For those who aren't informed yet, the UK just announced that it will ban laptops, e-readers, iPads and tablets coming from flights in particular airports. The decision took effect on March 25 after the US also imposed their own gadget ban. Now, with such a drastic change in UK's air travel policies, lots of people are affected and most of them do not know how to respond. So, here are five things that you must know about the recent laptop ban.
What Is The UK Laptop Ban?
The government won't allow plane passengers coming from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia to carry their electronic devices bigger than a smartphone in the cabins. According to the Sun, devices such as laptops, tablets, portable DVD players, cameras, E-readers, travel printers, and large gaming devices will have to be stored in their check-in luggage.
Why Did They Do It?
Last year, a Somali insurgent group al-Shabaab filled a laptop with explosives. The flight was coming out from Mogadishu and when the plane took off, the bomber detonated the explosives right away. To avoid similar incidents, the government banned similar devices that can hold explosives in them.
Who Are Affected By The Ban?
Passengers coming from Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Turkey, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia will be affected by the ban. It also includes those passengers who will have connecting flights or stopovers in these countries before going back to the UK.
Major Effects On Passengers
One of the biggest problems that this ban can cause is the loss and damage of electronic devices. There a lot of things that can happen in the hold baggage area and insurance companies don't usually cover these items. As bad as it sounds, the best thing to do would be to leave them at home.
Implementations And Procedures
According to The Telegraph, there aren't any details on what the procedures would be but it would definitely cause a major change in security policies. Also, it would cause more flight delays if some passengers don't cooperate.
The recent ban has definitely garnered mixed reactions from the public. But for now, the best thing that passengers can do is just accept it and learn what it's all about.
