Confirmation of Electronics Ban on Flights From Europe to the US Expected Thursday
We've heard for a couple of weeks now that the US is planning to extend its electronics ban to include flights from Europe. Earlier this week, we got more evidence that the ban is on the horizon and could be implemented within the next few weeks. And today, the Daily Beast is reporting that laptops will, in fact, be banned in all cabins of all flights from Europe to the US. An official announcement is expected tomorrow, Thursday, May 11.
The Daily Beast learned of the news from European security officials. However, at this time there aren't any additional details on the ban. For example, we don't know when it'll go into effect, what kind of electronics will be part of the ban, what routes or airlines and more.
As of this writing, the Department of Homeland Security is keeping its same stance and not announcing anything, telling The Daily Beast:
"No final decisions have been made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins; however, it is under consideration. DHS continues to evaluate the threat environment and will make changes when necessary to keep air travelers safe."
A DHS spokesman would neither confirm nor deny the report on Twitter:
As you may recall, the initial electronics ban was implemented in March and affected flights directly from several African and Middle Eastern countries with service to the US. More specifically, 10 airports across eight countries. TPG Points & Miles Writer JT Genter traveled from the US to the Middle East and back right after the electronics ban was announced and documented his experience and what it was like to fly Emirates during the ban. TPG Contributor Katie Genter traveled on Etihad during the ban and also wrote about her experience.
If the Daily Beast's European sources are correct, we can expect a full announcement at some point tomorrow. If it turns out to be true and laptops and electronics are banned from flights to the US from Europe, it will be sure to affect millions of passengers — those traveling for both business and leisure. It also raises the question if the requirement to put large electronic devices in the cargo hold is even more of a security threat, as lithium-ion batteries have been known to catch on fire. If a fire catches hold in the cargo hold, no one will be around to extinguish it.
Click here for more coverage of the cabin electronics ban.
This is a developing situation. Stay tuned to TPG for further details on this situation as they emerge.