U.S. and UK Aviation Security: Restrictions to carry-on electronic equipment

Both the UK and US governments have introduced restrictions on the size of electronic equipment which can be taken as carry-on luggage on selected flights into the UK and US. These restrictions mean that electronic devices larger than a smart phone now need to be secured in checked-in luggage.

We're currently checking with our insurance partners to see how checked-in baggage cover will be affected by these new restrictions.

We strongly recommend that you back up information/photos/data before travelling and take all precautions to protect your gear if you must put it in your checked in baggage.

More information about the U.S restrictions and UK restrictions follows, and can also be obtained from your airline, the UK Department for Transport or Department of Homeland Security .

U.S. restrictions on electronics

For flights taking off from Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) bound for the U.S., electronic devices larger than a smart phone will be not able to be taken as carry on and will need to be secured in checked in luggage.

Examples of large electronic devices that will not be allowed in the cabin on affected flights include, but are not limited to:

  • Laptops
  • Tablets
  • E-Readers
  • Cameras
  • Portable DVD players
  • Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
  • Travel printers/scanners

For further information, please read this article from the Department of Homeland Security.

UK restrictions on electronics

For flights taking off from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Tunisia bound for the UK, phones, laptops and tablets larger than:

  • length: 16.0cm
  • width: 9.3cm
  • depth: 1.5cm

will not be allowed in the cabin on selected flights to the UK from the countries affected.

For further information, please read this article from the Department of Transport.


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