Dead mobile devices banned from planes to US

International passengers travelling on American airlines from certain airports will need to prove their devices are charged before being allowed to board, in a new security effort aimed at preventing acts of terrorism.

The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) this morning announced uncharged mobile devices would not be allowed through to planes heading to the United States at a number of overseas airports.

TSA agents will ask travellers at checkpoints to prove their devices are powered by asking for the device to be turned on. Devices lacking power will not be allowed through.

"During the security examination, officers may also ask that owners power up some devices, including cell phones," the TSA advised in a notice on its website.

"Powerless devices will not be permitted onboard the aircraft. The traveller may also undergo additional screening."

The new security measures have been put in place to address concerns that mobile phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices could be used as an explosive device.

US security officials have previously identified Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones as requiring extra checks on flights to the US from airports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The agency had been directed to introduce the enhanced security measures at a number of unidentified overseas airports with direct flights to the US by US Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson last week.

It signalled that additional security checks could be introduced in the future.