DHS Removes Three Airlines From Laptop Ban List
by Daniel McCarthy /Photo: BriYYZ
Update 7/6: A fourth airline, Qatar Airways, was lifted from the banned list overnight.
"Qatar Airways and Hamad International Airport have met with all requirements of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's new security guidelines," the airline said in a statement.
That news means that six carriers now remain on the banned list—Egyptair, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
Original 7/5:
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security will no longer enforce its ban on laptops and other large electronics on Turkish Airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways.
Turkish Airlines and Emirates confirmed the news on Wednesday, issuing statements that said laptops and other large electronic devices will be welcomed aboard flights starting today.
“Effective immediately, the electronics ban has been lifted for Emirates' flights from Dubai International Airport to the USA,” Emirates said in a statement.
Dear Passengers, #WelcomeOnBoard to our US-bound flight. Please fasten your seatbelts and enjoy your own electronic devices. pic.twitter.com/WbcZwNPhrf
— Turkish Airlines (@TurkishAirlines) July 4, 2017
Etihad issued a statement on Sunday, telling its customers that they can now take laptops, iPads and tablets onboard all flights to the United States from Abu Dhabi airport. In its statement, Etihad also thanked the U.S. immigration facility at Abu Dhabi Airport for its help.
Have you heard? #ElectronicsBan #EtihadAirways
— Etihad Airways (@EtihadAirways) July 3, 2017
Share your pictures from onboard using your own device and our inflight Wi-Fi.?? pic.twitter.com/qgI7M0rnhx
DHS had yet to confirm the news when reached for comment.
None of the airlines said that passengers will now have to go through stricter security checks before boarding. But last week DHS announced that airlines that comply with new rules, including stricter passenger screening, will not be required to force passengers to check their laptops or other large electronics, so anyone traveling on the three airlines should expect stricter security at checkpoints.
With the removal of Turkish, Emirates and Etihad, seven carriers remain on the banned list—Egyptair, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
According to Saudi Arabian Airlines, its passengers will be able to start to bring laptops and other large electronic devices onboard starting on July 19.
