New TSA Rule Requires Electronic Devices To Be Turned On

The next time you are planning on boarding a flight to the US, you might want to ensure that your electronic devices have enough battery. This is not out of concern for your entertainment or enjoyment while on the flight, but rather a new security rule that the TSA will be enforcing. According to a press release on the TSA’s website, it seems that they will require all personal electronics to have enough battery to be turned on.

It also seems that in the event that the device cannot be turned on, that particular device might not be allowed onto the flight, and that the traveler might have to undergo additional 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. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.”

We guess there might be some concerns where electronic devices could be hollowed out and have its innards replaced by explosives or other types of weaponry. However as the press release notes, the TSA will “continue to adjust” their procedures to balance convenience and security, so there is a chance that depending on how effective this new screening procedure is, things could get back to “normal”.

In the meantime like we said, if you’re planning on flying directly to the US, you might have to make sure that your electronic devices have enough juice for the folks at the TSA to turn on, lest you run into any trouble getting onto your flight or have your gadgets confiscated.

Tyler Lee
Categories: General, Transportation
Tags: Security, tsa