Flying with Electronics- new rule & some tips

If you are planning on carrying your mobile, laptop or ipad onto a plane to the USA or UK, make sure it is charged.

www.abc.net.au

Under new rules released last week by the US Transport Security Administration (TSA), passengers travelling from Europe, the Middle East and Africa to the US must be able to turn on their electronics at security in order to prove they are the genuine article and not some kind of bomb. The TSA states: 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.

The rule was extended to all air passengers flying into or out of British airports last week. There seemed to be some confusion at some airports but the bottom line seems to be, make sure your electronics work when boarding a plane.

The increased security comes after reports that two terror networks are working together on a bomb that could evade existing measures.

I am always running out of juice, so this one is going to be as important to get right as the “no liquids” rules. Some tips to help:

Charge the phone as long as you can at home or office before going to the airport
Every power outlet I see, I use to charge devices
I have learnt not to be too proud to ask shops, cafes and hotels if I can charge my computer, phone or ipad
As soon as a phone approaches 20% battery, switch it off to preserve power
Keep phone in power-saving mode – turn down brightness, switch off 4G, switch off all notifications, bluetooth and GPS
Carry a fully charged mobile charging device
Have a charger/adapter for international destinations
Don’t watch videos, scan lots of photos or take multiple lots of pictures
Remember that even after you have boarded the plane to conserve power. If you have to connect to another flight or if you have to change aircraft for some reason, you want battery left!