U.S. steps up security on electronic devices at overseas airports

[Judi Lynn]

Source: Reuters

U.S. steps up security on electronic devices at overseas airports
By Reuters
Sunday, July 6, 2014 14:01 EDT

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration will not allow cellphones or other electronic devices on U.S.-bound planes at some overseas airports if the devices are not charged up, the agency said on Sunday.

The new measure is part of the TSA’s effort announced last week to boost security amid concerns that Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamist Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria, are plotting to blow up an airliner, U.S. officials said.

As part of the increased scrutiny at certain airports, security agents may ask travelers to turn on their electronic devices at checkpoints and if they do not have power, the devices will not be allowed on planes, the TSA said.

A U.S. source familiar with the matter said laptop computers are among the devices security screeners may require passengers to turn on.

Read more: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/07/06/u-s-steps-up-security-on-electronic-devices-at-overseas-airports/

[Helen Borg]

1. I had to do that on the way to Israel.

Also, I had to open my suitcase 3 times before I boarded the plane. The last time right after the terminal and before going on the plane.

[dipsydoodle]

2. I was asked to switch my mobile on

when I landed in back in Glasgow, having left Heathrow some 9 hours before that, on 9/11. I thought they were daft in the head.

I think all trans Atlantic and trans Pacific airflights should be stopped for at least the rest of this year - give the air a chance to clean up.

[Demeter]

3. terra, terra, terra

I thought ISIS wiped out AlQuaida

[dipsydoodle]

4. I thought both were Sunni - just different leagues ?

Not sure about Al-Jolson. Climb up on my knee Sunni boy......................

[davidpdx]

5. I'm traveling soon and have to take electronic items with me

Unpacking and turning on and then turning off and repacking a computer is a pain in the ass.

[Omaha Steve]

6. K&R!

[treestar]

7. I've had to do that to get into federal buildings

for a laptop, not for a phone.