When I travel, my bag of electronics weighs almost as much as my bag of clothes. While I may carry more electronics than many, I don’t know anyone who doesn’t carry at least a cell phone when they travel. Something happened a couple of months ago that may affect how you travel with your devices.
In July of this year, Homeland Security directed the TSA to crack down on security at many overseas airports offering direct flights to the USA. These measures were put in place in airports throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East (the TSA was able to implement such procedures at overseas airports by prohibiting flights from airports or airlines which failed to implement the increased security procedures). Here’s how this crackdown might affect you.
You should be prepared to, if asked, power up your electronics as you go through a security checkpoint. If your phone, laptop or tablet is unable to power up (maybe because you forgot to charge it?), the device won’t be allowed on board the aircraft. Not only that, you may be taken into secondary screening for a more thorough inspection.
At the moment, this rule applies only to passengers entering the U.S. from an international destination and not on domestic flights. But why take a chance? Just keep them charged.
My hint to you? Don’t forget your charger when you travel, and store it in your carry-on bag so that you can charge your devices during a layover, if necessary. I don’t know about you…but I’m in no hurry to surrender my iPhone, e-reader, laptop or iPad. I plan on keeping my electronic devices fully charged when I travel.
Embrace life,
Pat
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