#ElectronicBan going away

The US is introducing new security requirements

The United States Department of Homeland Security has announced that they’ll implement heightened security measures for the roughly 2,100 daily international flights to the US, but they’ll stop just short of an electronics ban, which is good news.

These new security measures are to be implemented in 105 countries around the world, which are the last point of departure prior to nonstop flights to the US.

Not surprisingly, they’re not being all that clear about what these new measures entail, though they say that the new measures could include the following:

• Enhancing overall passenger screening;
• Conducting heightened screening of personal electronic devices;
• Increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas; and
• Deploying advanced technology, expanding canine screening, and establishing additional preclearance locations.

The Department of Homeland Security says that “the enhanced security measures are both seen and unseen; however, passengers flying to the United States may experience an additional screening of their person and property.” Fortunately, they also say that there are no changes to items allowed in carry-on and checked bags as of now.

These changes will be implemented in phases over the next several weeks and months. They say that some of the new requirements will be implemented immediately, and other measures will be implemented over time.

The electronics ban is being abolished

The current electronics ban in place for flights from 10 airports in the Middle East will be ended if the airports comply with the new security measures. Once such procedures are verified by the TSA, the ban would be removed. Great News!

I am expecting the removal of the electronic ban in upcoming weeks. Right in the nick of time when multiple students are expected to fly out to the USA for higher education. How cool is that? 

Etihad, Emirates and Qatar should feel great about this.