If you thought flights to America were unbearable already, especially on airlines with no in-flight entertainment, you ain't seen nothing yet. According to Reuters, the US Government is likely to expand their in-flight laptop ban on Europe flights, after enforcing restrictions on flights from 10 airports including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.
Why? 'Cause they don't have the technology to tell the difference between an explosive and a lithium battery.
You'll be allowed to take your laptop but you'll need to check it in.
Reuters reports the Trump administration is also reviewing how to make sure lithium batteries stored in luggage holds do not explode in midair.
Department of Homeland Security officials are planning to meet airline officials today to discuss security issues.
DHS spokesman Dave Lapan said a decision hasn't been made "but we continue to evaluate the threat environment and have engaged in discussions with airline representatives and other stakeholders about the threat."
Even if it isn't yet a law, apparently some U.S. airlines have already started making plans just in case they need to bar passengers from travelling to the US with large electronics.
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Peter Goelz, a former managing director at the National Transportation Safety Board in the United States, said the in-cabin ban on larger electronics "is going to represent a major logistical problem for airlines." You don't say...
"It is very difficult to determine whether a dense object is actually a battery or a plastic explosive," Goelz said.
Hmm. It isn't going to be easy to enforce this - what about all the students who are going on their J1s and need their Netflix fix? We'll just have to wait and find out.
Also read: A New Bill Could Make It Illegal For Your Little Brother Or Sister To Own A Mobile Phone
