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Emirates has come up with an innovative solution to make it easier for travelers to cope with the US Electronics travel ban. While other airlines have only instructed passengers to pack their electronics, and some airlines have even stayed ttight-lippedabout the ban, Emirates has grabbed the bull by the horns, and come up with a service to help passengers transiting through Dubai (DXB) en route to the US. The objective of the service from Emirates is to let travelers use their devices up until the last possible moment before they board their flight to the US.
Emirates will now gate check passengers’ electronics just before they board their flights to the US. Passengers will be able to hand over their laptops and tablets to security staff at the gate, which will then be packed in boxes and loaded into the aircraft’s cargo hold. The devices will be returned to passengers when they land in the US and leave the aircraft. The new service is mainly directed towards passengers connecting in Dubai for onward travel to the US. This will let passengers use their device for the first leg of their journey as well as during their Dubai layover. It is noteworthy that in Emirates’ statement, the airline encouraged travelers whose journey begins at Dubai to actually pack their laptops and tablets in their checked bags.
In terms of implementing the ban, Emirates has announced that along with the “gate checking” options for transit passengers, there will be extensive searches of hand luggage on all flights from Dubai to the US, and the company will be deploying extra staff to speed up the process. Luckily for those flying Emirates’ 5th freedom routes from Milan and Athens to the US they will not be affected by the electronics ban, and they can still continue to enjoy the use of their devices onboard.
Summary
This is a great move by Emirates and should help alleviate the considerable hassle that is being caused by the electronics travel ban. Hopefully, in the long run, other airlines affected by the ban will also take similar steps to make the life of travelers easier for a change.
Source: The Points Guy
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This definitely helps – it’s good to see them doing this. My main concern is the security of my laptop if it’s in a checked bag. Plus checking a bag in general, which I never do.
This is a great idea! It’s always nice to see companies making a statement
An even better solution, hat tip to the PointsGuy, Etihad offers free Wi-Fi and iPads on US-bound flights from Abu Dhabi.
https://thepointsguy.com/2017/03/free-wifi-etihad-flights-abu-dhabi/
A clever solution to a less than ideal situation. Let’s see how long this ban lasts…
Doesn’t sound particularly innovative to me! Just doing their best really to keep passengers transiting through DXB. Hope nothing will be lost or stolen
I appreciate the gesture, but my iPad is my best friend on flights. ????
Indeed the ban policy is really stupid.
Anyway, if you can bring your device till the gate it means that before boarding there should be a x-ray check at your cabin luggage otherwise how to discover who tries to board with its device hided in the luggage?
And thinking a little more the x-ray check must be general because you could also give the device to a friend and take it back later or even buy some device after the security check.
In my opinion it’s a mess!
Good on Emirates.
That is a very clever solution that they have come up with. Hopefully other airlines will follow, particularly if the ban is extended to further countries or extended generally.
Well done emirates. Finding an easier way to streamlining the process. Accommodating passengers is not easy
It’s nice to see a touch of practical problem-solving, like this. Hopefully other carriers will follow suit.
I believe Turkish Airlines are bringing in a similar policy.
Atleast one airline has forward thinking in this situation.
better than nothing, but the whole policy is stupid
hopefully other banned airports/airlines will follow suit!
Not a bad way.. Even though the ban is kinda stupid..
So to confirm, if one was to “gate check” their laptop, they would get it back immediately after deplaning? Or would they have to wait until reaching baggage claim?
it’ll be returned after deplaning, at the gate.
I will not be transiting through Dubai anytime soon, however this is a very good idea!
Good for Emirates. This ban is a total joke.
Why?
Good for them getting back at the.man!
Hopefully this will be put in place with an eye towards efficiency with no resultant back up at the gate.