With the increase in terrorism threats, governments across the world, especially in the US, are coming up with extreme measures to protect their citizens. Did you know that you will not be allowed to board your flight if you have uncharged electrical equipment? This article looks at other interesting security measures that are not well publicised.

• All electrical equipment, such as mobile phone or laptops, must be charged prior to boarding your plane. You must be able to prove that they are working. This rule also applies to devices bought at the airport lounge. Equally it is your responsibility as a transfer passenger to make sure that your devices are charged prior to getting on the next flight.

If you fail turn on your device, it will not be allowed on the aircraft. In addition, you might be subjected to additional screening. According to British Airways, passengers who cannot turn on their equipment will be immediately banned from their US flight and have to reschedule, even if they offer to abandon the item or send it on separately.

• Airport body scanner – This security scanner caused quite a stir as it was deemed invasive. It can look underneath people’s clothes.

• Passengers on an international flight to the US must remain in their seats for the last hour of a flight without any personal items on their laps. In addition, they will not be able to access their carry-on luggage.
  As far as I know this security measure has been scrapped.

• “Snow globes that appear to contain less than 3.4 ounces (approximately tennis ball size) will be permitted if the entire snow globe, including the base, is able to fit in the same one clear, plastic, quart-sized, re-sealable bag, as the passenger’s other liquids, such as shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics”. This is devastating. I always buy a snow globe for my mum when I travel.

• “All food must go through the X-ray machine. Do NOT bring food to the security checkpoint unwrapped. Food must be wrapped or in a container. Unpeeled natural foods like fruit are okay, but half-eaten fruits must be wrapped.” – In other words, you can take an apple on the plane. However, once you bite into it, you must wrap it before going pass the security point.

• “You may bring skydiving rigs with and without Automatic Activation Devices (AAD) as carry-on or checked luggage”. However, do not mention it to other passengers in case of an emergency.

What do you think about those rules, especially the new security measure concerning electric equipment?