UK introduces electronics restrictions on flights from six countries

worldtraveller

Britain has introduced restrictions on carry-on electronic goods on direct inbound flights from TURKEY, LEBANON, JORDAN, EGYPT, TUNISIA & SAUDI ARABIA for the safety of the public, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said on Tuesday.

Earlier, the United States imposed similar restrictions on planes coming from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified security threats.

"Direct flights to the UK from these destinations continue to operate to the UK subject to these new measures being in place," the spokesman told reporters. "We think these steps are necessary and proportionate to allow passengers to travel safely."

Passengers would not be allowed to bring phones, laptops or tablets over 16 cm in length, 9.3 cm in width and with a depth of over 1.5 cm into the cabin. These items would have to be in checked-in hold luggage, he said.

Reuters

Additional airline security measures on some routes travelling to the UK

Today the government announced there will be changes to aviation security measures for selected inbound flights to the United Kingdom. The House will be aware that the United States government made a similar announcement earlier today regarding flights to the United States and we have been in close contact with them to fully understand their position.

In conjunction with our international partners and the aviation industry, the UK government keeps aviation security under constant review. The UK has some of the most robust aviation security measures in the world and at all times the safety and security of the public is our primary concern. We will not hesitate to put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate.

Under the new arrangements, phones, laptops and tablets larger than:

• LENGTH: 16.0cm
• WIDTH: 9.3cm
• DEPTH: 1.5cm

will not be allowed in the cabin on selected flights to the UK from the countries affected. Most smart phones fall within these limits and will continue to be allowed on board. However, devices larger than these dimensions may not be carried in the cabin. This is in addition to other existing security arrangements. This will apply to inbound flights to the UK from the following locations:

• Turkey
• Lebanon
• Egypt
• Saudi Arabia
• Jordan
• Tunisia

Passengers are therefore advised to check online with their airline for further details.

We understand the frustration that these measures may cause and we are working with the aviation industry to minimise any impact. Our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals. These new measures apply to flights into the UK and we are not currently advising against flying to and from those countries. Those with imminent travel plans should contact their airline for further information. More information can be found on the Department for Transport website and the travelling public should consult the Foreign and Commonwealth Office travel advice pages on GOV.UK.

Department For Transport

Alan_Bowen

If you cannot return with laptops, cameras tablets and kindles, there is no point in travelling with them. I can see long delays at UK airports in the next few weeks when people arrive with them in hand luggage and have to be told that on their return they must be in checked luggage, assuming them have any.

This will have a huge impact on flights to Turkey in particular and covers every airline flying to and from the UK so think of other ways of amusing your children or yourselves on holiday this year

worldtraveller

Airlines affected are:

UK Carriers

- British Airways
- EasyJet
- Jet2.com
- Monarch
- Thomas Cook
- Thomson

Overseas Carriers

- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airways
- Atlas-Global Airlines
- Middle East Airlines
- Egyptair
- Royal Jordanian
- Tunis Air
- Saudia

Marmaduke123

Alan_Bowen wrote: »

If you cannot return with laptops, cameras tablets and kindles, there is no point in travelling with them. I can see long delays at UK airports in the next few weeks when people arrive with them in hand luggage and have to be told that on their return they must be in checked luggage, assuming them have any.

This will have a huge impact on flights to Turkey in particular and covers every airline flying to and from the UK so think of other ways of amusing your children or yourselves on holiday this year

This UK directive doesn't mention cameras as far as I can see!

Alan_Bowen

16 x 9 is roughly 6 inches by 3, I think most laptops and tablets are considerably larger and therefore caught by the ban

London50

worldtraveller wrote: »

Airlines affected are:

UK Carriers

- British Airways
- EasyJet
- Jet2.com
- Monarch
- Thomas Cook
- Thomson

Overseas Carriers

- Turkish Airlines
- Pegasus Airways
- Atlas-Global Airlines
- Middle East Airlines
- Egyptair
- Royal Jordanian
- Tunis Air
- Saudia

I see Ryanair is not on the list

Alan_Bowen

Ryanair is not on the list for the simple reason they don't fly to Turkey or any of the other destinations mentioned!

London50

Alan_Bowen wrote: »

Ryanair is not on the list for the simple reason they don't fly to Turkey or any of the other destinations mentioned!

Thank you, I did not know that:)

richardw

A massive headache for the staff who are going to have to enforce this and for cabin crew who may get the backlash.

Lorian

Cant see how this is going to get policed.

Alan_Bowen

Policing overseas ought to be quite easy, if you turn up at security they will remove any of the said items, at that point you will either have to abandon them or go back to check in, possibly buy a new case and pay. There will be angry scenes I am sure and to try and avoid that I suspect the UK authorities will warn people as they leave, as hand luggage doesn't say where it is going, the security staff may have to stop everyone and ask. It is going to be a real mess in the next few weeks, here and abroad for everyone, not just those going to the named destinations