The days of flying overseas with your laptop in tow might be numbered. Laptop restrictions could possibly expand to flights departing from the United States to locations in other countries and it will be very broad, with the inclusion of many airports, according to a CNN report.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly did not specifically address this speculation point blank, but “we could read between the lines,” said a congressional aide who was present when lawmakers were briefed on implementing bans on electronic devices aboard inbound flights from certain international destinations.
If this prohibition is put in place, passengers would not be able to board the aircraft with an electronic device larger than a cellphone. While flying, many people currently use laptops and tablets to conduct business or for entertainment. Members of Congress are investigating not only safety and security concerns, but also the economic impact it could have on the travel industry.
Although reluctant to enforce such a strict, widespread ban, the aide said Kelly believes it is essential to keep passengers and crewmembers safe from the threat of terror plots. It was a unanimous decision to take such a drastic measure to stay one step ahead of terrorists who have staged attacks on planes in the past, although Kelly did not mention any new intelligence that has been intercepted that would lead to heightened precautionary measures, according to the report.
Some international airlines are coming up with alternate solutions to appease international travelers. Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways offer loaner laptops and iPads for passengers to use while flying, so if you have work to do, you may not need to completely unplug for the duration of your flight.
