US mulls laptop ban on flights from Europe

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is apparently debating on whether or not to ban laptop use in flights from Europe to the US. This comes as an extension of the ruling to ban tablets and laptops in carry ons in flights coming from African or Middle Eastern destinations. 

The fear here is that laptops or tablets can be used to hide bombs and detonated in-flight. The earlier ban on these devices still allows them to be checked-in and held in the baggage compartment. Should the ban come to fruition, this would inconvenience passengers who rely on their electronics to get work done or to entertain themselves during the long interncontinental flights. Some airlines have even required passengers bring their own devices to access in-flight entertainment like music, movies and TV.

There's also a lack of education or understanding today's modern devices. In the past, notebooks were suspect because they had removable batteries but tablets like the iPad were allowed because they were sealed-in units with internal, non-user removeable batteries (all of these electronics are screened and x-rayed, notebooks usually on a separate tray). Newer notebooks and 2-in-1s are more like tablets now since they don't have removeable batteries. Products like the 12-inch MacBook are usually allowed to stay in the bag (if the TSA agents know what they are). 

Banning laptops on flights from a destination to another is likely to be adopted by more airlines and airports as S.O.P. What's next? Smartphones? 

International and even regional air travel has never been more stressful and inconvenient for passengers. There's symptomatic delays and cancellations, shoddy treatment of passengers who are already limited in what they can carry-on. 

I agree that safety is paramount and that the minor inconvenience of being without your device pales in the comfort and knowledge that you're safe. I just hope this issue is approached with intelligence and consideration.

Source: Engadget