In March, the US and UK announced a ban on electronic devices onboard planes flying in from several countries in the Middle East and North Africa due to security concerns.

The following countries were named in the ban:

So if you’re taking a flight bound for the UK or US via these countries, you will only be allowed to bring your smartphone with you onboard, and will have to check-in devices larger than 16 x 9.3cm (e.g. laptop, tablet, cameras) with your luggage. Medical devices are excluded from the ban.

As the directive covers all flights coming in from these countries, even transfers are affected, despite starting your journey from a country not named in the ban.

This means that if you transfer to another flight within the listed countries and continue your journey to the US or UK from there, you will be required to check-in your devices (e.g. Singapore → Jeddah → London).

However, airlines affected by the restrictions – such as Emirates, Etihad, and Turkish Airlines – are allowing passengers to keep their gadgets with them until the boarding area to minimise hassle.

Prior to getting on the plane, passengers will have to undergo gate checks, whereby devices found to exceed the permissible limit will be packed and securely stored in the cargo hold until arrival.

Similar to checked-in luggage, passengers will later be able to collect their electronics at the baggage claim.

Here’s a video from Emirates showing the process in greater detail:

Not sure if the ban applies to you? Be sure to check this list of airlines and routes affected:

If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to contact your airline for more information. Safe travels!