Originally posted on January 15, 2016 @ 8:48 am
Traveling is a fun and enriching experience but one needs to be well prepared to enjoy it. Every traveler must prepare all the things he or she needs ahead of time and pack them well in sturdy bags and suitcases.
Electronic devices particularly smartphones, tablets and laptops are some of the items most travelers can’t do without these days. They can be brought along as long as the owners strictly follow the rules at their exit and entry points.
At airports around the world today, security is tight the reason why travelers need to be prepared and avoid mistakes to get through quickly and without hassle. Most, if not all, airports implement the same set of security regulations. However, it would be best if you do some research beforehand about the rules and new restrictions in your place of destination.
Here are some tips to follow to ensure your electronic devices pass through security check without a hitch.
Don’t Remove Items You Don’t Need
When you’re at the airport security, don’t take out your electronic devices to be x-rayed separately. Take note that only gadgets such as the size of a standard laptop or larger (PlayStation, Xbox or Nintendo) as well as video cameras that use video cassettes must be taken out from their cases and x-rayed separately.
“Devices that can be placed in carry-on baggage are the tablets, e-readers, handheld DVD players and phones, noted attorney Kerry Yianilos, a visa lawyer. “But as always, be prepared to present your gadgets to authorities when you are asked to do so,” she added.
Ensure Devices are Fully Charged
For those traveling via the U.S. or the U.K., new aviation security policies require that all electronic or battery-powered devices should be fully charged before you proceed to the airport. This is because authorities might ask you to turn on the device to prove that it’s working. Otherwise, the item will be confiscated, the owner will undergo additional screening or will no longer be allowed to board his or her flight. It’s also important that you know how to operate your device when you are asked to switch it on.
With this new regulation in place, it’s best that travelers keep their chargers and international power adaptors in the cabin baggage. It may be possible to charge your device at the power outlets available in most airports and airline lounges but they can be limited.
Go to the Airport Early
Always arrive at the airport several hours before your flight. This will give you enough time to check in and board the gate. Remember that there could be extra security checks you need to go through.
Also, be aware that there are multiple checkpoint entries particularly in most large airports. Some may be not be busy, though, during certain times of the day so you can choose which checkpoint to use. An app is available as well to help travelers check security wait times.