TSA announces more scrutiny for electronics

Gadgets go in single layer in separate bin after intelligence warns of explosives

WASHINGTON - After ramping up screening for international flights heading to the United States, the Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday that it will scrutinize electronics more closely domestically over the coming weeks and months.

Travelers in standard TSA checkpoint lines at airports will have to remove all electronics larger than cellphones from carry-on bags and place them in a separate bin with nothing else above or below for X-ray screening. Travelers in Precheck lanes will be able to leave electronics in their bags as they now do with laptops.

TSA’s goal is to get a clearer view of belongings in the jumble of carry-on bags after intelligence suggested terrorists have found better ways to hide explosives in electronics.

The stricter scrutiny is already in place at 10 airports where it was tested, and it will be phased in at all U.S. airports as workers are trained the procedures during the coming months, TSA said.

“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe,” said Huban Gowadia, the acting head of TSA. “By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats.”

The threat of terrorists hiding explosives better in laptops prompted the Department of Homeland Security in March to ban electronics larger than cellphones in carry-on bags of direct flights of nine airlines at 10 airports to the U.S.

That ban has since been lifted as each of the airlines tightened their screening.

John Kelly, the secretary of Homeland Security, then announced tighter security for all 180 airlines flying directly to the U.S. from 280 airports worldwide. The measures that went into effect July 19 applied to 325,000 passengers on 2,000 daily flights.

“Whether you’re flying to, from or within the United States, TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security by strengthening the overall security of our commercial aviation network to keep flying as a safe option for everyone,” Gowadia said.