Valid as at 1000 on 22 March 2017
Disclaimer: This FAQ is valid at the time and date above. We recommend that you contact your airline(s) for any further clarification on this issue.
On Tuesday 21 March 2017 the US government announced that certain electronic devices will be forbidden in the cabins of particular flights from the Middle East and North Africa, to the USA. The UK government followed suit some hours later.
USA Electronics Ban
What flights are affected?
Customers travelling on direct services to the USA from any of the following ten cities will not be permitted to carry most electronic devices in the cabin with them:
- Abu Dhabi, UAE (AUH)
- Dubai, UAE (DXB)
- Amman, Jordan (AMM)
- Istanbul, Turkey (IST)
- Cairo, Egypt (CAI)
- Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (JED)
- Casablanca, Morocco (CAS)
- Kuwait City, Kuwait (KWI)
- Doha, Qatar (DOH)
- Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (RUH)
What electronic devices are banned?
People on these flights will not be permitted to carry most electronic items that are larger than a smartphone in the cabin with them. These items must be placed in their checked luggage.
- Laptops - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Cameras and lenses – please check with the airline directly regarding specifications
- Tablets / iPads / Kindles / e readers – larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Portable DVD players - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Electronic game devices - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Travel printers and scanners - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
Some airlines include bluetooth headphones and cameras in this ban. It is very important that travelers check directly with their airline.
Can travellers take their mobile / cell phone on board with them?
Yes at this stage. Travellers may carry their smartphones and mobile/cell phones on board with them. They must ensure that these have enough battery power to be turned on and checked at airport security.
What airlines are affected by this ban?
Any airline that fly directly between one of the cities listed above and any USA port.
When does the ban take effect?
The airlines were notified at 0300 ET on Tuesday 21 March and were advised that they have 96 hours to comply. This will be the airline’s responsibility to manage and failure to comply within the four days could result in their licence to enter the USA being revoked. All affected airlines have advised they will comply.
UK Electronics Ban
What flights are affected?
Travellers on direct services to the UK from any port in the following six countries will not be permitted to carry most electronic devices in the cabin with them:
- Egypt
- Saudi Arabia
- Jordan
- Tunisia
- Lebanon
- Turkey
What electronic devices are banned?
People on these flights will not be permitted to carry most electronic items that are larger than a smartphone in the cabin with them. These items must be placed in their checked luggage.
- Laptops - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Cameras and lenses – please check with the airline directly regarding specifications
- Tablets / iPads / Kindles / e readers – larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Portable DVD players - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Electronic game devices - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
- Travel printers and scanners - larger than 16cm x 9.3cm
Some airlines include bluetooth headphones and cameras in this ban. It is very important that travelers check directly with their airline.
Can travellers take their mobile / cell phone on board with them?
Yes at this stage. Travellers may carry their smartphones and mobile/cell phones on board with them. They must ensure that these have enough battery power to be turned on and checked at airport security.
What airlines are affected by this ban?
Any airline that fly directly between any port in the countries listed above and any UK port.
When does the ban take effect?
We should assume it is effective immediately.
Why have these new rules been introduced?
These new rules are in response to what these governments feel are credible terrorist threats.
Please note:
- These bans apply to all passengers on these services, regardless of nationality.
- There will be exceptions for medical equipment – please discuss with your airline.
- Customers will only be affected if their service between the named ports is direct.
- At this time, the rulings do not apply to flights in reverse - from the USA or UK to these ports.
- This ban is currently open-ended
Will my electronics be safe in the hold of the aircraft?
Customers are advised to pack their electronics securely and separately in their check-in luggage and ensure that they are in secure cases or protected from movement or knocks.
I am affected by this ban and would like to change the route of my flight to the USA or UK.
Please speak to your Travel Expert. Normal change and cancellation fees apply.