A news story you’ll see bouncing around the blogs this morning says you’ll need to charge your devices before you can get through security. In other words, make sure your phone can boot or you’ll have to leave it behind.

Close, but not quite right.

First off, here’s the original statement (in part) from the head of Homeland Security that started all this off:

DHS continually assesses the global threat environment and reevaluates the measures we take to promote aviation security. As part of this ongoing process, I have directed TSA to implement enhanced security measures in the coming days at certain overseas airports with direct flights to the United States.

The key focus here is, “certain overseas airports with direct flight to the United States”. So this does not apply to any flights originating in the US. And, presumably, a call to your airport will tell you about their policy. Worth checking in if you are flying to the US from abroad. Or just charge all your devices first.

For completeness, here’s the language the TSA site put up in response to the new directive:

As the traveling public knows, all electronic devices are screened by security officers. During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones. Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveler may also undergo additional screening.