DHS Release New Security Guidelines, Potentially rolling Back Electronics Ban

Overnight the US Department of Homeland Security have issues an update regarding airline security for flights entering the US.

One can only assume that this comes off the back of the most recent electronics ban that affected flights to the US from several middle east airports and was rumours to be rolled out to Europe as well.

So What Has Changed?

DHS has issued new security guidelines that will need to be implemented by all 280 airports that have connecting flights to the US. The announcement doesn’t go in to much detail about what these changes will be, but suggests security measures will both be visible to passengers as well as behind the scenes. Here is what the announcement says:

There are more than 280 last-point-of-departure airports with direct commercial flights to the U.S., in 105 countries around the world. The enhanced security measures include but are not limited to:

• Enhancing overall passenger screening;
• Conducting heightened screening of personal electronic devices;
• Increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas; and
• Deploying advanced technology, expanding canine screening, and establishing additional preclearance locations.

What About The Electronics Ban?

So the exciting part of this announcement is that, provided the middle east airports currently affected by the ban comply with the new security measures and are certified by TSA inspectors, the ban on portable electronic devices will be lifted.

There is currently no indication how long this could take or what would be required or the airports to comply with the new requirements. But I can only assume given the impact the ban has had on the ME3 carriers that they will move quickly to implement all changes.

Fingers crossed Abu Dhabi implement the new changes in the next three weeks before i fly out :)

Tip of the hat (One Mile At A Time)