at the gate from Europe was traveling to Dulles. At the gate screening of all US flights is not common unless something has changed in the last couple of years. But we haven't traveled in two years either.
Posted by
Upstate NY, USA
822 posts
When I came back Oct 21 (Air France) there was a secondary screening for SOME people, but not all on our flight and at our gate. I had filled my water bottle after security and was able to bring it on the plane with zero issue. I doubt much has changed, I'm sure others will chime in.
Posted by
Hudson Valley
2267 posts
Most/all flights to the US have the extra security that is, for most people, just a quick passport check. I got pulled aside leaving Madrid just yesterday for a full “secondary screening” and brought to a room for a bag inspection. My two water bottles were not a problem.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4412 posts
My travel partner was one of those lucky secondary screening winners at CDG, there is a long table set up at the gate and when you can't get through the turnstiles with your boarding pass they wave you over. They went over her carryon and her person very, very slowly. Which is odd if you think about it for a minute, because you've already been through a very thorough automated inspection so what do these persons of last resort expect to find?
I'm guessing it's for show and intended to keep bad people "off guard" or something. They didn't care about water. Worst case scenario, if they take your water, you can get water on your plane.
Posted by
Cloud
273 posts
They went over her carryon and her person very, very slowly. Which is odd if you think about it for a minute, because you've already been through a very thorough automated inspection so what do these persons of last resort expect to find?
Not odd; if you ever had a friend or family that works in airport security they get intelligence on threats of course not obvious to you and not worth time trying to rationalize; just let them do their jobs.
Posted by
Los Angeles
4412 posts
If you're saying my friend fit some profile, I'll have to have this friend have some words with you
Posted by
OP
San Diego
2 posts
Thanks to everyone for their advice.
Posted by
L'Occitanie, France
10195 posts
You get the second screening if the SSSS shows up on your boarding pass. It's randomly computer generated. No water is taken.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA
162 posts
I have the dreaded SSSS almost every time I fly. They used to make you fully unpack your carry on. The past few tmies, they've instructed me not to do so. They just swab my feet and hands, and do a random quick swab around and just inside my bag. They've never once bothered the food or drink I'm carrying onboard.