Emirates Airlines has come up with a solution of sorts to the ridiculous electronics ban being implemented this week. Although the solution is not perfect, it clearly is aimed to minimize the disruption for one type of traveler, the business traveler. I’d argue the majority of people who buy business and first class tickets are business travelers who have every intention of working on the long flights to the US. The electronic ban essentially forces business travelers to avoid non-stop flights from the middle-east to the US. Now business travelers will choose an Emirates Airlines flight which stops in a country where the ban is not implemented or chose another airline altogether.
To help minimize the loss in revenue, Emirates Airlines is launching a new service at Dubai’s (DXB) airport which allows passengers to gate check large electronic devices. Per the new Emirates press release, the new service allows passengers to bring laptops and tablets with them to the gate. The devices are then to be checked at the gate to be returned upon landing. Also according to the linked press release, security checks of hand baggage will take place at the gate, prior to boarding for all US bound flights.
I’m Confused
Wasn’t the entire point of the #ElectronicsBan to increase security screenings on electronic devices? It seems with this service, passengers clear the same level of security that currently exists, but then the devices are placed under the plane. I just don’t understand how this new solves the problem.
My guess is that any contraband (bomb) hid in a single electronic device is not large enough alone. I’m assuming by preventing passengers from bringing laptops into the cabin they won’t be able to construct a larger contraband item (bomb) in flight? That’s the only way I can wrap my head around what is going on.
Final Thoughts
Emirates Airlines and others are working hard to come up with solutions to minimize travel disruptions. Of course this new service is not going to solve the problem, but at least now passengers can minimize the lost productivity incurred on a non-stop flight to the US. I also think this new service will minimize the number of stolen laptops since laptops do not have to be in a checked bag. I’m curious to see how long the electronics ban last and worry that this may be the future of all air travel! The whole electronics ban reminds me of the early phases of the liquids ban from years ago.
Personally, I’m actually a little excited about the electronics ban. I don’t always need to use a laptop when traveling and hope the 3ME carriers are forced to drop prices for business and first class seats to convince business travelers to fly non-stop to the US! Only time will tell.
