Frustrated travelers

DW: In the future, non-charged mobile phones and laptop computers will not be allowed onto flights to the United States. What is the purpose of this regulation?

Tim van Beveren: A similar rule was already in place. It often happens that passengers are asked to turn on their electronic devices to see if they really work. A common answer is that the battery is empty. But that means the security officers cannot test whether the device is a dummy - and the battery made of plastic explosives - or whether it is safe. So people therefore must be able to turn on their phones and laptops and allow the officers to confirm that the device is working properly. And if there is any doubt, these devices can be subjected to a separate test.

What does this mean for passengers? Should I be worried about my mobile phone?

If I take my electronic device, such as an iPhone or iPad on board, and then want to watch a movie or read a newspaper, I need to bring a suitable charger. Because if I find myself on a flight from Germany to the US, then by the end of the flight, the battery will be empty. And if I'm standing there at the airport check-in for a domestic flight, I have to go through security again, and if the device is not charged, I risk having to leave it behind - and not get it back.

That means: You should bring chargers, if necessary ones that work on board. But the next problem, of course, is that not every economy-class seat is equipped with such a power supply. They are usually only found in business or first class. And you cannot assume that you can use a power outlet at every airport. As far as I can see, there's only one option: I leave the security check, go to the nearest post office and send it to myself. This of course also depends on how much time I have. The whole procedure will certainly lead to a lot of frustration among passengers.

The US is warning of explosives in mobile phones. How great is the risk?

I only need to make one hole in the fuselage at a critical point to put the aircraft and its passengers in danger. This requires only a small amount - which would fit into an iPhone, for instance, if I take out the battery. In a functioning mobile phone - that is, one with a battery - there should be no room for explosives. The danger in checked baggage is somewhat lower because it is extremely difficult to detonate a bomb if the phone is switched off. There's also a high risk the luggage will be screened. Today, that happens to all luggage, especially at sensitive airports. The US and Israel are especially meticulous about this.

Can the Americans determine the safety regulations at European airports as easily as that?

It depends on where the flight is headed - internationally, the security agencies work together closely. It can be assumed that the Americans will insist on this. These are regulations that are due to the threat situation. The airlines are obliged to implement these provisions immediately. Otherwise, an affected country can simply prohibit an airline from landing. It's also a matter of sovereign rights.

For several years, sharp objects and liquids have not been allowed on board, now dead batteries: What security checks will we have to prepare ourselves for in the future?

That depends on what the somewhat discredited intelligence agencies are able to discover. It's already the case that bookings to the US are screened. I cannot travel there without prior authorization. In the US, it is also common practice to use body scanners - in contrast to the metal detectors used in Germany. As long as we face a relevant threat, things will continue in this direction.

The Israelis, too, are very successful in the way they perform security checks. Unlike in Germany, where people are selected arbitrarily, Israel's security forces are highly trained. This system has proved itself. Although it certainly is one of the most threatened airlines, Israel's El Al has never fallen victim to a successful attack. That is certainly something we can learn from. But I doubt this can be accomplished with our security forces. These are not police officers, but outsourced workers, some of whom are not even paid minimum wage.

Tim van Beveren has worked as a professional journalist for technology and aviation as well as a consultant for aviation safety issues.