The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced on Wednesday that travelers flying to the U.S. from overseas will face additional scrutiny for laptops and other electronics larger than phones. The U.S. measure calls for an escalation of airline security worldwide in order to avoid a full-fledged laptop ban.
According to USA Today, the tougher standards will apply to 180 domestic and foreign airlines that fly direct to the U.S. from 280 airports around the world. The new rules will affect about 2,000 flights daily.
“Make no mistake: our enemies are constantly working to find new methods for disguising explosives, recruiting insiders and hijacking aircraft,” Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly, said in a speech at the Center for a New American Security, a nonprofit that develops security and defense policies.
Tightened security measures could include more bomb-sniffing dogs or upgraded technology. The New York Times reported that the TSA is currently testing two technologies to speed airport screening.
