Australians flying to the USA are facing lengthy delays after the US Government demanded that all smartphones, tablets and notebooks are checked to see if they have a “charged” battery.
The US Transportation Security Administration has declared that it will not allow iPhones and Samsung’s Galaxy smartphones onto US bound planes unless they are checked.
The move to initiate new checks are part of the US Transportation Security Administration’s effort to boost surveillance amid concerns that terrorists are plotting to blow up an airliner.
Recently Prime Minister Abbott said that Australia is facing an increased terrorist threat after escalations in the Middle East that has seen cities overrun by terrorist groups.
US intelligence officials are concerned that al-Qaida is trying to develop a new and improved bomb that could go undetected through airport security.
Security officials are concerned that a mobile smartphone, tablet, laptop or other electronic device could be used as a bomb by Yemen-based al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and the Islamist Nusra Front, al Qaeda’s affiliate in Syria.
The TSA did not disclose which airports would be conducting the additional screening however Australians flying between Europe and the USA will be affected by the new checks.
US officials singled out smartphones including iPhones made by Apple Samsung Galaxy smartphones, phones for extra security checks on U.S.-bound direct flights.
They also are concerned that hard-to-detect bombs could be built into shoes, said the officials, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the issue.
A US official said that other electronic devices carried by passengers also are likely to receive more intense scrutiny.
Airlines or airport operators that fail to strengthen security could face bans on flights entering the United States, the officials said.
The US Homeland Security Department announced new plans to step up security checks, but they offered few details on how airlines and airports will implement them.
