TSA Launches Stricter Carry-On Screenings Nationwide

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this month rolled out enhanced screening procedures for carry-on baggage nationwide, after testing the stronger security measures at select airports.

Travelers are now required to place all personal electronics larger than a cell phone, including tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles, in separate bins for X-ray screening, similar to how laptops have been screened for years.

“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,” said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.

In addition, travelers may be instructed to remove any food and powders from their carry-on to allow screening officers to obtain a clear X-ray image for security purposes.

The TSA recommends travelers “organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process” as “it is possible that passengers may experience more bag checks and additional screening of some items.”

The enhanced carry-on screening procedures have been phased in over the past several months in standard lanes at airports across the country. Since last summer, the new security measures were tested at 10 U.S. airports, including: Boise Airport, Colorado Springs Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Logan International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport, McCarran International Airport, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. 

Individuals with TSA PreCheck will be exempt from the new regulations. The program just became a little easier to join as Staples will soon bring enrollment centers to 50 stores this summer, and more locations in the future, beginning with Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York and Seattle.