TSA Blog: Gadgets Are OK in Carry-on Bags

Responding to complaints on its new blog, the TSA says screeners should not be forcing fliers to remove all gadgets—not just laptops—from their carry-on bags. Why the confusion? Apparently, some "local TSA offices" took a little too much initiative.

According to the just-launched TSA blog (by way of Valleywag), complaints began flooding in Monday about agents demanding that travelers place all gadgets—including iPods, cell phones, and "even cords"—in screening bins. Meanwhile, the forums at FlyerTalk began lighting up with complaints as early as January 17, with flyers out of San Francisco International grousing that they'd been told to remove "anything with a power cord" from their bags.

Via its blog, the TSA said it checked out the complaints and found that the new policy "was set up by local TSA offices and was not part of any grand plan across the country," and added that "these practices were stopped on Monday afternoon."

Am I concerned that "local TSA offices" are apparently setting up their own policies willy-nilly? You bet. And just try quoting the rules to a stubborn screener while you're holding your belt and shoes in your hands.

That said, I'm glad the TSA took it upon itself to launch its own blog and take action when complaints started rolling in. The blog even boasts some snarky writing (example: after the policy fix, "BlackBerrys, cords and iPods began to flow through checkpoints like the booze was flowing on Bourbon Street"—not bad, guys) and links to vocal TSA critics like Schneier on Security and Cranky Flier. Hey, it's a start.

Related:
HOORAY BLOGGERS! [TSA blog]
TSA blames nerd-hating policy on rogue agents [Valleywag]