TSA tightens screening of electronics
Domestic travelers’ luggage is being examined more closely as terrorists improve hiding of explosives
After ramping up screening for international flights heading to the U.S., 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 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 on the procedures in 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.