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[mangochutney]

It seems the TSA have just announced a new measure that will come into effect at some airports - it mentions overseas airports, but no specifics, though earlier this week they talked about upping security at airports with direct flights to the US.

If you can't turn on your phone, tablet or laptop etc then you will not be permitted to take the device on the plane.

So best make sure you take a charger with you!

During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.

http://www.tsa.gov/press/releases/2014/07/06/enhanced-security-measures-certain-airports-overseas

 

[Messofanego]

But, why?

 

[daviyoung]

I clicked the article expecting more info on why. Turns out the OP is pretty much it.

 

[Ovid]

I guess to prevent a bomb from being hidden inside of a mobile device.

 

[Blearth]

I thought they were easing up?

 

[Atilac]

I can't think of why

 

[daviyoung]

I guess to prevent a bomb from being hidden inside of a mobile device.

they x-ray it all anyway

 

[Alx]

I thought it was already the case. Or at least they used to ask people to turn their laptop on at security controls, since it is quite easy to disguise explosives as a laptop battery. Or so they say.

 

[Tesseract]

finally

 

[Iolo]

Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft

Does that include powerless citizens?

 

[Ovid]

they x-ray it all anyway

These terrorist guys are slick dude. Bombs in underwear, remember?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northwest_Airlines_Flight_253

 

[OneEightZero]

"You can't power up your phone? How do we know it's a phone and not an explosive device?"

I'm certain this is to narrow down the indecisiveness.

 

[Ty4on]

But, why?

Lithium ion batteries can explode if they are too discharged. Devices ofc have fail safes that kill the battery when it happens (which is why devices left in a drawer dies) and shut of well before that, but they are probably trying to be extra safe.

I'm guessing you could also hide stuff inside a phone/laptop thanks to all the metal.

 

[rpmurphy]

Is this only for carry-ons? If you bought an iPad, can you get the unopened box through security or in a checked-in bag?

 

[Shogmaster]

This is pure persecution against iPhone owners! [/Samsung]

 

[ComputerMKII]

The terrorists have won.

 

[Zombine]

I feel much safer now.

 

[nampad]

No power leaching passengers anymore.

 

[mjontrix]

They are going to siphon off all the data from the hardware that they can get. It's as simple as that. No more Snowdens.

 

[Messofanego]

Lithium ion batteries can explode if they are too discharged. Devices ofc have fail safes that kill the battery when it happens (which is why devices left in a drawer dies) and shut of well before that, but they are probably trying to be extra safe.

I'm guessing you could also hide stuff inside a phone/laptop thanks to all the metal.

Yeah, I've had that happen to multiple devices, would be funny if one actually exploded in a drawer. I guess they could fit bombs in those cases.

 

[Abounder]

Haven't we all played Watch_Dogs by now? It's so the USA can hack into our devices.

Spoiler

Actually I have no idea.

 

[Aquamarine]

Wonder how many terrorists this new security feature will stop.

 

[Syriel]

Whelp, guess the Game Gear has been officially places on the no-fly list.

 

[speculawyer]

they x-ray it all anyway

Like they can tell between a bomb and a phone.

 

[Syriel]

Like they can tell between a bomb and a phone.

Bring cheese or Tang in your carry on.

TSA will do a hand search because they can't tell the difference between that and explosives.

 

[terrisus]

Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft

Does that include powerless citizens?

/dead