In an interesting turn of events, my employer (yes I have a day job) sent the entire company an email which address the new electronics ban. Because the email was for “internal use only” I can’t share the entire message, but I can share the high level summary. I assumed the email was going to explain what the electronics ban was and what countries or airlines were affected. After all, the subject of the email was “Electronics Ban Information.” I wasn’t expecting what the email was actually about.
Management Prohibits Employees From Taking Affected Flights
The email started out with the basics, telling all employees what the electronics ban was and how it effected travel. As the email continued, any employees with affected flights in their travel plans MUST contact our travel agent and arrange an alternative flight. The directive explicitly prohibits employees from bringing a company issued laptop on an affected flight.
Risk Of Theft
What surprised me most about the directive was the reason behind it. Per the email, Management prohibits any employees from taking a work computer on an affected flight. Since the company issued computers contain proprietary software and access to internal systems, management decided taking a non-stop flight is not worth the risk of having a laptop stolen. Management prefers all employees to take significantly longer flights which stop in a european gateway than to risk loosing company property.
Final Thoughts
I’m honestly shocked by the email. Keep in mind I work at one of the largest companies in the United States. This email prohibits a company issued email from traveling on an affected flight. In the message, a is a reminder that this directive applies to both personal and business travel. Clearly whoever is coming up with my companies travel policies believes the risk theft is great enough to implement this policy. I hope this ban ends sooner than later or at least reduced to allow world-class airports like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha as exempt.
