United States: Blanket electronics ban on flights considered

Event

A US government official has reiterated that, due to the terrorist threat, a ban on electronic devices from airplane cabins is being considered for all international flights to and from the United States. Passengers flying directly to an American airport would be prohibited from transporting battery-powered electronic devices in carry-on luggage. If the measure is adopted, it could be done so with little to no warning.

As a reminder, a ban on all electrical devices larger than a “normal sized” smartphone (16 cm x 9.3 cm x 1.5 cm) - including laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, DVD players, and video games - is already in effect for direct flights between the US and airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

Advice

Travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to contact their airlines for more information.