New TSA rules will require airline travelers to remove Apple iPads, MacBooks from bags
In the coming weeks and months, travelers will no longer be able to keep iPads or small MacBook models in their bag when passing through security screenings, and will instead have to place them in a separate bin to be X-rayed, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration announced on Wednesday.
The TSA says the new rules apply to "all electronics larger than a cell phone." Previously, Apple's ultra-thin iPad, as well as the MacBook Air and 12-inch MacBook, were given approval to stay in a bag when being scanned.
The administration pilot tested its new electronics policy at 10 airports, and says the trial run was successful. As a result, the rules will expand to all U.S. airports in the weeks to come.
The new security requirements are a result of what the TSA characterized as "an increased threat to aviation security."
As has been the standard practice with larger laptops for some time, iPads and smaller MacBooks will need to be removed from a carry-on bag and placed in a bit with nothing on top or below. This helps TSA scanners get a proper view of the insides of the laptop when passing through an X-ray machine.
TSA has also warned that passengers may experience more bag checks because of extensive testing.
"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," said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
The TSA says the new rules apply to "all electronics larger than a cell phone." Previously, Apple's ultra-thin iPad, as well as the MacBook Air and 12-inch MacBook, were given approval to stay in a bag when being scanned.
The administration pilot tested its new electronics policy at 10 airports, and says the trial run was successful. As a result, the rules will expand to all U.S. airports in the weeks to come.
The new security requirements are a result of what the TSA characterized as "an increased threat to aviation security."
As has been the standard practice with larger laptops for some time, iPads and smaller MacBooks will need to be removed from a carry-on bag and placed in a bit with nothing on top or below. This helps TSA scanners get a proper view of the insides of the laptop when passing through an X-ray machine.
TSA has also warned that passengers may experience more bag checks because of extensive testing.
"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," said TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia.
Comments
https://www.schneier.com/blog/archives/2009/11/beyond_security.html
https://www.google.com/search?q=bruce+security+theater&oq=bruce+security+theater
Yes, yes, you do lose freedom AND time when this things are in place, but I would rather have that, than arriving in a black bag in pieces.
As to making things "...less predictable and harder for terrorists..", c'mon. Most of the time it's responding to the last known threat, not necessarily the next new one. I agree with the folks who note that it's just a form of security theater. Some feel-good nonsense for the most part. I just find it to be a minor annoyance, but something that I've factored in during the process of travel.
TSA Pre lets you keep your laptop in the bag, so presumably nothing changes there. The new rule appears to be "tablets and small laptops are treated just like laptops" (which seems reasonable to me).
So basically, nothing new to read here. I travel out of SFO (San Francisco) often and TSA always has people pulling out laptops and tablets in general.
*yawn*
I'm not sure that having to screen my iPad and/or MacBook separately constitutes as my "losing freedom". I'm free to travel using other methods that don't require security screenings like my car, train, boat, etc.. If I choose to fly by plane, that's the price of admission.
I agree with you though that it's a small price to pay to arrive at my destination whole and functional than in pieces at the bottom of the ocean. I'll pre-roll my eyes if anyone brings up the tired Benjamin Franklin quote as if it really applies here.
Now, lets have a look at the e-device ban, that does not allow to carry laptops and tablets into the cabin. Why? No airplane was blown by those types of attack recently. But I bet some agency somewhere got information that such an attack is being planned, and responded with a ban, preemptively.