With the rise in the number of terrorist activities around the world and particularly since the September 11 attacks back in 2001, airports around the world have been strict with their security procedures. It is even getting worse. The US’s TSA (Transportation Security Administration) will not allow you to board your flight with your smartphone or any other electronic device if it does not meet some conditions.
If you’re flying from anywhere in the world to continental USA then you’ll be required to have all your electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, portable music players and the like) powered on for several rigorous security checks. That means one thing: your devices need to be charged. Should your devices fail to turn on/power up at the airport security check point then you’ll either have to abandon your travel plans or simply leave your gadget behind (of course it is easy to see what it is you’ll resort to). Just like it happens at the moment with liquids.
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.
It is not like this will be happening all the time anyway since the wording used by TSA is “may” but we all know where that leaves us. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets stand a huge risk of being targeted by terrorists thanks to their widespread use and their portable nature for use in terrorist activities. With the TSA taking this first step, it may not be long before others join and it becomes a standard. Those travelling to the United States from Europe, the Middle East and Africa are the ones being targeted in this operation though long haul flights ferrying travellers from Asia and Australia are likely to be on the cards too since terrorism is a global nightmare.
I don’t know what this means for those who love ferrying dead phones as part of their carry-on luggage but looks like you’ll need an extra step to have those moving with you.
Photo: flyawaysimulation.com
