A ban on consumer electronic devices in the cabins of aircraft flying from Turkey and North Cyprus to Britain has come into effect. The ban, announced by the British government earlier this week, also applies to airlines flying from various countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
As of today, devices larger than an average size smartphone must now travel with hold luggage because of their increased risk to security.
The British gadget ban applies to any device larger than 16cm long, 9.3cm wide or 1.5cm deep.
Most phones are within the agreed limits and can be carried onto a flight by passengers. However, the following items are now prohibited and must be checked in with other hold luggage: laptops, tablets, kindles, cameras, portable DVD players, travel printers and large electronic games.
British gadget ban applies to any device larger than 16cm long, 9.3cm wide or 1.5cm deep
The restrictions mirror a similar one passed by the Trump Administration, which covers eight countries – Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Morocco, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The British ban, however, only applies to six countries, with Qatar and Kuwait omitted from the UK’s new security regulations.
Unlike the US, Britain has applied the gadget ban uniformly to all airlines flying from the affected destinations. A total of nine carriers flying from Turkey or North Cyprus (whose flights all touch down in Turkey) come under the new rules, including Pegasus Airlines, British Airways, Turkish Airlines, Atlasglobal, easyJet and Monarch.
Low-cost airline easyJet – a seasonal carrier to Turkey whose scheduled daily flights to the country will resume next week – was the first to implement the new security measures on its flights. easyJet said, “The safety and security of its passengers and crew is the airline’s highest priority.”
In its statement, easyJet also added:
“The new requirements mean that passengers on affected flights will not be permitted to take large personal electronics, such as kindles, tablets and laptops into the cabin of aircraft and additional security checks will be undertaken at the gate. We advise passengers to go to Bag Drop to check in any electronic items into their hand luggage.”
“All passengers are advised to leave additional time to get to the airport and we recommend that passengers do not bring large personal electronic devices if possible.”
Similar announcements were made by the other affected airlines, including Pegasus.
When asked about passengers who had only booked a ticket for carry-on luggage, an easyJet spokesperson told T-VINE that they would not have to pay any more. She advised that any affected passengers check-in their devices, which would be placed securely with other hold luggage. Passengers would be able to reclaim their items when they reach their destination in Britain.
For further information passengers are recommended to log onto to the Department for Transport page at GOV.uk or contact their airline before travelling.
