British security chiefs have been advised that the US is planning to extend its electronics ban on incoming flights from some parts of Europe, possibly in a few weeks. The current ban only affects US-bound flights departing from some Middle East countries.
According to Travel Weekly, several informed sources have confirmed that the US is considering plans to include Britain, but no final decision has been made yet.
A US official said there was no impending announcement but signalled that a decision by the US Department of Homeland Security was not far off. The same official confirmed that Britain was on the list of countries being considered for extended restrictions.
Under current restrictions, passengers are prohibited from carrying electronic devices larger than a mobile phone – including laptops and tablets – in their carry-on baggage and must pack them into their checked baggage.
Since the ban was introduced on March 21, it has affected flights to the US from 10 airports in eight countries.
