Phone checks now at UK airports too

AIRLINE passengers flying into or out of the UK are being advised to ensure electronic devices in their hand luggage have enough power to be switched on.

The additional checks at on unspecified flights to and from UK airports is an extension of security measures introduced last week for US-bound flights.

The the Department for Transport (DfT) has updated its guidelines, which now read: "In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK 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.

“Passengers ... are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.”

The new guidelines apply to all small electrical items that can be carried in hand luggage, including mobile phones and laptops, tablets, MP3 and MP4 players, hairdryers, straighteners, cameras and camera equipment, travel irons and electric shavers.

Britain’s transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said he did not expect any additional delays at security as a result of the extra checks.

“I hope it won't delay passengers that much," he said. “There has to be extra checks but these will be made in the course of events going through security that people already undergo.”

Charging points for electric devices are available at airports across the UK.

Other existing hand luggage restrictions still apply - for example those on liquids.