Will you be affected by the UK and USA technology flight ban stopping portable technology being taken into cabins on flights?
Following a “credible” warning of terrorist activity, America recently banned all portable technology from being taken on flights from 10 named airports in the Middle East. This does not affect any outbound flights from America, and only those originating from the 10 airports.
Outbound flights from the following airports into the US will be affected:
- Queen Alia International Airport
- Cairo International Airport
- Ataturk International Airport
- King Abdul-Aziz International Airport
- King Khalid International Airport
- Kuwait International Airport
- Mohammed V Airport
- Hamad International Airport
- Dubai International Airport
- Abu Dhabi International Airport
Photo by: fifeflyinglife/Adobe Stock
The UK has also announced a similar ban on technology which stops travellers from Egypt, Turkey, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Lebanon from taking large mobile phones, laptops and tablets within their carry-on.
Flights from the UK won’t be affected, and only flights into the UK from those 6 countries above will have to follow the new ban.
The UK change will come into effect no later than Saturday 25th March and, similarly to the US ban, will remain indefinitely.
If you’re planning on flying into the UK from one of the listed countries, be sure to check with your airline how they are responding to this change. Monarch flights from Turkey in the summer will have increased weight allowance for stored luggage in order to cover the additional electronic items.
All passengers may also be called to board their flights earlier than originally planned to counter any delays caused by passengers who have electronic items in their carry-on so be prepared to leave extra time to check-in.
What should you do if you’re affected by the UK and USA technology flight ban?
If you are being stopped from taking your electronics into the cabin, make sure you take the necessary precautions to protect your valuables when they are stored in the hold. Invest in sturdy luggage or protective cases for your items, and padlocks for your bags/cases.
If you have any further concerns or queries, you should contact your airline as soon as possible.
Remember- flights from the UK into America are not affected by the new ban. Flights leaving the UK are not affected by the UK changes.
