Europe braces for possible laptop, tablet ban in cabins on flights to U.S.

by Dramelin 8:00 AM 0 comments

Europe braced for the possibility of an in-cabin laptop and tablet ban on flights to the United States as officials prepared for talks Friday about expanding a March ban for airlines flying out of some Middle East and African airports that would affect millions of passengers.
Officials from France, Britain, Germany, Spain and Italy will take part in a conference call later Friday with the U.
Department of Homeland Security.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, a transport spokeswoman for the European Commission, the 28-nation political bloc`s executive branch, confirmed the talks.
No decision has been made and it was not clear when one would may be handed down.
Itkonen said the EU had no new information about a specific security concern that would have prompted the talks or required additional safety measures.
Any expansion of the ban that currently impacts eight countries in the Middle East and Africa could affect U.
carriers such as American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines.
The United Kingdom has a similar ban in place for some in-bound flights, although its list of targeted countries differs from that of the United States.
The ban was introduced in March over fears that bombs or explosive materials could be concealed on small electronic devices brought onboard.
The nine airlines affected are Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.
 The ban does not prevent passengers from checking laptops and other electronic devices into luggage holds.
Still, the move could lead to fewer bookings and would complicate passengers` travel plans.
is a major destination for Europe-originated flights, with more than 10 million travelers flying there each year from destinations across the continent.
Cellphones would still be allowed in cabins but virtually every other electronic device would not be permitted.
One issue that has become a focus for security officials is how to make sure that lithium batteries used in laptops aren`t turned into bombs that can be detonated mid-air even if when stored in luggage holds.
RELATED COVERAGE: This is why you can`t bring your laptop on certain flights We shouldn`t be included in ban, argue some airlines and airports Read or Share this story: https://usat.
ly/2q8UK1W.