The Transportation Security Administration announced Wednesday it is testing tighter screening of carry-on bags at 10 U.S. airports, including those in Boston, Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and Lubbock, Texas. According to the TSA, it's all part of "counter-terrorism" efforts.
Electronics larger than a cell phone must be now placed in a separate bin to get through the TSA security checkpoint, that also includes other items like books and even food.
The idea is to de-clutter your carry-on, so TSA agents can look for explosives and weapons.
"Never before have I had to take my tablet out," says one resident from Maine who flew out of Logan Airport. "They actually pulled my bag over and searched my bag."
"Seems a bit unreasonable, I don't really see how it would be added security especially since TSA is often noted for not catching anything," said Marieke Visser, who landed at Logan.
Helen Swinghammer, of Florida, said she had no issue when asked of the new procedure on Wednesday.
"Ok, I have no problem. It's the old why claim the Fifth Amendment if I was innocent," she said.
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The TSA says items in the also bin also can't be stacked.
The new rule does not apply to pre-check passengers.
Some other passengers, however, fear the screening could make security lines even slower.
The TSA says passengers will have more bag checks, but say the testing will be quicker and more targeted.
They say it's to "protect the traveling public, which is their top priority."
The pilot program has been in the works for a while, and is not in response to the Manchester terror attack, according to the TSA.
If it's instituted nationwide, the TSA says it would be this summer after a long educational campaign.
