Several weeks ago the Department of Homeland Security announced a new ban. This time the DHS didn’t ban people, but instead banned large portable electronics on all US bound flights which originated in specific Middle Eastern countries. A few days later the United Kingdom released a similar electronics ban. At the time many aviation analysis predicted this was the beginning of a much larger ban. Many cited the initial release and slow spread of the liquids ban in place today. When I first read early rumors of an expanded electronics ban I decided to hold off on writing anything about it. I avoided writing about it because I hadn’t heard or read anything credible. I also avoided writing about an expanded electronics ban because I hoped we wouldn’t see one. With each passing day however the reality of a widen ban seems more likely.
What Is The Electronics Ban?
Currently the electronics ban prohibits passengers from being any electronic devices other than a cell phone into the main cabin. The current ban only applies to US bound flights originating in certain Middle Eastern countries. Banned electronic devices include laptops, tablets, gaming devices, cameras, and e-readers. Passengers are still allowed to travel with the banned items, but must pack the banned items in a checked bag as they are not allowed in the main cabin.
What Does The Electronics Ban Mean For Travelers?
Unless airlines setup a special electronics handling service, this means all passengers must check their electronic devices in the cargo hold. Unfortunately for passengers, placing electronic devices in checked baggage significantly increases the risk of damage or theft. To combat this issue, most of the original affected airlines implemented a special gate check service for electronic devices. The new service allows passengers to use all electronic devices until moments prior to boarding. Airlines collect banned electronics prior to boarding and essentially gate checks the items. At the destination the airline returns banned electronics to passengers at the gate.
Interestingly a few weeks ago my employer (yes I have a day job) sent the entire company an email prohibiting us from taking affected flights. The email specifically mentioned the added risk of theft when checking work issued laptops.
Will The Electronics Ban Expand?
At first I honestly thought the rumors were from “aviation analysts” looking for page views. Early rumors did not seem to have any credible evidence for an expanded ban. As time went on however more and more rumors surfaced and yesterday two prominent all but confirmed an expanded electronics ban. Yesterday both Lucky from OMATT and Gary Leff wrote pieces about the current state of an expanded electronics ban. Both posts explain how an expanded electronics ban is coming and could be introduced as early as tomorrow! If the rumors are true the new ban will ban large electronics on US bound flights originating in Europe. Some rumors speculate the ban covers all European countries while others say only western Europe. If the rumors are right, we may all know that answer tomorrow, sadly.
Final Thoughts
Unfortunately it seems an expanded electronics ban is imminent. I’m guessing over time the ban will have to expand to all international flights and then all flights period. I’m also assuming there is no turning back once the ban expands. All in all it seems like the electronics ban in today’s version of the nearly 11 year old “temporary” liquids ban.
As far as passenger comfort goes, I don’t really mind not having a tablet or laptop on long international flights. In my head as I board I always plan on working, but I love flying so much it’s hard to work on a flight. I generally decide instead to sit back and look out of the window while listening to music. Which brings me to my issue.
The current electronics ban includes wireless headphones. I absolutely love my Bose QC35 headphones, but if the current version of the ban expands I’ll have to check them and obviously won’t be able to enjoy them on the flight. The ban also includes digital cameras which is extremely frustrating for someone who likes to document their flights with pictures. Of course I’ll be able to use my iPhone to take photos, but sometimes its nice to have a higher quality camera in hand, especially for low light photos.
Overall, it’s sad to see the slow decline of passenger comfort on flights. On one hand, premium cabin products continue to improve, but on the other passenger rights continue to decline. I’m not sure if an expanded electronics ban will stop people from traveling, but I’d bet we’re only going to see cheaper transatlantic flights if/when the DHS expands the electronics ban.
