U.S. And E.U. To Discuss Laptop Ban Today
by Daniel McCarthy /The United States and European Union are scheduled to talk on Friday about the possibility of the United States extending its laptop ban to include not just flights to the Middle East, but flights to Europe.
TMR earlier this week reported that U.S. officials are considering expanding the ban on electronics bigger than a smartphone.
While no official announcements have been made, flights from Europe, including possible routes from the United Kingdom, will reportedly “likely” be added to the ban, it said. A final decision could be made in the next few weeks. Over 300 flights a day from Europe would be affected should the U.S. expand the ban.
Both the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) and the U.S. Travel Association released statements urging the government to consider all of the ban's implications before deciding. “The question remains whether the targeted application of policies banning personal electronics is an effective measure to reduce the risk of terrorism,” GBTA executive director Michael McCormick said in a statement.