Many times when traveling through TSA checkpoints people are asked to power on electronic devices like phones, tablets and laptops to prove that they work although this may be mandatory very soon. This mandatory status will currently only be instated for those traveling on direct flights from some International locations overseas to the USA. If you cannot power on your device you will be asked to leave it behind so be sure its fully charged before getting on any International flight just to be safe. This comes from enhanced security measures ordered by Jeh Johnson the Secretary of Homeland Security.
If TSA asks that you turn on your device they are really asking you to prove that its not a bomb made to look like a mobile device. While there are people out there that could make a hollowed out phone power on and still have a bomb in them the thought is that its highly unlikely. This said it is one step closer to making our airlines a little safer as annoying as this can become. Again be sure your devices are fully charged when passing through TSA checkpoints as the security measure could cost you a phone.
“As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening. – TSA.gov”
If for some reason you cannot power up the device before boarding one of those international flights you will either have to miss the flight to save the phone or part ways with it. This said if it does not power up you will also have to go through further screening even if you leave it behind since they cannot verify that its not a bomb. Be safe and charge the device completely as well as carrying a battery pack and or additional battery. Thank you terrorists for yet another security measure implemented by Homeland Security.
If you have anything to add to the conversation we would love to hear from you via comments below as this will likely be a very controversial measure taken by TSA and could cost business travelers millions in lost electronics.