Frequent fliers who also happen to own various smart devices including smartphones, tablets and laptops should make sure their toys have good-enough battery charges and can be easily turned on during security checks, so agents can play with them, Engadget reports. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said on Sunday in a press release that it requires certain overseas airports with direct flights to the U.S. to check whether electronic devices power on and work as supposed to.
“Last week, Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States,” the TSA said.
“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. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.”
The TSA also added that it will continue “to adjust security measures to ensure that travelers are guaranteed the highest levels of aviation security conducted as conveniently as possible.”
Secretary Johnson last week directed the TSA “to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.”
“Aviation security includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, informed by an evolving environment. As always, we will continue to adjust security measures to promote aviation security without unnecessary disruptions to the traveling public,” Johnson said.
The concern behind the newly implemented security measures is that bombs could be disguised as electronic devices and brought on board certain planes.
