Earlier this year, the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA enhanced screening requirements for transatlantic flights bound for the US and select US airports. These changes were due to the perceived threat that explosives could be hidden in electronic items. Many overseas airports have adopted these same security changes. Specific details on which airports are affected by these new policies is not available, nor is it spelled out what happens if passengers fail to meet these requirements (specifically: what happens if their devices are out of battery / cannot be turned on).
Devices in airports is a tricky issue. On the one hand, you want to have your devices in the airport and on the plane to pass the time. On the other hand, airports are one of the top locations for device theft. Our own research has shown that these thefts happen everywhere: in luggage, on the plane, during check-in/security, and at the terminal.
Top 10 Tips for Devices at Airports
To ensure your device travels with you to your destination, you can do your part to minimize the threat of theft and navigate the tricky security issues with these tips:
- Always have all of your devices (laptops, tablets, smartphones) as part of your carry-on baggage
- Always keep your devices charged, as you may now be required to turn them on at security (possible pre-boarding AND after the flight). Take your chargers with your carry-on bag, just in case. If you are traveling overseas, ensure you have the right power adapters in order to charge your devices before your return. Do *not* deplete your entire battery during the flight.
- Consider an external device or case to charge your devices. This article offers more tips on conserving battery life and charging on the go.
- Use an inconspicuous laptop bag, backpack or tote bag so that it’s not obvious you have a laptop with you
- Never leave your bag unattended, even to use the washroom or to talk to airport personnel
- Do not proceed through the security check until you’ve noted your devices, particularly your laptop in its own bin, is in the x-ray machine. Watch as it exits the x-ray machine (so it is not ’swapped’).
- Minimize unwanted attention and do not pull out your laptop while in the airport unless absolutely necessary.
- Clearly mark the exterior or your laptop so it cannot be swapped when you aren’t aware (do the same for your laptop bag). Tape or stickers can also make new gadgets look older.
- Place your bag of devices under the seat in front of you while on the airplane, not in the overhead bin or in the pocket. You wouldn’t believe how many devices are forgotten!
- Install Absolute LoJack. Only Absolute LoJack has a dedicated Investigations Team that works to find and recover your stolen device, while giving you tools to remotely protect your private and sensitive data.
