http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...m-says-US.html

All flights to the North America: make sure your phones and laptops are charged.

They used to do this years ago - get you to boot up your laptop at security.

I used to have to take a photo with my camera.

Cell phone question from someone who hardly uses her phone. This article stated smart phone need to be turned on. I have an old fashioned type of phone that doesn't work in Europe (no SIM capability). I only bring it with me so I can call my ride from the airport. I guess it will still turn on even though I can't make a call?

Not sure, but my experience is that you can't expect consistency in approach! better to be on the safe and have it charged.

A few years ago, on a flight within Europe, I was asked to turn on my laptop by security staff. I cannot remember at which airport this happened, but it only took a few seconds to show that it was a working device.

This is rally nothing new.

I recall traveling back from London when there had been a rash of bombings many years ago. And the security people (police wearing white gloves) pulled out every electronic and made you turn it on - including take a photo with your camera - before you could proceed onto the plane. And I was mortified when a (thank heavens) female cop opened my plastic bag of used undies and rummaged through them - yes, wearing gloves.

I should add: The reason for the post, is just to alert you to the fact that if you are traveling in Europe this month(s), be prepared for longer line-ups at security, and build in extra time, even if domestic or continental.

Currently, these measures affect flights FROM Europe, Africa, and the Middle East TO the US.
There are no such extra security checks whether an electronic device or phone is charged or not for flights within the EU or from Europe to elsewhere but North America.
As flights to North America typically have the extra fuss done at a secondary checkpoint (i.e. taking shoes off, extra screening of hand luggage, dancing Lambada naked, counting from 1 to 2 etc.), the aforementioned measures do not affect anyone flying from Frankfurt to Rome or from Madrid to Tokio and passing through the general security checkpoint.
At least not for now.

I have an old fashioned type of phone that doesn't work in Europe (no SIM capability). I only bring it with me so I can call my ride from the airport. I guess it will still turn on even though I can't make a call?>>

adrienne - it only applies going into the US, so you'll be all right on the way to europe - just pack it in your checked luggage. on the way back, why not put it in your checked luggage, somewhere near the top or in a pocket on the outside? then you can take it out after you've got through passport and security.

cowboy - I am fast coming to the conclusion that going to the US is just not worth the bother.

perhaps that's what they want?

I am just pointing out, that in SOME airports they may not be organizing extra security requirements based on destination (NA versus non NA).

Therefore, all I am suggesting is to build in extra time to clear security, just in case.

Can anyone explain to the baffled what the point is from a security viewpoint of having items charged rather than uncharged?

nonconformist, it's to make sure that you haven't got some sort of explosive in there where the battery ought to be.

if you can turn it on, there must be a battery.

OReilly.. I doubt that.. there may be SOME airports, who knows, but the general layout at airports with no dedicated terminals for flights to the US is as follows:

General Security checkpoint for all departures, domestic, intra-EU, anywhere incl. North America.
Same procedure for everyone:
Take out liquids bag, take out notebook or iPad, leave phones and other devices in hand luggage, do NOT take your shoes off (unless you know that they will set off the alarm, or the agent asks you to do so).
These procedures affect 80-90 pct of all passengers.

If you fly to NA (or Israel), you typically will have an additional checkpoint near the departure gates or before you enter a concourse dedicated for flights to either regions. HERE you will experience the extra security measures mandated by TSA for flights to the US.

Obviously, any country can also implement these extra measures also for the general security checkpoints. But AFAIK and from what I have read so far, this is not planned. And I hope that none of the airports will do so.


annhig.. one could get that impression.. at least it smells a bit like another byzantine measure that comes out of the blue, will save the planet, makes people look busy, and no one can say if it really has an impact..
but OTOH, it takes more than the TSA to keep me from traveling to the US.. it's definetely worth the bother

<< just pack it in your checked luggage >>

I thought cell phones used the type of batteries that were not allowed in checked bags (lithium). I know that lithium camera batteries must be carried on the plane.

http://safetravel.dot.gov/whats_new_batteries.html

yes, but you could take the battery out and put it in your carry-on.

gets complicated, doesn't it?

You're killing me, Ann! LOL I think if you pop the battery you lose your contact list.

I don't care - I'll just do what the Germans tell me to do and they can figure out the phone if it doesn't work.

Regarding lithium batteries in checked luggage, read the DOT doc. It says (for small lithium batteries for camera, cell phone, etc). http://safetravel.dot.gov/quick_chart.html

Checked:
Lithium battery inside cellphone = ok
Lithium battery inside camera = ok
Lithium battery not installed in equipment, aka spare battery = NOT ok

Carry-on:
Lithium battery inside cellphone = ok
Lithium battery inside camera = ok
Lithium battery not installed in equipment = ok

What DOT does not want are loose batteries whose terminals can get shorted and the batteries get superhot or explode unnoticed inside the cargo bay. If they are installed inside devices, the terminals are protected, to most extent, from being shorted. However, I feel keeping expensive devices in the checked luggage can invite thefts.

Phones use non-volatile memories to keep contact list. They do not disappear if you remove the battery. Many phones require removing batteries to replace SIM cards. It would be a PITA if the contact list gets lost in the process.

So, terrorists are suspected of replacing the innards of electronic devices with explosives. (Wasn't that what brought down the plane over Lockerbie?) So, make people turn on carry on electronics. Solution? Of course not. Put the doctored device in checked baggage. Be afraid! Be very afraid!

Next solution: Prohibit electronic devices in checked luggage, since the TSA will never be able to open very bag and turn on every checked electronic device. Oh, you mean that they will just mail the bombs, since most mail goes by air and is never inspected? Ooops!

We are all doomed! Doomed!

However, I feel keeping expensive devices in the checked luggage can invite thefts.>>

greg, I don't get the impression that adrienne's phone falls into that category.

quite, AJP. and yet all those planes remain in the air.

Thanks for the explanation, Annhig.

I think that it is greg who we should thank, nonconformist.