DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CHANGES COURSE ON “LAPTOP BAN”
July 1, 2017
On Wednesday, June 28, 2017 the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced that every commercial flight bound for the U.S. will be forced to tighten its security procedures or else risk a complete ban on large electronic devices (devices larger than a smart phone) from both the cabin and the luggage compartments of the airplane.
The new requirements will apply to approximately 180 airlines operating at more than 280 airports in 150 countries that are the last point of departure for direct flight to the U.S.
Airlines that operate to the U.S. from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa can “escape” the so-called “laptop ban” if they comply with the new security measures. The new measures have not been fully released yet but could include a larger number of K-9 units to detect bombs and other harmful devices, greater security presence around aircraft or the use of new electronic monitoring devices. Additional measures have the potential of creating longer wait times for passengers transiting security check points.
DHS officials have stated that the measures will differ by airport and that it is the responsibility of the airlines to inform passengers of new security procedures and how they might affect travel and wait times.
The situation remains fluid and more concrete details of the new security measures will likely become more available in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, please contact Evelyn Sahr (esahr@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6622) or Drew Derco (dderco@eckertseamans.com, 202-659-6665).
Share This Post
Authors
