Upstate New York airports phasing in new security measures

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) recently began phasing in new security at airports through upstate New York, which requires passengers to place all electronics larger than a cell phone in bins for X-ray screening.

“TSA constantly enhances its security procedures to stay ahead of evolving threats,” TSA’s Upstate New York Federal Security Director Bart Johnson said. “The terror threat is real and TSA is committed to raising the baseline for aviation security.”

The new rule requires travelers to place the electronic devices in a bin with nothing below or on top of them, similar to how laptops are scanned. TSA agents will stand in front of checkpoint X-ray machines to guide passengers through the process and advise them on how to arrange their carry-on items.

There are no changes to what travelers can bring through the checkpoints. The new security procedures do not apply to passengers enrolled in TSA pre-check using TSA pre-check lanes.

The new measures will be in place starting this month at the four major upstate New York airports, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Albany International Airport, Greater Rochester International Airport and Buffalo-Niagara International Airport, as well as all of the smaller airports in the region.