U.S. and U.K. ban laptops and other devices on flights from Middle East

[Dave A]

The U.S. and U.K. on Tuesday banned people flying from much of the Middle East and North Africa from carrying laptops, tablets and other large electronic devices in the airplane cabin because of concerns about terrorism.

New security restrictions from the Trump administration require nine airlines based in the region to prevent people flying from eight countries from bringing any device bigger than a smartphone on board. Those devices will have to be checked into the luggage hold.

Top international carriers -- such as Emirates Airline, Qatar Airways, British Airways and Turkish Airlines -- are among those that will have to implement new restrictions.
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For those routing through Dubai - it's a problem...

[AndyD]

There's been a growing trend recently of authorities insisting on having passwords to travellers devices especially at US and UK entry points to allow inspection and possibly harvesting of personal files and data.

I'm still not sure if this new travel ban is a serious attempt to somehow limit data being imported into the country or whether it's because of the threat of the laptop being used as some kinda IED. Could also just be political blustering as well I guess.

[Dave A]

... or whether it's because of the threat of the laptop being used as some kinda IED.

Seems that's the official reason. I'm less than thrilled at the thought of laptops going into checked-in luggage though when even the offices of the Chief Justice aren't safe.

[AndyD]

It may be the official reason but I'm not buying it. They're mouths may be saying it's about reducing bomb threats but in that case they're policy is basically saying IED's are okay as long as they're in the hold and not hand luggage....ergo they're bullshitting. As for checking in electronic devices I'd agree that the chance of them arriving in tact at the destination is pretty slim.

[sterne.law@gmail.com]

Part of the real reason, I think, is to protect American airlines.

Ironically some of the destinations are those on new routes of new competitors that go through Dubai in particular
Given the choice, most passengers will travel the US airline, via different route and have their gadgets at hand.
16 hours without gadgets would be painful