If you’re flying into the United States, make sure your cell phone and other electronic devices are fully charged before you leave for the airport. Following a directive issued by the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has said it may confiscate devices that cannot be powered on when requested by security personnel.
According to reporting on the new TSA procedures, the tightened measures respond to intelligence indicating that terrorist groups have explored ways to conceal or convert consumer electronics into undetectable explosive devices. Because a working device is necessary to verify it is not a threat, travelers can expect TSA officers to ask some passengers to turn on phones, tablets, and other gadgets during screening.
Travelers should plan ahead: ensure batteries are charged, carry chargers or portable battery packs in carry-on luggage, and be prepared to demonstrate that devices power up if requested. This is particularly important for long international flights and connections where outlets may not be available before screening.
The policy does not make clear how or whether passengers will be able to recover items that are taken because they failed to power on. If you have critical data or essential apps on a device, consider backing up information before travel or carrying a spare device with sufficient battery life. Removing unnecessary apps and disabling power-hungry background processes can also help preserve battery for screening checks.
To avoid delays at security checkpoints, keep devices accessible in your carry-on rather than packed deep in checked luggage, and follow any instructions from TSA officers. While most screenings will proceed without incident, being prepared helps ensure a smoother experience and reduces the chance that a device will be seized for further inspection.
In short: charge your electronics, carry a backup power source when possible, and be ready to power on devices if asked during screening to minimize the risk of confiscation or travel disruption.