Security crackdown to affect all air passengers
A new security crackdown announced yesterday by the Government means that all passengers flying into or out of the UK must ensure all electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are sufficiently charged to be turned on.
Any devices that can’t be turned on might be confiscated, the Department for Transport announced yesterday.
It said there would be checks "on some route into or out of the UK", but refused to disclose which routes were involved for security reasons.
Passengers flying from the UK to the United States had already been advised of the new rule, which is in line with new security measured introduced in the US in response to a terror threat.
US officials ordered some overseas airports with direct flights to the US, including Heathrow and Manchester, to step up screening of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, laptops shavers and cameras.
The DfT has now extended the ruling to other flights to and from the UK. In a statement it said: "In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.
"Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel."
The Department said that "for obvious reasons" it would not elaborate on the routes affected.
"We will work with the aviation industry to minimise disruption as far as possible," said a spokesman.
"The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained."
Meanwhile, air passengers face possible disruption from tonight due to a day of action by Border Force staff.
This may cause delays at passport control from 08:00 today until midday on Friday.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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