Effective July 19, 2017, all portable electronic devices (PED) – larger than a cellphone or smartphone – of passengers bound for the United States will be subjected to additional airport screening.
This move is in line with the new set of security directives issued by the United States Department of Homeland Security requiring airlines flying from last point of departure to the US.
The new US security directive, which will be in effect until 30 June 2018, aims to ensure the integrity of all portable devices brought inside the aircraft.
Electronic devices that exceed the size limit must be surrendered by passengers to the airline for additional screening at the Redundancy Screening Checkpoint.
Necessary medical devices are exempted from additional screening. The approximate size of a commonly available smartphone is considered to be a guideline for passengers.
Examples of large electronic devices that will be subjected to additional screening are, but not limited to: laptops, tablets, E-Readers, cameras, portable DVD players, electronic game units larger than a smartphone and travel printers/scanners
Passengers must:
– Ensure that their large PEDs have sufficient battery charge enough to power up the PED during the additional screening process
– Remove their electronic protective casing during inspection PAL urges its passengers bound for the US from Manila and Vancouver to yield to these inspection requirements, in compliance with security regulations.
Passengers’ PED will be allowed onboard after it is cleared at the screening checkpoint.
PAL Press Release by Cielo Villaluna