Flight security

Homeland Security tightens screening for all flights from abroad — but won’t ban laptops

Homeland Security officials announced stricter passenger screening and other tougher security measures Wednesday for all commercial flights entering the United States, but said they would not bar laptop computers and e-readers in carry-on luggage as airlines had feared.

The new rules will impact about 2,000 flights a day from 280 airports in 105 countries, a move that could make international flying more onerous just as the busy summer travel season starts.

Secretary of Homeland Security John F. Kelly told a security conference in Washington that the enhanced measures would be “both seen and unseen.” He did not say when they will begin but said they will be phased in to give airlines and airports time to adjust.

Kelly said changes will include tougher screening of laptops and other personal electronic devices at airports, more thorough vetting of travelers, greater use of explosive-sniffing dogs, expanded exchanges of terrorist watch lists, and new systems to help prevent insider attacks by airline employees.