Airlines implement new screenings for U.S.-bound passengers

At least five global airlines will start interviewing U.S.-bound passengers starting on Thursday. The security screenings are at the request of U.S. government officials, according to Air France, Cathay Pacific, EgyptAir, Emirates, and Lufthansa. The move comes after the United States lifted a laptop ban for specific Mideast airlines in July. At the time, U.S. officials told airlines they had 120 days to comply with increased security measures or they would face additional requirements, and the 120-day deadline is Thursday. The airlines offered different descriptions of the new security screenings, everything from a written questionnaire to more detailed searches to individual verbal interviews of all U.S.-bound passengers.