The U.S. Bans Certain Electronic Devices Including Laptops, Tablets, Video Game Consoles and Cameras on Foreign Airlines from Eight Predominately Muslim Countries

How will this new policy impact students, scholars and faculty who are currently abroad for academic purposes who no doubt have such electronic devices with them and are scheduled to return to the U.S. on foreign carriers departing from the eight countries?

While this ban permits all banned electronic devices to be packed and transported in checked luggage on foreign flagged flights to the U.S. from these eight countries most people will not do so due to the risk of theft or damage.  A friend of mine who travels the globe extensively for work [non-international educator] just landed in Nairobi (with RT stopovers in Dubai) and just posted to Facebook wondering what to do with his laptop and iPad as he will return to the U.S. (O'Hare) on Emirates Airlines via Dubai.  His initial thought is to donate his laptop somewhere in Kenya...

Via the BBC, the nine airlines impacted are:  Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways.

Map and list of affected airports is via the BBC at http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-39333424

What are your thoughts?


Additional articles related to this new ban:

U.S. Restricts Electronic Devices On Flights From 8 Muslim Countries [NPR]

U.S. Limits Devices for Passengers on Foreign Airlines From Eight Countries [New York Times]

Airline electronics ban: What you need to know [CNN Money]

Electronics ban on flights to US is indefinite, applies to 8 Muslim-majority nations [Fox News]

Experts criticize US electronic devices ban on some flights from Middle East [The Guardian]

US bans laptops, iPads in carry-on bags from airports in 8 Islamic countries due to bomb fears [CNBC]