Shortly after implementing electronics ban from eight Muslim countries, the ban may soon take effect on all international flights to and from the U.S. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly has recently announced that this decision might take place. The reason is continuous terrorist threats to bring down airplanes. Therefore, the expanded electronics ban could soon take place in order to increase the security of the passengers.
According to Bloomberg, the Department of Homeland Security has been in talks with European Commission about expanding the ban to cover the flights to and from Europe. The talks have been in progress ever since the initial ban that took place in March, but the final decision has not yet been made.
In addition to extending the electronics ban, Kelly said that the control of the carry-on luggage will become stricter as well. According to him, people cram more stuff in the carry-on to avoid bag-checking fees, and “the more you stuff in there, the less the TSA professionals that are looking at what’s in those bags through the monitors.” Personally, I would have to respectfully disagree with Mr. Kelly about the reason for packing electronics in the carry-on. In my case, it’s never been because of the fees. I just feel the gear’s safer with me, and not being thrown around together with the suitcase.
Finally, Kelly has mentioned the possibility that the airports will soon use new scanners, which will help avoid the strict procedures. With such scanners, according to Bloomberg, the staff will be much more efficient in discovering explosives. If this would become standard at the airports, then there would be no need for the electronics ban and other strict procedures. Unfortunately, it wasn’t said when these scanners could be used. So until then, it’s possible you might need to transport your electronics in the check-in luggage wherever you fly from the U.S.
How do you feel about these new possible measures of security? Will they affect you, considering that this would cover much more flights? And has the electronics ban affected you so far? Share your thoughts and experience in the comments.
[via Bloomberg]
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