UK flight ban on devices to be announced

[SoCalNative]

Source: BBC News

The UK is due to announce a ban on laptops and other electronic devices on certain passenger flights, following a similar move by the US.

It is understood the UK restrictions may differ from the US Department of Homeland Security's ban, which affects laptops and tablets.

Flights from 10 airports in eight Muslim majority countries are subject to the US announcement.
<snip>

BBC home affairs correspondent Daniel Sandford said the UK move was "obviously part of coordinated action with the US".

Read more: http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-39343971

[matt819]

1. Something smells here

If the concern is genuine that devices larger than a smartphone could contain explosives, then why would they even be permitted on airplanes? You might as well ban luggage, because if explosives can be hidden in laptops or tablets, then they could be concealed in the lining of suitcases. And if the technology is available to accomplish that, then the technology is available that would conceal explosives in suitcases from detection.

Sure, adding Britain to the list adds a tad more credibility to a list that included only Muslim countries. But the rest of it doesn't make sense.

[SoCalNative]

3. Britain isn't added to the list

they will be banning the devices on flights coming to the UK from the same airports/countries that the US has put in place.

[Le Gaucher]

2. why are american airlines exempt when flying from/to same place?

Looks like a ploy to target the flying experience of "those" airline

[Adrahil]

4. Probably because...

... most U.S. airlines conduct more intensive screenings and places with lax security. I've experienced this personally.

This particular thing is not a big deal or a bad thing, necessarily, IMO.

[gopiscrap]

6. welcome to DU

[mpcamb]

5. Brits included Saudi Arabia. Wonder if we'll make that move...

[Rhiannon12866]

7. Based on past experience, you'd think they'd be at the top of the list...