It seems that Emirates has been thinking how to handle its way around the large electronics ban that affects it from its Dubai to USA direct departures.
Emirates A380 taking off from London Heathrow – Image, Economy Class and Beyond
Emirates will allow its customer travelling to the USA via Dubai to use their laptops, tablets and large electronic items for first part of their journey, as well as in transit at Doha.
Before boarding, passengers at Dubai travelling the USA must declare and hand over their laptops, tablets, and other banned electronic devices to security staff at the gate just before boarding their US-bound flight.
Emirates will the pack the devices into boxes, for loading in the hold, with the items returned to customers at their US destination
The airline will not be any charge for this service.
Passengers commencing their trip to the USA from Dubai are requested to pack their electronics in their hold luggage before checking in.
All passenger hand luggage will be searched before boarding on direct flights to the USA. Therefore – it would be an idea to declare any electronics before boarding.
Emirates are trying to make the best of this, with Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline stating
Our aim is to ensure compliance with the new rules, while minimising disruption to passenger flow and impact on customer experience. Our new complimentary service enables passengers, particularly those flying for business, to have the flexibility to use their devices until the last possible moment.
He goes on to talk about usage statics when connected to Emirates WiFi:
Once on board they can still stay connected on their mobile phones. Our historical data shows that on Emirates’ US flights, 90% of passengers using our onboard mobile and Wi-Fi connectivity services do so via their smart phones. Only 6% connect via their laptops, and 4% via their tablets. That is not to say that other passengers are not using their devices offline, but perhaps the silver lining to this is that they can now justifiably give themselves a break from their devices, enjoy our onboard service and catch up on the latest movies, music, and TV box sets that we have on offer.
The full force of the electronics ban goes into effect from 25th March 2017. For now, be prepared to pack your items away in hold luggage, or if going via Dubai – use this service.
We all know the directive announced by the US TSA is going to make some sorts of travel a royal pain in the backside – forcing people down to a smartphone to carry out their work in the alleged name of security.
At least Emirates is trying to make a workaround for its ban… however long it lasts.
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