Here Is a Compilation of Solutions Being Offered So Far By Airlines Affected By the US Laptop Ban

As I had mentioned in a post last week, there are a couple of carriers affected by the US laptop ban. For everyone’s reference, I thought I’d do up a compilation of solutions the affected airlines have introduced in light of this development. Here they are:

Emirates – As I posted previously, Emirates was the first airline to have a workaround to the US laptop ban. The carrier is allowing passengers to carry their laptops/tablets with them up until the point of transit in Dubai. After that, the devices will be collected and sealed prior to boarding the US-bound flights. They will be returned after the flight has arrived in the U.S.

Etihad – Effective 2nd April 2017, the airline will be lending iPads and giving free Wifi vouchers to First and Business class passengers on US-bound flights. Economy class passengers are not included.

Qatar Airways – Just received a press release with QR’s solution to the ban. It states that they will be loaning out laptops for free for Business Class passengers. Also, QR has announced that they will be offering a special service whereby devices will be collected at the gate (not mentioned whether at DOH or at airport or origin – but presumably the former) and returned upon arrival in the U.S. Finally, there will be a special WiFi promotion of US$5 for the whole duration of the flight.

Royal Jordanian – No concrete solution yet but the airline tweeted out this hilarious list of things to do on a 12-hour flight without laptop or tablet. They include the following tips: analyze the meaning of life, pretend the tray table is a keyboard and say hello to the person next to you.

#electronicsban ? pic.twitter.com/U3S7sdkipy

— Royal Jordanian (@RoyalJordanian) March 23, 2017

Saudia – The airline is also allowing passengers to bring their devices with them up until the point of transit in Jeddah or Riyadh. Prior to boarding, the laptops/tablets will be collected and kept in cases. The devices will then be returned upon arrival in the United States.

Turkish Airlines – Their solution is quite similar to Emirates, in that passengers will be able to use their devices up until the point of transit in Istanbul. Upon arriving in Istanbul for transit, passengers can then opt to either check them in their checked luggage or having them stored along with other passengers’ devices – and they will then be given free wifi access onboard. For the latter option, a Turkish Airlines representative will be present at the luggage claim area to return the devices.

Royal Air Maroc, Egyptair and Kuwait Airways have likewise not announced anything concrete yet but they’ve released some humorous posts in social media regarding the situation. You can check them out here.