Lap top and tablet ban
Join Date: Oct 2005
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I flew Qatar Airways on a JNB-DOH-BOS itinerary connecting to Air Canada for Toronto. When I was checking in JNB, I was asked whether I have any lap tops / Tablets and when replied in affirmative to both, I was told they should be in my hold baggage. But since I knew of QR policy of taking care of them out of DOH, I told the young lady that I will keep them until DOH. She was ok with that.
I arrived at the departure gate in DOH about 1 hour before STD and was asked by the security whether I have any devices affected by the new regulations and was directed to a temporary counter where they wrap the devices in bubble wrap and put them in a box and then cover the box in plastic and give it back to you to take it through security. Then the departure gate staff attached a limited release tag and take it off you.
On arrival in BOS, there was QR staff with all those boxes and return you the items once verified by the name and the tag number.
The whole process was very efficiently handled by QR staff at both ends. Since I never do any work on aircraft, I didn't really miss the devices especially with the excellent IFE of QR A350.
I arrived at the departure gate in DOH about 1 hour before STD and was asked by the security whether I have any devices affected by the new regulations and was directed to a temporary counter where they wrap the devices in bubble wrap and put them in a box and then cover the box in plastic and give it back to you to take it through security. Then the departure gate staff attached a limited release tag and take it off you.
On arrival in BOS, there was QR staff with all those boxes and return you the items once verified by the name and the tag number.
The whole process was very efficiently handled by QR staff at both ends. Since I never do any work on aircraft, I didn't really miss the devices especially with the excellent IFE of QR A350.
Join Date: Dec 2006
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The detailed text I saw said any electronic device larger than a cell phone. I suspect that applies to 'readers' like Kindle/Nook and to small tablets. It is one of those areas that even a written undertaking from your carrier can be overruled by security at the airport.
Join Date: May 2009
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Careful. UK and US rules differ. EK/DHS can only comment on US rules, while BA only on UK rules.
It helps to confuse the terrorists ..., and everyone else.
It helps to confuse the terrorists ..., and everyone else.
I pax a lot from UK to Asia. Bottom line the cost of flying direct is minimal compared to the hassle of Middle East carriers.
However I feel this is a commercial stance aimed at reigning the likes of Emirates flying to the USA.
However I feel this is a commercial stance aimed at reigning the likes of Emirates flying to the USA.
Paxing All Over The World
We are so lucky to have our Special Relationship that our dear prime minister ensured she could maintain by holding hands with kid in the White House ...
Now reported in The Guardian too: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...om-uk-airports
Now reported in The Guardian too: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/...om-uk-airports
Join Date: Dec 2006
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Logically, it would have to.
Although a better bet would be to follow Ireland and Canada and have US Security, Customs and Immigration at major transatlantic airports with sufficient pax to US to make it worthwhile. It would make things easier for the destination US airports too.
Although a better bet would be to follow Ireland and Canada and have US Security, Customs and Immigration at major transatlantic airports with sufficient pax to US to make it worthwhile. It would make things easier for the destination US airports too.
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Yes Jet II, but for transborder flights to be caught into the ban, they would have to add Canada to the list. Not saying they wont but the number of flights involved would increase by an order of magnitude. And affect US based airlines to a much greater degree. Doubtful, but you never know ...
The EK flights that transit ATH and MIL enroute to the US, with no additional security checks, are exempt from the ban. Now explane (pun intended) that one.
The EK flights that transit ATH and MIL enroute to the US, with no additional security checks, are exempt from the ban. Now explane (pun intended) that one.
Join Date: Jan 2017
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So long as Canada doesn't join the ban ... I had expected that Canada would do so, since it has for many years restricted ME3 flights into Canada to protect Air Canada, its Star Alliance partner Lufthansa and the Frankfurt hub. However, the (relatively) new Canadian government makes evidence-based decisions more than its predecessor, with an experienced astronaut and former Space Agency head as the Minister of Transport, and on security/safety grounds, the laptop ban is rather spurious. As for New Zealand, it would make good commercial sense, protecting Air New Zealand, so it is no surprise that New Zealand is making noises about joining the ban.
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This is starting to look like non-tariff barriers -the US is negotiating symmetric open skies landing rights and then essentially making the counterpart rights valueless post-facto by applying assymmetric security measures. My guess is that as soon as Europe gets involved this will end up at the WTO, after an ugly set of retaliations - eg food exports will get stopped for "health reasons".
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Yes Jet II, but for transborder flights to be caught into the ban, they would have to add Canada to the list. Not saying they wont but the number of flights involved would increase by an order of magnitude. And affect US based airlines to a much greater degree. Doubtful, but you never know ...
The EK flights that transit ATH and MIL enroute to the US, with no additional security checks, are exempt from the ban. Now explane (pun intended) that one.
The EK flights that transit ATH and MIL enroute to the US, with no additional security checks, are exempt from the ban. Now explane (pun intended) that one.
But as a policy to support the US carriers and hurt the ME 3... - judging by EK's results its working.

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Looks like the ban will be extended to some European countries possibly as soon as tomorrow:
U.S. likely to expand airline laptop ban to Europe: government officials | Reuters
Wed May 10, 2017 | 6:00pm EDT
U.S. likely to expand airline laptop ban to Europe: government officials
By Mark Hosenball and David Shepardson | WASHINGTON
The Trump administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.
Any expansion of the ban could impact U.S. carriers such as United Airlines (UAL.N), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) and American Airlines Group (AAL.O). Six U.S. and European officials said they expect the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make an announcement but declined to say when.
DHS officials plan to meet with airline industry officials on Thursday to discuss security issues, two people briefed on the matter said. Also on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues are expected to be discussed, a congressional aide briefed on the matter said.
U.S. likely to expand airline laptop ban to Europe: government officials
By Mark Hosenball and David Shepardson | WASHINGTON
The Trump administration is likely to expand a ban on laptops on commercial aircraft to include some European countries, but is reviewing how to ensure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair, officials briefed on the matter said on Wednesday.
Any expansion of the ban could impact U.S. carriers such as United Airlines (UAL.N), Delta Air Lines Inc (DAL.N) and American Airlines Group (AAL.O). Six U.S. and European officials said they expect the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to make an announcement but declined to say when.
DHS officials plan to meet with airline industry officials on Thursday to discuss security issues, two people briefed on the matter said. Also on Thursday, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly will give a classified briefing to senators about domestic threats and airline issues are expected to be discussed, a congressional aide briefed on the matter said.