The Transportation Security Administration announced the security has been improved on select flights into the US, requiring passengers to power up their electronic devices during security screening.
While consumers are fighting low-battery issues in smartphones and other devices, a new regulation by the US Transportation Security Administration requires users to power up their cell phones and other electronic devices to pass security screenings at airports. The new and improved security screening method is applicable at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the US, the department notes.
The new regulation by the US TSA, which was announced Sunday, will not allow uncharged, dead phones and other devices into direct flights to the US. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said the move is a way to re-evaluate the measure to promote aviation security. Reports indicate the new security measure is to prevent terrorists in Syria and Yemen who have developed bombs to bypass the standard security screening.
"As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft," TSA statement reads. "The traveler may also undergo additional screening. TSA will continue to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible."
The department did not give a list of "devices" that will be prohibited if they fail to power up, but it is assumed that all devices that pack a battery such as cell phones and laptops will be screened. TSA also failed to give names of the airports that will be affected with the new law.
According to a report from BBC, London's Heathrow airport will be one of many overseas airports under the updated security measure. Countries including UK, France and Germany have reportedly agreed to comply with America's new TSA law.
The TSA statement clearly said the new law affects only direct flights coming into the US, which means connecting passengers are not subjected to the change. It is not clear if the authorities will eventually implement the law to all flights.
