Travelling with mobile phones with discharged batteries
I seem to recall some rule coming in to force about not being able to board a flight with a mobile phone that had a flat battery (wouldn't turn on) (introduced for security reasons)
Is this enforced? (I.e. Are there spot checks at certain airports or on certain airlines, which ones?)
What could the consequences be for not having the phone charged?
Best Answer
Airport security officers may, randomly, ask that you turn on electronic devices (usually do something to activate the display) to show that they are functional. To do this, the battery must not be completely discharged. If you are unable to turn on the device, they may not allow you to bring the electronic device through the checkpoint and you would have to dispose of it or otherwise arrange to get it to your destination (or, perhaps, find a charger).
This related to a US TSA program, as discussed by the TSA in this press release, this blog post, and this BBC article. While the TSA does not screen passengers outside the US, it does work with the authorities in other countries. Other countries do perform similar checks as part of their security program, even for flights not involving the US, or if they detect anomalies on an X-ray. The UK, for example, advises that electronic device batteries should be charged for all flights in or out of the UK.
This is not an entirely new procedure. Asking travelers to briefly turn on laptops was something that occasionally happened even pre-9/11.
In my experience, such checks are rare, but can happen randomly. I've been asked by the TSA in the US and once at a pre-boarding check on SWISS in Zurich flying into the US.
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Does your phone have to be fully charged to fly?
The Department of Transport has announced new rules this week stating that mobile phones, tablets and other devices must be charged and able to turn on before boarding. In fact, some airlines may force you to rebook your flights or leave your device if it can't turn on.Can a dead phone come back to life?
3) Try to force restart your dead phone Try any of these methods to force your dead Android phone to restart. Press and hold the Power button for 8 \u2013 10 seconds. OR, Press the Power + Volume down (or up) button for 8 \u2013 10 seconds.Can a dead phone battery be recharged?
Place the sealed battery inside the freezer and leave it overnight or at least 12 hours. By exposing the battery to low temperatures such as the inside of a freezer, it allows the battery cells to recharge a little, enough to hold sufficient charge to be connected to a phone charger.Can mobile phone be put in check in baggage?
Most consumer personal electronic devices containing batteries are allowed in carry-on and checked baggage, including but not limited to cell phones, smart phones, data loggers, PDAs , electronic games, tablets, laptop computers, cameras, camcorders, watches, calculators, etc.Battery Life Explained: Are you killing your battery with bad charging habits?
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Images: Stanley Ng, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio