TSA tightens security checkpoint procedures
Video game consoles and DVD players are now subject to separate X-ray inspection at airport security checkpoints
A new rule requiring airline travelers to remove large video game consoles and DVD players from their luggage for separate X-ray screening went into effect over the weekend without causing any serious backups, according to several airline representatives and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Small electronic items, such as cellphones, MP3 players, iPods, and portable video game systems do not have to be removed from passenger’s carrying cases. “Everything seems to be running smoothly,” United Airlines spokeswoman Robin Urbanski said Sunday of the change, which went into effect Saturday. Elaine Sanchez, spokeswoman at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, also reported no problems even though, she said, Sundays are among the busiest days of the week.
After being notified of the new procedure late Friday, JetBlue began including a notice in its preflight e-mail, which is sent to passengers twenty-four hours before their flights. “What we’re trying to do is make sure they get all the information about the new procedures before they get to the airport,” spokeswoman Jenny Dervin said. TSA spokesman Norm Brewer said Sunday he had not heard of any problems because of the new rule. Affected devices are Playstations, X-boxes and Nintendo consoles as well as DVD players.
Airline officials said the changes had thus far not caused significant backups at security lines.
