Flying to US? Get ready for vigorous security checks of laptops, tablets

The US is stepping up security checks of personal electronic devices going in cabin baggage.

If you are flying to America or even within the country, you will have to comply with new rules and procedures.

Like Indian airports, US airports will also ask you to take out tablets and laptops out of hand bags and keep separately in trays for X-ray screening.

Presently, only large personal electronic devices such as laptops were required to be taken out at the US airports.

America's aviation security agency, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), stated, “As new procedures are phased in, TSA officers will begin to ask travellers to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carryon bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years. This simple step helps TSA officers obtain a clearer X-ray image," the TSA website says.

In standard screening lanes, TSA officers will be stationed in front of the checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening.