Laptop ban on board of US flights from the Middle East

Laptops may no longer be taken on board of flights from the Middle East and North Africa to the USA. What is the reaction from unions and airlines?

The US government has enacted a law which states that only mobile phones and necessary medical devices are allowed in cabin baggage on inbound flights to the USA from multiple countries in the Middle East (including important airport hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai and Abu Dhabi) and North Africa. This hits business travellers hard since laptops must be checked in. International aviation associations (such as IATA) but also travel agency unions have strongly criticised this new law.

Affected airlines from the Arab region are already responding with new products. Emirates introduced a service which enables passengers to use their laptop until shortly before departure. The device is then packed into a box and stowed in the aeroplane’s cargo hold. The passengers then receive their device again upon disembarkation in the USA. Qatar Airways provides laptops for Business Class guests to be used on board for free, including free Wi-Fi for 1 hour.

Generally, for US flights we recommend that you consult the respective airline website to inform yourselves about the corresponding guidelines for electronic devices and batteries, as well as check-in times and baggage limits.