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Electronics Ban on Flights to US From 10 Cities – What You Need to Know

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    Update:   The UK will also ban electronics in the cabin from certain destinations. 

    Heads up!  If you’re flying to the US from certain cities in the Middle East and North Africa, be prepared to check all large electronics, including laptops, tablets, cameras, and Kindles.

    According to the Department of Homeland Security, the new policy must be implemented in the next 96 hours, and affects 9 airlines operating to the US from 10 international airports.  And the ban is indefinite.

    This will be very inconvenient for folks who like to get work done, read e-books, or watch movies on their devices in-flight.  Only cell phones, smartphones, and necessary medical equipment will be allowed in the cabin.

    If You’re Traveling From Certain Cities in the Middle East and North Africa to the US, You’ll Have to Check Your Laptop or Tablet

    I’ll give you the details and suggest other options if this will affect you.

    In-Flight Electronics Ban

    Link:   Associated Press Electronics Ban

    Link:   Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet

    Link:   Department of Homeland Security FAQ

    The Department of Homeland Security now requires airlines operating from 10 Middle Eastern and North African airports to ban electronic devices in the cabin on flights to the US.  All electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smartphone must be in your checked baggage.

    Here’s what you need to know.

    1.   Which Airports Are Included in the Ban?

    The ban impacts flights to the US from 10 international airports in the Middle East and North Africa:

    Flights From Cities Like Dubai Will Be Affected by the Electronics Ban
    Note:   Even if your travel originates in another city, if you’re connecting through one of the included cities, you WILL have to check your large electronics.

    2.   Which Airlines Will This Affect?

    There are NO US airlines affected by the new rules.  Only these airlines operate from the included cities to the US:

    3.   What Types of Electronics Are Included in the Ban?

    The Department of Homeland Security says any personal electronic device larger than a cell phone or smartphone must be placed in checked luggage.

    This includes:

    Can’t Get Away From Work? Now You’ll Be Forced to Pack Your Laptop and Take a Breather

    However, if there’s a medically necessary device you must travel with, you’ll be allowed to bring it onboard.

    4.   Why Are They Banning Electronics on These Flights?

    The official word from the Department of Homeland Security is that there are concerns about terrorist threats which include “smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.”

    According to their FAQ:

    We have reason to be concerned about attempts by terrorist groups to circumvent aviation security and terrorist groups continue to target aviation interests.  Implementing additional security measures enhances our ability to mitigate further attempts against the overseas aviation industry.

    And they’ve said the ban will continue indefinitely.

    5.   What If You’re Booked to Fly From One of These Airports?

    Be proactive and pack your large electronics in your checked baggage.  There appear to be NO exceptions to the new rule, so everyone (including members of trusted traveler programs like Global Entry) is affected.

    If you’re connecting through one of these airports, the new policy applies to you, too.  It’s not clear how they’ll enforce the rule on connections, so it’s best to check your electronics at your originating airport.

    Be Proactive and Put Your Electronics in Your Checked Baggage – Even If You’re Connecting

    But if you absolutely must have your laptop or tablet with you, and you already have a ticket, you could cancel and re-book flights on a different routing (if you bought a refundable fare).  Otherwise, it’s worth calling the airline to see if they can switch you to different flights.

    And if you haven’t yet booked a flight, consider avoiding connections through these airports if having your electronics with you is important.

    6.   What If My Electronics Get Lost, Stolen, or Damaged?

    This is a huge concern, and it’s yet unclear how airlines and insurance companies will address this.

    Airlines usually have limits on their liability if baggage contents are damaged or destroyed.  Often, they’ll exclude fragile and expensive items, like computers.

    And if you have lost luggage insurance through your credit card, there’s a limit to what and how much you’ll be reimbursed for (often ~$3,000 per passenger).  So check the fine print on your travel benefits to see if you’re covered.

    Bottom Line

    The Department of Homeland Security is banning all large electronics from carry-on luggage on flights to the US from 10 Middle Eastern and North African airports:

    This means items like laptops, tablets, Kindles, and cameras must be in your checked luggage.  Even if you’re only connecting through one of these airports to a US-bound flight!

    Cell phones, smartphones, and necessary medical devices are still allowed onboard.  And the ban is indefinite, so consider the new rules before you book a ticket from or through one of these airports.

    What do you think of the electronics ban?  Has it already affected you?  Please share your experiences in the comments.

    Editorial Note: We're the Million Mile Secrets team. And we're proud of our content, opinions and analysis, and of our reader's comments. These haven’t been reviewed, approved or endorsed by any of the airlines, hotels, or credit card issuers which we often write about. And that’s just how we like it! :)