TSA Begins More Stringent Screening Measures For Electronic Devices

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) – If you're traveling with a tablet or laptop, prepare for more rigorous screening as you make your way through airport security.

The Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday that over the next few months, the agency will be implementing "new, stronger screening procedures" at all U.S. airports for all electronics larger than a cell phone.

Under the new procedures, TSA officers will ask all passengers to pull all electronics -- such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles -- out of their bags and place them separately in their own bins in order to allow screeners to get a better X-ray image of the devices.

The new procedures have already been enacted at Los Angeles International Airport, one of ten airports that were part of a pilot program for the enhanced security measures.

The TSA emphasized it is not changing what travelers can bring through the checkpoints.

"By separating personal electronic items such as laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles for screening, TSA officers can more closely focus on resolving alarms and stopping terror threats," Acting TSA Administrator Huban A. Gowadia said in a statement.

Passengers should plan on separating their electronics from their carry-on bags prior to reaching the checkpoints in order to keep lines moving quickly.

Last week, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security informed Mexican officials that all direct flights coming into the U.S. from Mexico can expect more stringent electronics screening at Mexican airports.