Aer Lingus to adhere to new U.S. guidelines over mobile phones

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration recently promulgated new guidelines for mobile phone users traveling to the United States from some foreign airports in view of the growing security concerns.

Citing heightened fears of possible terrorist attacks, the Transportation Security Administration said that the U.S.-bound passengers carrying laptops and mobile phones would be barred from taking flights out of some international airports unless they switch on their electronic devices. Aer Lingus and the Dublin Airport Authority have both confirmed that they have taken note of the guidelines and would be strictly adhering to this.

Media reports said that passengers traveling to the United States from Dublin Airport would in future be required to switch on their mobile phones and laptops to show that these devices are real. This is important from security point of view in view of growing threat of terrorist attacks worldwide.

According to the new guidelines, the passengers will be subjected to stringent body searches during security clampdown at the Dublin Airport soon.

Aer Lingus as well as authorities at Dublin Airport have however said that they both are currently liaising with the U.S. Department of Transport regarding the proposed aviation security changes at the Irish airports. Aer Lingus emphasized that it is sincere about security concerns and will accordingly advise its customers after studying the new regulations.

The new guidelines mandate that tablets, laptops and other electronic gadgets would be effectively banned from being carried on the aircrafts if they fail to turn on. The smartphones, particularly iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, have been singled out by the U.S. authorities for extra security checks on direct flights to the U.S. from Africa, Middle East and Europe.