July 19 (UPI) — The Mexican government on Wednesday began enforcing additional security measures for larger electronic devices for passengers flying into the United States, at the request of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Mexico’s Ministry of Communications and Transportation advised passengers flying to the United States to arrive at the airport at least three hours before departure to comply with the security procedure.
“[Wednesday], for direct flights into that country, airlines will apply extraordinary security measures, which have to do with the review of portable electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smartphone,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry also advised passengers to carry as few electronic devices as possible in the passenger cabin, because that equipment is subject to security checks and must be presented without covers or protection.
In late June, DHS announced enhanced security measures for all flights into the United States, which also included greater screening of carry-on electronic devices.
Larger electronic devices in the passenger cabin are entirely prohibited on flights from several countries in the Middle East, but DHS officials last month declined to expand that ban to flights from Europe.
Canada also began enforcing enhanced security measures on Wednesday, which include security agents using advanced technology and more canine screening.
WestJet and Air Canada are advising passengers to arrive at airports at least two hours before departure due to the measures.
