Well I had my first experience of the laptop ban today and was pleasantly surprised how efficient it was.
Travelling THY from the Far East over Istanbul. I was hand luggage only I kept my laptop with me on the first flight and arrived at the Gate in Istanbul an hour before departure, there were additional security staff who asked if I had a laptop I said yes and handed it over, they only wanted the laptop no ancillary’s, the laptop was placed in a bubble wrap sleeve to which a limited release tag was attached and placed into one of three dedicated suitcases. I signed to say I had handed it over. A quick check of my baggage to ensure I did not have more than one laptop and I was on board. We departed about 15 minutes late but just prior to pushback I saw the three suitcases escorted across the ramp to the hold with a security guard. On arrival at Heathrow the three suitcases were escorted to a pickup point next two the baggage belt where two staff were handing the laptops over in exchange for the limited release tag.
The entire operation was efficient and secure. I can’t say it was safe because there were three suitcases fully loaded with lithium batteries in the hold. Ironically if I turned up at Heathrow check-in with the three suitcases that heavily loaded with laptops I am certain they would be refused.