HOUSTON-The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented new carry-on baggage security procedures at William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). The new procedures also are being phased in at George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), but will not be fully implemented until after the first of the year.
Last summer, TSA announced the implementation of stronger screening procedures for carry-on items that would require travelers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening in standard lanes. TSA is continuing to roll out these new procedures at airports around the country.
“Passengers at Houston Hobby are now being asked to remove electronics larger than a cell phone from their carry-on bags and place them in a bin with nothing on top or below, similar to how laptops have been screened for years," said HOU TSA Federal Security Director Hector Vela. “We encourage passengers to listen closely to the instructions given by TSA officers at the checkpoint to help guide them through the process."
In addition, TSA officers may suggest passengers remove other select items, including food, from their carry-on bags. This is not required, but helps x-ray operators get a clearer view of the contents of the bag.
TSA officers are stationed in front of HOU checkpoint lanes to guide passengers through the screening process and recommend how best to arrange their carry-on items for X-ray screening. At IAH, passengers in some lanes, at some times of the day, will also be asked to remove these electronics. Travelers are encouraged to organize their carry-on bags and keep them uncluttered to ease the screening process and keep the lines moving.
There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoint; food and liquid items that comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule, electronics, and books continue to be allowed in carry-on bags. The stronger security measures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA Pre✓® who are using TSA Pre✓® lanes.
Source: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
