DHS Announces Aviation Security Enhancements

Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly announced enhanced security screening measures for all international commercial flights to the United States. These new security measures will take the place of a laptop ban in the cabins of aircraft, which was previously imposed on flights from select countries.

"Today, I am announcing a first step toward this goal by requiring new security measures to be applied to all commercial flights coming into the United States. These measures will be both seen and unseen, and they will be phased in over time," Kelly said. "They will include enhanced screening of electronic devices, more thorough passenger vetting, and new measures designed to mitigate the potential threat of insider attacks.

"We will also lay out a clear path to encourage airlines and airports to adopt more sophisticated screening approaches, including better use of explosive detection canines and advanced checkpoint screening technology," he continued. "Additionally, we will encourage more airports to become Preclearance locations. This not only enhances security, it also increases convenience by allowing international travelers to go through customs and border security screening before boarding their flights to the United States."