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Rumor: Electronics Ban to Include Flights From Many Popular Vacation Destinations!

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    A few months ago, I let you know about the electronics ban on flights to the US from 10 cities.  Now, according to One Mile at a Time, it’s rumored the ban will soon include flights from ALL of Europe!

    This isn’t good news for folks who like to use their devices to get work done or watch movies in-flight.  Because if it’s an extension of the current electronics ban, only cell phones, smartphones, and necessary medical equipment will be allowed in the cabin.

    If the Rumors Are True, You Won’t Be Able to Use Certain Devices on Flights to the US From Europe!

    Here’s what we know so far about the rumored expansion of the in-flight electronics ban.

    Expanding the In-Flight Electronics Ban

    Link:   Department of Homeland Security Fact Sheet

    Link:   Department of Homeland Security FAQ

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

    Currently, there is an electronics ban on flights to the US from 10 international airports in the Middle East and North Africa, including Cairo, Istanbul, Dubai, and more.

    And now, there’s a rumor that the ban will be extended to include flights originating from Europe!

    The current ban includes devices like:

    So if the ban is indeed extended, you won’t be able to read e-books or use your computer to watch movies on those long flights across the pond.  That will be especially inconvenient for folks traveling for work or for those with small children, who use devices to keep their kids occupied!

    Large Cameras Are Included in the Current In-Flight Electronics Ban Too!

    I’d also bet there are MANY more folks traveling from Europe than from the original 10 international airports included in the ban.  So this change will affect a LOT more people!

    But if you’re planning a trip to Europe, you could consider looking for a flight that connects through Canada.

    For example, you could fly with Air Canada, and connect through cities like Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, or Vancouver.

    Air Canada is part of the Star Alliance.  This means you book flights to Europe on partner airlines like Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, and more!  You can also use United Airlines miles to book award tickets to and from Europe with the same Star Alliance partners.

    AMEX Membership Rewards points transfer to Air Canada, and Chase Ultimate Rewards points transfer to United Airlines at a 1:1 ratio.  Plus, you can transfer Starwood points at a 1:1 ratio to both of these airlines.  So you have a few options.

    Keeping Your Checked Electronics Safe

    If you’ve already booked your flight and can’t re-route it, or can’t avoid flying direct from Europe to the US, make sure your checked electronic equipment is insured against possible losses.

    Credit cards often offer coverage for lost or damaged luggage.  Citi has the most generous policy.

    If you have certain cards, for example, like the Citi Prestige or Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard, Citi will pay up to $3,000 ($2,000 for New York residents) per “Covered Traveler” or up to $10,000 for all Covered Travelers, and there are no restrictions on electronics or computers.

    Check back soon for a more in-depth post about keeping your checked electronics safe and insured.

    Bottom Line

    It’s rumored that the recent in-flight electronics ban will soon be extended to include flights originating in Europe.

    For now, this is just a rumor.  But given the amount of press it’s getting, I’d expect to hear an announcement about it soon!  And we’ll keep you posted when we know more.

    If the rumor turns out to be true, what do you think about it?  Do you feel safer knowing that an electronics ban is in place?

    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! :)