UK Follows US in Electronics Ban | ExpatWoman.com
 

UK Follows US in Electronics Ban

This week, we reported that the US has placed travel restrictions for eight countries... And now, news has emerged that the UK wil

Posted on

22 March 2017

Last updated on 17 October 2017
UK Follows US in Electronics Ban

A travel ban for passengers heading to the United States of America will prohibit passengers from carrying electronic devices larger than a mobile phone in their hand luggage from Saturday 25th March, 2017. 

Lasting up to 7 months, the new restriction has been enforced by the US Transportation Safety Administration (TSA), and is believed to end mid-October this year. 

 

Since this news, it has been announced that the United Kingdom will also place a ban on laptops, iPads, Kindles and other electronic devices bigger than a mobile phone in carry-on luggage... But less countries have been affected. 

SEE ALSO: Why the US has banned electronic devices on flights to the country

While the US has restricted 10 airports, 9 airlines in 8 countries, the UK has banned devices from only six countries - which surprisingly, a few vary from the US selection. 

Electrical devices have been banned in carry-on luggage from the following countries: 

  • Turkey
  • Egypt
  • Tunisia
  • Lebanon
  • Jordan 
  • Saudi Arabia

Interestingly, the UK's ban also affects UK airlines, whereas the US one doesn't affect US airlines. The affected airlines for the UK ban include:

  • British Airways
  • EasyJet
  • Jet2.com
  • Monarch
  • Thomas Cook
  • Thomson
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Pegasus Airways
  • Atlas-Global Airlines
  • Middle East Airlines
  • Egyptair
  • Royal Jordanian
  • Tunis Air
  • Saudia Airlines

In another surprising difference, the US has banned electronic devices only on non-stop direct flights, yet the UK has implemented it also on transfer flights. Meaning, those travelling to the UK via one of the banned countries - and those travelling from a bannd country via the UK to another destination, The Daily Mail has reported. 

Why is this happening? 

The UK's decision follows the similar ban made by the US TSA under President Trump's administration. The US explained that it was concerned by recent attempts by terrorist groups to circumvent airport security and detonate bombs on planes. 

So why is it safer to stow electronics in the hold?

If a bomb were to detonate in the cabin, it only takes a small explosion to blow out a window and bring a plane down. Whereas, if one were to go off in the luggage hold, it is likely to be less damaging... Plus, harder for a terrorist to detonate. 


UK electronics ban 2

Are there any other countries who will enforce this ban?

Gulf News have reported that Canadian and French officials are also considering a similar ban, but Germany has said it will not. 

Stay tuned for further updates.