22/03/2017
Electronic devices on flights to the US and UK
IMPORTANT NEWS
The UK and USA have imposed a ban on travelling with certain electronic devices in hand luggage.
The baggage restrictions are set to be imposed as early as 25th March, however in the case for UK flights, the UK Government has advised that they have left this in the hands of the airlines to decide on when they should impose.
Current reports indicate that any electronic device larger than a smartphone will not be permitted in hand luggage. Such items include but not limited to, tablets and laptops and other devices larger than 16cm x 9.3cm.
The ban affects most flights to the US or UK from certain countries in the Middle East, North Africa and also Turkey. A current list of airlines and airports affected for direct travel to the US or UK can be seen below:
USA bound Flights
Any direct USA bound flight from any of the below will likely be affected by the ban:
1. Mohammed V International, Casablanca, Morocco
2. Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
3. Cairo International Airport, Egypt
4. Queen Alia International, Amman, Jordan
5. King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
6. King Khalid International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
7. Kuwait International Airport
8. Hamad International, Doha, Qatar
9. Abu Dhabi International, United Arab Emirates
10. Dubai International, United Arab Emirates
There are nine airlines which will currently be affected by the above:
- Royal Jordanian
- EgyptAir
- Turkish Airlines
- Saudi Arabian Airlines
- Kuwait Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Etihad Airways
UK Bound Flights
We understand that this will affect all airports in the following areas:
- Turkey
- Lebanon
- Jordan
- Egypt
- Tunisia
- Saudi Arabia
There are fourteen airlines which will currently be affected by the above:
- British Airways
- Easyjet
- Jet2
- Monarch
- Thomas Cook
- Thomson
- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airways
- Atlas-Global Airlines
- Middle East Airlines
- Egyptair
- Royal Jordanian
- Tunis Air
- Saudia
As it is likely that more airlines, cruise companies and suppliers may also impose such restrictions, our advice is that regardless of the destination or method of travel, all passengers should check luggage restrictions accordingly.