The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is calling on the governments of the United States and United Kingdom to find alternatives to the new ban on large electronics on flights from from eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
In a speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations, IATA Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac said that the new measures are not an “acceptable long-term solution to whatever threat they are trying to mitigate.”
"With the measures now in place, our passengers and member airlines are asking valid questions,” said de Juniac. “Why don’t the U.S. and the UK have a common list of airports? How can laptops be secure in the cabin on some flights and not others, including flights departing from the same airport? And surely there must be a way to screen electronic equipment effectively? The current situation is not acceptable and will not maintain the all-important confidence of the industry or of travelers. We must find a better way. And governments must act quickly."
The IATA also criticized the way in which the new policy was announced. The ban was first announced by one of the affected airlines, Royal Jordanian, on Twitter late on the afternoon of March 20. Government officials did not confirm the new policy, as well as the full list of airlines and airports affected by it, until the next day.
"The industry came together quickly to implement the new requirements. That was a challenge because there was no prior consultation and little coordination by governments," said de Juniac.
What Travel Agents Can Do
How can travel agents respond to the new policy? Be sure to keep an eye on the list of airports and airlines affected by the electronics ban in order to fully inform clients who might be traveling on affected flights. For travel agents with clients flying on Emirates, be aware that the airline is offering a free new “handling service” that will allow travelers on affected flights to keep using laptops and other large electronics during the first leg of their journey at and the gate.
Travel insurance is also a big issue to be aware of with regards to the new policy. Experts Travel Agent spoke with tell us that many policies may not cover the full cost of electronics that are stolen or damaged during flight – here’s a list of quick travel insurance tips on the new electronics ban to share.