What to Know About the TSA's New Electronics Rules

When going through security, most travelers anticipate having to take off their shoes and remove their laptop. Following a series of new TSA electronic rules, however, security will now require a more thorough vetting of passengers’ electronics.

“[The regulations] will now require passengers to remove all electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and put them into separate bins when passing through security screenings at airports,” reports Travel + Leisure.

The new electronics process was tested in airports throughout the United States and will now become the norm, said the TSA in a recent press release. For TSA pre-check members, the extra security measures will not apply (giving added incentive for travelers to take the time to sign up for pre-check).

The new electronics regulations come as no surprise, following the slew of travel bans that have been coming out of the Trump administration. The electronics ban affecting certain flights (largely routes serving Middle Eastern countries) has been debated over the past few months in an effort to thwart potential terrorist attacks.

“It is critical for TSA to constantly enhance and adjust security screening procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats and keep passengers safe,” TSA Acting Administrator Huban A. Gowadia told Travel + Leisure.

“By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats.”