Etihad Airways is urging passengers bound for America to pack their laptops and other larger electronic devices in their checked luggage despite the fact a US pre-clearance centre in Abu Dhabi means they are essentially treated as domestic passengers.
But the Gulf carrier says it will place prohibited electronic items in padded envelopes in the hold if passengers turn up with them in their carry-on baggage
Like its competitors, Etihad is deploying extra staff to help is passengers negotiate the surprise bans, introduced at some Middle eastern and North African airports because of what US authorities described as “evaluated intelligence’’.
Etihad passengers leaving from Abu Dhabi International Airport clear US Immigration and Customs at the US pre-clearance facility in Terminal 3 and arrive as domestic passengers with no requirement to queue for immigration checks again.
The pre-clearance facility is the only one of its kind in the Middle East but did not prevent the airport being included in the ban preventing passengers carrying larger electronic devices such as laptops and tablets in their carry-on baggage.
“To avoid inconvenience, guests are encouraged to pack the prohibited items in their checked baggage prior to reaching the pre-clearance facility,’’ the airline said. “Any prohibited electronic devices will have to be declared and placed in padded envelopes before being securely taken to the aircraft luggage hold by staff.
“Such items will be returned to guests on arrival in the US, while conveniently, other items of checked-in luggage can be collected at the final destination in the USA.
“Guests are also encouraged to avoid carrying spare battery packs larger than the permitted size as these will not be allowed in either the luggage hold or the cabin.’’
Etihad also joined its competitors in taking the opportunity to spruik its facilities on the ground and in the air.
Flights are equipped with mobile and wi-fi connectivity; USB ports and in-seat power; and a comprehensive onboard in-flight entertainment system.
“Etihad Airways offers excellent facilities on the ground at Abu Dhabi International Airport and inflight to keep guests entertained during their journey,” Etihad Airways chief executive Peter Baumgartner said.
“While we are communicating the new directive to guests before they begin their travels to the US, we are implementing a number of measures at Abu Dhabi International Airport to ease the process.
“We continue to work with the relevant authorities and advise guests to comply with the directive to ensure a smooth and uninterrupted journey to the United States.”
Etihad operates 45 flights a week between Abu Dhabi and New York, Washington, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
