Ruth Haines
If you're travelling by plane, you'll likely be familiar with the tedious process of airport security. One of the most common mistakes travellers make is assuming all electronic devices need to be removed from their bags and scanned separately. In fact, only devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, fall into this category. Mobile phones can remain in your bag or purse, but it's important to ensure they are charged. Since 2014, the Transportation Security Administration has required travellers to turn on their phones at security checkpoints to prove they are functional and do not contain hidden explosives. This measure is in response to concerns about the potential use of electronic devices as bombs. So, the next time you're packing for a trip, remember to keep your phone in your purse and make sure it's charged!
Can I keep my cell phone in my purse through airport security?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Do I need to remove my cell phone from my purse? | No, only electronics larger than a cell phone (e.g. laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles) must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. |
| Do I need to turn on my cell phone? | Yes, in 2014 the TSA announced that travelers must be able to turn on their phones at the request of security agents. |
| Do I need to remove jewelry? | In most cases, no. If you are wearing numerous or particularly bulky items, you may want to take them off, but smaller pieces such as wedding rings and earrings can usually stay on. |
| Are there any other security measures I should be aware of? | Yes, you will need to separate liquids into a clear plastic bag, remove your shoes, and be prepared for a possible pat-down. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening and are prohibited from the aircraft cabin if they cannot be resolved by security officials. |
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What You'll Learn
You don't need to remove your phone from your bag
However, it is important to note that you may be asked to turn on your phone at the request of security agents. This is to prove that it is a working device and not a hidden explosive. As such, it is recommended to ensure your cell phone is charged before heading to the airport.
TSA PreCheck members are exempt from removing electronics for separate screening. Additionally, jewelry does not need to be removed unless you are wearing numerous or bulky items, in which case you may want to take them off to avoid setting off any alarms.
In summary, when going through airport security, you can keep your cell phone in your purse or bag. Just make sure it is charged and easily accessible in case you need to turn it on for inspection.
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Only electronics larger than a phone need separate screening
When going through airport security, it is not necessary to remove all your electronic devices for separate screening. According to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), only electronics larger than a cell phone need to be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. This includes items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, and handheld game consoles. Phones and electric toothbrushes, however, do not need to be removed from your bag or purse. TSA PreCheck members are exempt from removing electronics for separate screening altogether.
It is important to note that you should ensure your cell phone is charged before reaching airport security. This is because, in 2014, the TSA announced that cell phones and other electronic devices would not be permitted on U.S.-bound planes unless travelers could turn them on upon request. This measure was implemented in response to concerns about potential bomb threats, as turning on a device proves it is functional and not containing hidden explosives. As a result, travelers with uncharged devices may be subject to additional screening or prohibited from passing through security altogether.
To ensure a smooth screening process, it is recommended to arrive at the airport early. While there are currently no restrictions on large personal electronic devices, hazardous materials are typically forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage. Powders in carry-on baggage may also require secondary screening, and any powders that cannot be resolved by security officials will be prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft.
Additionally, TSA employs a layered approach to security, with processes and procedures adjusted as needed to address evolving threats. This means you may notice changes in their procedures over time. TSA also relies on the traveling public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags or individuals in possession of threatening items, to enhance security further.
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Make sure your phone is charged
When going through airport security, you can keep your cell phone in your purse. According to the TSA, only electronics larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately.
However, make sure your phone is charged. It is not uncommon for travellers to find themselves in need of a charge while at the airport. While charging stations are readily available in airports, it is important to be cautious when using them. The FBI has cautioned against charging your phone via public USB ports due to the risk of "juice jacking", where hackers use the connection to transmit malware onto your device and steal your personal information. Within 60 seconds of charging, your device can be compromised.
To avoid this, carry your own charger and USB cord and use an electrical outlet instead. You can also carry a portable charger or an external battery to ensure your phone stays charged. If you do need to use a public charging station, use a USB data blocker with a power-only cable to prevent data transfer. Make sure to also install antivirus software and delete any suspicious apps if you’ve used public charging stations.
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You may be asked to turn your phone on
In 2014, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced that travellers would not be allowed to carry cell phones or other electronic devices on U.S.-bound planes unless they could be turned on when requested by security agents. This means that powerless devices will be prohibited from passing through security at certain airports.
The TSA has not elaborated on the reasons for this protocol, but news sources have speculated that it is a response to an al-Qaida bomb threat. By turning on their phones, passengers can prove that the device is functional and that its batteries are not hidden explosives.
It is important to note that only electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, must be removed from their carrying cases and X-rayed separately. Cell phones can usually stay in your purse or bag during the screening process.
However, it is always a good idea to be prepared and have your phone easily accessible in case you are asked to turn it on. Make sure your cell phone is charged before heading to the airport, and be cooperative with security agents if they request to inspect your device.
Additionally, electronic devices can be used to detect traces of drugs or explosives. While this practice is more common in the UK, it may also be implemented in other countries.
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Security measures are in place to prevent threats
One security measure that has been implemented is the screening of electronic devices. Passengers are required to remove personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops, tablets, and e-readers, from their carry-on bags and place them in a separate bin for X-ray screening. This is because electronic devices could potentially be used as bombs. In 2014, the TSA announced that travellers would need to turn on their cell phones and other electronic devices at security, otherwise, they would be prohibited from passing through. This measure was introduced in response to an al-Qaida bomb threat, with the idea that a working phone cannot contain hidden explosives.
TSA PreCheck members do not have to remove electronics for separate screening, and in most cases, jewellery can also remain on a person when going through security. However, if a passenger sets off any alarms, a screening agent will work with them to determine the problem, which may include removing jewellery.
In addition to electronics screening, TSA also screens approximately 3.3 million carry-on bags daily for explosives and other dangerous items. Powders in carry-on baggage may require secondary screening and are prohibited from the cabin of the aircraft if they cannot be resolved by security officials. Most hazardous materials are forbidden in both carry-on and checked baggage. TSA also relies on the travelling public to report any suspicious activities, such as unattended bags or individuals in possession of threatening items.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to take your cell phone out of your purse or bag at airport security. Only electronic devices larger than a cell phone, such as laptops and tablets, need to be removed and X-rayed separately.
Yes, since 2014, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has required travelers to turn on their cell phones and other electronic devices at security. If you have a dead battery, you may be subject to additional screening.
The TSA has not elaborated on the reasons for this security measure, but it is likely due to concerns about bombs. By turning on their phones, passengers can prove that they are working devices and that their batteries are not hidden explosives.
In most cases, you do not need to remove your jewelry. If you are wearing particularly bulky items, you may want to take them off, but smaller pieces such as wedding rings and earrings can usually stay on.
Yes, you should separate any liquids you are carrying into a clear plastic bag and place them in a bin for screening.
