Device Rules Expanding for Flights to and from the U.K.

If you plan to fly in or out of the United Kingdom, you had better make sure your gadgets are charged up before you do so.

Following an increase in security related to electronic devices issued by the TSA last weekend, the U.K. has announced it will be following suit. “On 2 July we announced we were stepping up some of our aviation security measures,” said a government spokesperson. “In line with the U.S. advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the U.K. may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.”

Previously the new rules had only been for flights bound for the U.S. from certain countries, but it now appears that in the case of the U.K. it will be a two-way street.

The U.K. did answer one of the burning questions that has been circulating since earlier this week. If your device is unable to power on, we have been told you would have to leave it behind if you still wanted to board the flight. U.K. airlines are apparently offering to forward it on via postal delivery at no charge. It isn’t clear as to which airlines will be following this idea as Virgin Atlantic said it will hold the devices for the passengers at the airport, but not all hope is lost of your devices disappearing from your life forever.

You will want to make sure that you have all of your devices powered up with enough charge that they can be turned on before you head to the security area at the airport. It would also be advisable to not bring any more gadgets than are absolutely necessary as the more you have, the longer it will take you to move through security.

There is no word as of yet if these new rules are temporary or permenant, but we’re sure to find out in the near future.