Dubai-based Emirates has released details of its work-around for the US ban on laptops and other electronic devices in the cabins of aircraft flying directly to the US.
A new service will allow customers to use their laptops and tablets on the first part of their journeys and also during transit in Dubai.
They will then have to declare their laptops, tablets and other banned electronic devices and hand them over to security staff at the gate before boarding.
“The devices will be carefully packed into boxes, loaded into the aircraft hold, and returned to the customer at their US destination.,’’ the airline said. “There will not be any charge for this service.”
The move is in response to US restrictions that ban carry-on electronic devices bigger than a smartphone on direct flights from some Middle Eastern and North African airports. The UK has introduced a similar ban that does not include Gulf carriers Emirates, Etihad and Qatar.
The hastily-enacted ban was revealed in airline tweets and is attracting criticism from passengers and travel groups over issues ranging from consistency to the safety implications of forcing airlines to pack devices powered by lithium batteries into holds.
Emirates is encouraging passengers heading to the US from Dubai to pack their electronic devices into checked baggage to avoid delays.
It has warned customers to expect a detailed search of all hand baggage on all non-stop US flights to Dubai and urged them to declare their devices before the process begins or pack them in checked baggage.
“Our aim is to ensure compliance with the new rules while minimising disruption to passenger flow and impact on customer experience,’’ Emirates president Tim Clark said in a statement. “Our new complimentary service enables passengers, particularly those flying for business, to have the flexibility to use their devices until the last possible moment.
“Once on board they can still stay connected on their mobile phones. Our historical data shows that on Emirates’ US flights, 90 per cent of passengers using our onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity services do so via their smart phones. Only 6 per cent connect via their laptops, and 4 per cent via their tablets.''
The ban begins Saturday, march 25, and airlines are deploying extra staff at airports to help passengers grapple with the restrictions.
It is understood Abu Dhabi's Etihad does not plan to follow the Emirates initiative on laptops but it has also launched a pointed advertisement addressing the issue and highlighting the entertainment options on its aircraft.
Passengers have also been warned to check their travel insurance policies to make sure they cover damage or theft of laptops travelling in an aircraft hold. Many policies do not cover this eventuality.
