The Philippine Airlines has announced that all portable electronic devices—larger than a cellphone or smartphone—of passengers bound for the United States will be subjected to additional airport screening.
The move, which took effect on July 19, 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 June 30, 2018, aims to ensure the integrity of all portable devices brought inside the aircraft.
PAL spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna said electronic devices that exceed the size limit must be surrendered by passengers to the airline for additional screening at the Redundancy Screening Checkpoint. She, however, said necessary medical devices are exempted from additional screening.Ӭ
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.
Villaluna said passengers must ensure that their large PEDs have sufficient battery charge enough to power up the PED during the additional screening process, and remove their electronic protective casing during inspection.
PAL urges its passengers bound for the US from Manila and Vancouver to yield to the inspection requirements, in compliance with security regulations.
“Passengers’ PED will be allowed onboard after it is cleared at the screening checkpoint,” Villaluna said.
Last September, PAL prohibited passengers from using and charging Galaxy Note 7 devices while on board the aircraft due to safety issues. The prohibition stems from the directive of the International Air Transport Association.
Reports showed that three Australian airlines have banned passengers from using or charging the mobile device during flights due to concerns over the phone’s fire-prone batteries.