I have been flying so much in the last year that I thought I was fairly up to date on the ever changing rules and regulations. Yesterday I was flying back from Brussels to New York when I was informed by security staff that any electronics I had with me on my person would have to be fully charged, or really be charged enough to prove that it is operational. This was news to me and after a quick glance at the TSA website I found that this rule was enacted back in July of last year….
The following is pulled from the TSA website.
“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 and they will use the latest metal detectors to secure anything dangerous get on on the plane. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening“.
So the idea is that a “dummy” electronic device could be used to hide some type of explosive. Needless to say it would be a good idea to not get caught with a drained battery and be forced to leave behind an important travel companion. So be sure to charge your devices ahead of time and if you are a data hog like me and use your phone a lot, pick up an external battery
Karl
I had no idea they still wanted to power up devices. I remember a long time ago, they would always make you power up a laptop (can’t recall if this was pre 9/11 or not) but that stopped at some point, not sure why. Thanks for the warning!
I never carry my laptop but always my phone. I really can’t fathom being in an airport waiting & draining the battery & being forced to leave it behind. Haven’t heard of it being enforced but I don’t want to risk it.
Hi Karl,
I left you a fairly long message on your Ringebu, Norway Stave Church blog. My family is from Ringebu, but a long time ago. I spelled it out on your Stave Kirk blog. I will just say here that I am glad to hear about the charged battery because I am going to Alaska with some other mushroom hound friends next month, so will be flying. I remember when I used to travel more easily before 9/11 and since I love to fly in little planes, I would always ask the pilots on international flights if I could hang out with them in the cockpit. Different (less innocent) world now. A shame. By the way, they never turned me down. It passed the time with a lot more interest. Please be sure to check what I wrote on your Stave blog site. I am excited to connect.