Enhanced Security Measures Begin as Electronics Ban Ends

The Department of Homeland Security officially lifted the ban on large carry-on electronics for U.S.-bound flights. At the same time, new enhanced security measures are rolling out, leading airlines to warn travelers of new procedures around the globe.

The Department of Homeland Security announced yesterday on Twitter the official lifting of the ban. DHS had released its plan to eliminate the ban late last month, which means previously banned airports complied with DHS’ demands in just a few weeks time. SmarterTravel’s Tim Winship wrote earlier this week that Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were the only remaining airports operating under the ban.

Travelers flying to the U.S. are now encountering enhanced screenings of large electronic devices. USA Today reports that “airlines and security officials are warning about tighter screening that went into effect Wednesday for hundreds of thousands of travelers who fly daily to the U.S. from hundreds of airports.”

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) has some helpful tips that offer insight into the nature of these enhanced techniques:

• Make sure your cases can be easily removed, or are removed in advance, and
• Ensure that any devices you are travelling with are charged and can power up.

CATSA also says electronic devices will not be permitted beyond the screening checkpoint if they “cannot be taken out of their cases or powered on when requested during enhanced screening.” Clearly, DHS wants to make sure your iPad is actually an iPad.

Aeromexico warned that travelers should arrive three hours before their flight and also suggested removing electronic devices from their cases prior to screening. Notably, DHS does not include these details on its otherwise thorough page outlining the new security policies.

Readers, please let us know if you encounter these new security measures while traveling abroad. We’d love to hear what these screenings will bring.

More from SmarterTravel:

• STM Drifter Backpack: A Carry-On for Travelers with Laptops
• TSA Testing 3-D Scans for Easier Airport Security Checks
• The TSA Has Been Spying on You (And Worse)