Bringing iPad back from Turkey

worried_jim wrote: »

I will be taking iPad to Turkey on EasyJet. I have carry on only so understand on the return leg I can't take it in the cabin. Does anyone know the procedure at the airport and how I get to the hold.

Sadly I need it to action some banking transactions whilst away and the apps are uncompatable with my Android phone so have little choice about not taking it.

That was the bit i was replying to,in future i will not bother.

I was on holiday in the Antalya region in May and took my I-pad. A calculated gamble as I needed it for access to work related items and previously would take my laptop away but did not wish to take that chance with the electronics ban being in place. My wife also took a tablet device on holiday.

We were flying Thomas Cook and aware of the electronics ban in hand luggage from the news and sites like MSE. There was also a note on the TC Holidays board in our hotel which explained that these types of items needed to be in checked hold luggage on the return. Unlike Turkish Airlines, Thomas Cook (and Easyjet) have no special arrangements to hand in the devises for special handling.

On departure day we insured both devices were well wrapped and placed in the centre part of our suitcases. We had also taken hard shell suitcases on holiday for extra protection or the items.

The only issue we encountered was at AYT airport when the Thomas Cook rep jumped on the transfer coach when we pulled up outside the terminal and said that electronic devices had to be screens separately as you entered the terminal (as someone else pointed out the X-ray screening of luggage before entering the main terminal is normal in Turkey). Given that our tablets were well packed deep in the middle of our cases, and feeling that this information was wrong, took the chance and left them where they were and proceeded to join the queues for baggage screening. Needless to say no signs in the search area to confirm this TC Reps words, no one else seemed to be screening electronics separately at this first security point and our bags went through unchallenged. I think the Rep was confused and meant the second security point.

Once in the terminal normal checkin followed.

At the next security point electronics (our phones) and liquids, as normal had to be separated for screening.

All passengers on our flight then had additional security screening at the gate. My phone (which I had already turned off) needed to be turned on again.

So, to the OP's question, your I-pad does need to be in checked hold luggage. There is no special handling arrangement in place that I am aware of for any UK carrier flying ex Turkey. I would wrap it well and place in the centre of your case. If easyjet will allow you to check in your hand luggage for free then great, but if you call them they do allow you to buy a checked bag one way. Taking the devises was a risk, one we knew and were happy to take. Our tablets came out undamaged but equally we accepted that if they arrived with a cracked screen or damage then that would be down to us and not the airline.

Travel safe.

worried_jim wrote: »

I've been on twitter with easyjet and they say Ill have to pay to put a bag in the hold and looking on my booking its £56 and I cant do one way.

Why can't you do one-way? It's not available online, but it's easily arranged by phone.

Neil49 wrote: »

Now I understand. I use Monzo on my Android phone but I'm on Marshmallow.

I presume you are running Kitkat or earlier which isn't supported.

If it is £56 to check luggage, I think you need Android Lollipop or above for the app you want to use. You could buy an 8" Lollipop tablet from Argos for £45 quid and take it out, do a factory reset to wipe it when leaving and give it to someone there, donate to a school or something and still be better off.

And avoids the risk of far more expensive ipad going walkies from the hold luggage or waiting for bags to unload.

martindow wrote: »

Can you not schedule transactions to happen on a future date? It would seem to be sensible to do everything possible to avoid taking your ipad.

Monzo is a travel money card, I'm guessing OP is going to need access to the app whilst travelling.