The TSA Bans Uncharged Cell Phones & Laptops From Some Flights

Dead devices are now restricted on an unknown number of US-bound flights

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As if airport security isn’t enough of a hassle already, the Transport Security Administration is stepping up their game yet again. On Sunday, the U.S. TSA implemented further security procedures before boarding flights for passengers coming into US territories from certain countries. This now includes the banning of uncharged cell phones and laptops from airplanes. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson released a statement saying these new measures are "to promote further aviation security."

DHS continually assesses the global threat environment and reevaluates the measures we take to promote aviation security.

This upgrade should make most travelers feel a bit better about the TSA ensuring their safety on an aircraft, however, who really wants to power up there phones will going through security? Although it is still unknown exactly which countries will be subjected to the new security check, the BBC has reported that London’s Heathrow airport is already one of the first.

Should a member of the TSA ask a traveler to power up their cell phones and it is dead, they will have to go through further security screenings to be allowed on board. Worst case scenario? They might give you a charger to power up your device to ensure its safety.

According to TechCrunch, the new rules are in response to a specific threat, which has the TSA worried about a cellphone, tablet, or other electronic device being used to hide an explosive device. So even though this may be slightly more annoying - better safe that sorry. 

Should this rule go into effect amongst popular overseas airports, it may also mean having to arrive at the airport earlier than you ever have before. Between regular security checks and these further tech screenings, arriving to check-in for an international flights several hours earlier may become a reality.

 

[via CNET

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