Airport security changes affect large electronics items

Starting Saturday, travelers will be required to remove large electronic items from carry-on bags and present them for inspection at airport security checkpoints.

"The focus is on large electronic equipment," not portable DVD players, cell phones or MP3 players, said Jennifer Peppin, the Transportation Security Administration's spokeswoman in Seattle.

Affected are consoles for Xbox and PlayStation video games, large video cameras and large living-room style DVD players, she said. "Obviously these types of devices can resemble components that could be used in explosives.

Previously, only laptops had to be removed from carry-ons, and placed into bins at the checkpoints, along with shoes, jackets and any liquids and gels.

All electronic items can still be taken aboard the aircraft in carry-on luggage. Any items that travelers are asked to remove for inspection can be repacked inside security. The requirement does not affect items carried in checked luggage.

Signs announcing the changes are being posted at checkpoints throughout Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, said spokesman Perry Cooper.

In other changes effective Saturday, travelers will be allowed to carry-on disposable butane lighters, such as Bics, and refillable lighters, like Zippos, onto planes, but torch-style lighters will still be banned.

Mothers — or anyone — wanting to bring more than 3 ounces of breast milk onto an airplane can now do so. The liquid will still have to be declared to screeners.

Carol Pucci: 206-464-3701 or cpucci@seattletimes.com