Trump Administration Requires Electronics to be Checked on Certain Flights
Trump Administration Requires Electronics to be Checked on Certain Flights
Impacted International Flights Bound for the United States
These enhanced security measures will only affect flights from 10 of the more than 250 airports that serve as last points of departure to the United States. A small percentage of flights to the United States will be affected, and the exact number of flights will vary on a day to day basis. Airlines will know in advance which flights are affected by these measures
Large Electronic Devices
Electronic devices larger than a cell phone/smart phone will not be allowed to be carried onboard the aircraft in carry-on luggage or other accessible property. Electronic devices that exceed this size limit must be secured in checked luggage. Necessary medical devices will be allowed to remain in a passenger’s possession after they are screened.
The approximate size of a commonly available smartphone is considered to be a guideline for passengers. Examples of large electronic devices that will not be allowed in the cabin on affected flights include, but are not limited to:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- E-Readers
- Cameras
- Portable DVD players
- Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
- Travel printers/scanners
There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the United States. You can read the full fact sheet here
Electronics to be Checked on Certain Flights
What exactly does the new travel policy require?
The new rules require that personal devices larger than a smartphone to be placed in checked baggage for U.S.-bound flights departing from 10 major airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Cellphones and medical devices are not impacted by the U.S. ban.
What are the 10 airports covered by the ban?
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Jordan, Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in Turkey, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait International Airport (KWI) in Kuwait, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Morocco, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in the United Arab Emirates.
Which airlines are affected?
Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, Royal Jordanian, Saudi Arabian Airlines, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines and Royal Air Maroc.
When does the ban go into effect?
Airlines were given up to 96 hours to implement the policy. That clock began at 3 a.m. Eastern time on Tuesday so airlines have until early Saturday to comply.
Some airlines will likely comply sooner than others, but as of Wednesday airlines had been advising passengers to pack their electronic devices in their checked luggage.
“It all comes down to their operational ability to implement within that time frame,” TSA spokeswoman Lisa Farbstein said. “We don’t expect the airlines to wait until the 96th hour.”
What devices need to be in checked luggage?
TSA said any electronic device larger than a cellphone will not be allowed on carry-on luggage. These include: laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, DVD players, electronic game units larger than a smartphone, printers and scanners.
What if I am flying from a different country but have a layover in one of the 10 airports?
TSA officials say the ban applies to “points of last departure,” meaning that any passenger boarding a flight at those 10 airports is affected, even if it is a connecting flight.
Why the sudden change?
U.S. officials say the changes were prompted by concerns about attempts by terrorist groups to target commercial flights, including smuggling explosives in various personal electronic devices. Officials, however, did not point at a specific threat.
How long will the ban be in effect?
Federal officials initially described the ban as indefinite. But a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the directive runs until Oct. 14, and could be extended for another year.
Electronics to be Checked on Certain Flights
If you are traveling with Maranatha Tours on any of the Air Carries listed please feel free to call Maranatha Tours with any questions you might have. Or email mti@maranathatours.com
Here is a Great Article From Turkish Air you can use before traveling
Here is a Great Article From Turkish Air you can use before traveling!