WASHINGTON — Attention, air travelers! Be prepared to declutter when you travel through the security line.
The Transportation Security Administration is stepping up carry-on baggage screening procedures at U.S. airports, the agency announced this week.
All passengers are now required to remove personal electronic devices — including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles — from their carry-on bags before screening, the TSA said in an April 12 announcement. The agency said travelers may also be asked to separate other items from carry-on bags that can clutter up bags and obscure clear X-ray images.
TSA Precheck travelers are not affected by the changes, the agency said.
A TSA news release said that most travelers should experience minimal changes with the new procedures, which have been phased in over the past several months. D.C.-area airports began rolling out the new measures last fall.
“I am committed to continue raising the baseline for aviation security, and these enhanced screening measures enable TSA officers to better screen for threats to passengers and aircrew while maintaining efficiency at checkpoints throughout the U.S.,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske in a statement Thursday. “Our security efforts remain focused on always staying ahead of those trying to do us harm and ensuring travelers get to their destination safely.”
