Batteries are the new bombs, so the TSA will require the removal of all electronic devices larger than mobile phones from carry-on baggage for additional screening:
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) said Wednesday it will impose new stricter security rules requiring airline travelers to remove all electronic items larger than mobile phones like tablets, e-readers and video game consoles from carry-on baggage for screening.
Prior rules required only laptops to be removed for separate screening. The new rules significantly expand the number of electronic devices that will need to be removed for screening and help government employees get a clearer view during X-ray screening.
TSA said the new rules have been in place in a pilot project at 10 U.S. airports including Detroit, Los Angeles, Boston and Phoenix, and will expand to all U.S. airports in the months ahead.
When does a mobile phone become too large? What about 6-inch "phablets"?
This will be great news for the photographers out there with multiple cameras and backup batteries.
(Score: 2) by kaszz on Thursday July 27 2017, @12:28PM (4 children)
The cons of conducting business in the USA is on the increase. Are the pros also going by the same rate?
(Score: 5, Funny) by takyon on Thursday July 27 2017, @12:42PM
Well, we're winning so much that we're sick and tired of winning.
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(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 27 2017, @12:43PM (1 child)
Free prostate exam?
(Score: 2) by DannyB on Thursday July 27 2017, @01:39PM
That's one thing. But now the TSA wants to grope my electronics too.
To transfer files: right-click on file, pick Copy. Unplug mouse, plug mouse into other computer. Right-click, paste.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 27 2017, @01:12PM
> Are the pros also going by the same rate?
Yes, but in the other direction!
(Score: 5, Insightful) by Justin Case on Thursday July 27 2017, @12:56PM (1 child)
Dumkie always hated the smart kids, mainly because he didn't understand what they were doing. Dumkie never finished high school, and had trouble making more than minimum wage until he got hired by the TSA. Now Dumkie stares at a TV screen all day long, every day, bored out of his tiny skull.
Except once in a while, someone comes through the line that isn't "normal". Dumkie sees some electronic thingie he doesn't recognize. In a panic, expecting it to explode any second, he screams for the equally bored airport cops standing around with their loaded shotguns.
When the dust settles, Dumkie realizes he is merely in the presence of another smart kid, now grown up and making more money than Dumkie will ever see doing things Dumkie still doesn't understand. This, of course, must be severely punished. Now it is just a matter of figuring out how to settle the score.
But at least the TSA is keeping terrorists off the planes. And lions, too!
(Score: 2) by DeathMonkey on Thursday July 27 2017, @06:08PM
On the other hand if this keeps Samsung off the flight it might be the only non-theatric part of the security apparatus!
(Score: 2) by MrGuy on Thursday July 27 2017, @01:16PM
Yet another reason why, if you fly more than 2-3 times a year, or travel in any professional capacity at all, its practically a job requirement to have pre-check. It exempts you from so many of these security theatre requirements being put in place by an agency that can't find over 90% of the ACTUAL WEAPONS in luggage (which makes their pursuit of incredibly exotic and unlikely weapons even more ludicrous IMO)
(Score: 1, Funny) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 27 2017, @02:44PM
They have all that x-ray technology, and none of it can figure out there's a brick of c-4 where your battery should be? Of course small explosives in the underwear are probably ok. If you want to blow your junk off that's none of my business as long as it relatively quiet, doesn't smoke too much and the spray stays in your trousers.
(Score: 3, Funny) by Zinho on Thursday July 27 2017, @03:08PM
Sounds like the TSA finally started listening to Randall... [xkcd.com]
"Space Exploration is not endless circles in low earth orbit." -Buzz Aldrin
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 27 2017, @04:47PM (2 children)
Road. Rail. Sail.
Seriously, between the TSA gropefest, and airline abuses, and the general my-life-sucks of cattle class, you might as well ignore airlines for anything short of a real crisis.
And if it's a real crisis? Flying probably wouldn't get you there on time anyway. So relax, find your zen, and ride the rails.
(Score: 2) by Justin Case on Thursday July 27 2017, @04:56PM (1 child)
I'm with you. I will drive up to three days to avoid the airport.
However, don't think the goons will be content to stop at air travel. They're coming for everything, everywhere. Fortunately, they are a manifestation of bumbling, incompetent government, so it will take awhile. But it is as unstoppable as the sea.
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Thursday July 27 2017, @05:07PM
Rail travel isn't perfect in the US, but for medium to long travel, it's not bad. You have a comfortable seat, power points for your laptop/gadgets, you can walk around and stretch your legs, even enjoy the sightseeing because you don't have to watch the road all the time.