Passengers of some international flights terminating in the United States will face a greater scrutiny of their electronics before being allowed on the airplane. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is putting into force new security rules that requires electronic devices to be able to switch on at the time of the security screening, with devices containing flat batteries unable to be let onboard.
NBC News reports the measures at overseas airports are a bid by the TSA to prevent terrorist groups from blowing up aircraft. The new rules dictate that security agents can ask travelers to turn on notebooks, smartphones, tablets, and other devices at checkpoints, allowing only those with power onto the flight. Smartphones from Apple and Samsung have apparently been singled out, while owners of powerless devices will also face additional screening procedures.
The new instructions will be implemented at “certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States,” and though the TSA does not state which airports, it is suggested it will include locations in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
