Starting Tuesday, passengers travelling to the US from 10 airports in eight Muslim-majority countries will not be allowed to have electronic devices larger than a smartphone in the cabin of the plane. If you are travelling from Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, or the UAE you are probably going to be affected.
According to the Trump administration the new rules were introduced because of intelligence that shows terrorists are continuing to target airlines flying to the US. However, Demitri Sevastopulo and Robert Wright at the Financial Times suggest that it may not just be about security. Three of the airlines that have been targeted for these measures — Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways — have long been accused by their US competitors of receiving massive effective subsidies from their governments. These airlines have been quietly worried for months that President Trump was going to retaliate. This may be the retaliation.
David Bozetarnik: “As if they’d reimburse people for all their damaged or stolen laptops and tablets, or the handheld gaming devices that otherwise would have shut little Johnny up during the 13 hour flight to JFK.”
June Aisha Wolf: “Safety comes first. I do understand why they did such a ban like this. And they will not tolerate any excuse. Take it or leave it.”
Dinara Aghayeva: “If it’s true it will affect not only Muslims, it is mostly the headache for the Middle East based American expatriates travelling home for vacation. Poor mums used to make busy little kids with the tablets during long-term flight!”
Victorio Gozum Oñate Jr.: “US is so paranoid. This is the result of them meddling with other countries’ affairs. They want to control the world then panics when they are being confronted.”
Gina Hannemann-Woodhouse: “There must be some reason for the increased security. I’d rather safe than sorry despite the inconvenience. Who knows what intel or threats might be behind the ban?”
@FasciaX: “Can someone confirm whether or not my etch-a-sketch will permitted on my flight from Doha? #electronicsban #magnets”
@jackbrooks248: “Tell me, what is the point of X-ray scanners in airports if they cant detect a bomb pretending to be a DVD player? #electronicsban”
@ChidvilasK: “Air hostesses should take care of bored kids on flights from now. #electronicsban”
@B_Mujassum: “#electronicsban business BULLY tactics of the modern UK/US administration. Good reminder for all business to focus more on alternative markets.”
@scottwilks: “It’s not an #electronicsban, it’s just a coincidence that all the devices included are electronics”
@Parveen_Comms: “#electronicsban doesn’t include smartphones. If someone wanted to blow up a plane they could do it with a phone. Another own goal by Trump.”
@aaouie: “I’m sensing that my frequently mocked collection of pocket-sized board games is soon to be in high demand. #electronicsban”
@gauravmisra15: “Oh the irony when the Brits who were making fun of the US #electronicsban realize their government is doing the same. #scenes” @PollyPuddleduck: “Whoever thought of this ban has obviously never flown with three kids under six without iPads. #electronicsban” @DantorpAviation: “They said it already - checking electronics doesn’t improve security. This is just an attack on Middle Eastern carriers. #electronicsban”
@joergdietrich: “The #electronicsban goes against ICAO recommendation for storage of lithium batteries in cabin only and endangers flight safety.”
@flightdekker: “@HeatherChloeDog If those airports scan hand bags thoroughly +guarantee ultimate safety standards an #electronicsban wouldn’t be necessary.”
@RAeSTimR: “If #ElectronicsBan does become permanent security measure for flights to/from Middle East - implications for airline WiFi revenue streams?”
@RymMomtaz: “If security is concern why not full ban? Many fly from #electronicsban countries to #US #UK through euro airports, on euro airlines not in ban.”
@SaimaMohsin: “Experts say screening for carry-on bags is more rigorous than for checked bags at many airports #electronicsban.”
@RL1721: “Next Saturday, passengers flying to the UK and the US will definitely feel the effect of the #electronicsban. Flying will never be the same.”
@Rebekah__ : “Wait, wait, wait... this #electronicsban on some flights means I couldn’t even have my #kindle?! What is this?”
