New Security Measures and Anticipated Affects

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New security measures have been put forth by the United States Department of Homeland Security that have raised a series of questions from international travellers seeking flights into the United States, according to an article recently completed by CNN Travel.  The reasoning behind these measures is being kept as purposely vague, although it is suggested that they are based in new intelligence that suggests smarter explosive devices are being created to outwit the current security precautions.

Only international flights bound for the United States will be affected; security procedures for all domestic flights in the nation should remain the same.  There has been a specific focus on hubs located in Europe, Africa and the Middle East; some of the airports in these locales have already implemented some of the suggested changes.

Specifically with these new mandates, the focus is on checking devices that could be wired with explosives that would’ve previously escaped the TSA’s attention.  All devices are subject to search, including laptops, cell phones, tablets and MP3 players.  The article particularly cautions that any passenger intending to take a United States-bound international flight should have their devices charged and prepared to be turned on; every device unable to prove that it is operational will be confiscated and the individual airport has the right to decide the fate of said device.  In addition, if the device cannot be turned on, the individual risks delaying the flight or being prohibited from boarding to begin with.  Another check on devices has been implemented at the boarding gates, directly before passengers are allowed access to the plane.

With new security procedures, the question is automatically raised in regards to delays and prolonging the already lengthy boarding process.  The article claims that airports are actively working to make sure the new requirements do not add any additional delays to flight preparation time.  Air travel experts were also consulted on the matter and seemed to believe that the new parameters would not have an exaggerated effect on the preparation time for a flight.  In addition, experts believe the new regulations may relax wit time, as the level of threat starts to subside.

from Wheels Up! http://ift.tt/1rXX4SW