The ever-evolving security threat at U.S. airports has resulted in a wide variety of challenges for travelers and security professionals within the country. The latest security measure may well be the banning of laptops on an increased number of flights. This will, of course, have enormous repercussions for business travelers across the country. With that in mind, here is a brief overview of the decision, and where these expanded security measures may be taking place.
Why Laptops?
After the devastating plane-based attacks of 9/11, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has implemented a number of security protocols to keep flights safe, including more detailed screening, shoe removal, and a growing list of banned carry-on items. Laptop computers are now considered the latest security concern due to terrorist threats of laptop bombs that can bypass airport security.
Affected Airports
In response to this new security concern, the U.S. announced a ban on laptops in carry-on luggage on flights to the U.S. from ten airports, all located within Muslim-majority countries. Passengers flying to the U.S. from these airports are restricted from bringing on any electronic device larger than a smartphone in the plane’s cabin, and must check them in as baggage. The electronics ban was ordered on flights from Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, Cairo International Airport in Egypt, Ataturk International Airport in Turkey, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport in Saudi Arabia, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Kuwait International Airport, Mohammed V Airport in Morocco, Hamad International Airport in Qatar, Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Soon after the U.S. announced the new restrictions in March of 2017, the U.K followed suit with a similar ban on carry-on electronic devices. Canada was also said to be looking into taking similar action. As of April 2017, the U.S. is said to be considering an expansion of the ban to additional airports in the future. While the Department of Homeland Security has come under scrutiny for such an inconvenient security measure, the U.S. has said that the ban will remain in place until the threat changes.
How to Remain Productive at 30,000 Feet?
If you are traveling to the U.S. from one of the impacted airports and need to remain productive in transit, there are a few things you can do:
Check Email on Your Smartphone
While laptops may no longer be allowed, small mobile devices are not included in the ban. Checking email on your phone may not be the best way to stay on top of a growing workload, but it is still a workable measure to remain productive on extended flights.
Bring Hard Copies
If you absolutely need to work on a file while in transit, the only thing left to do is print it out and do what you can by hand. While in all likelihood you will need to make any changes in the electronic file once you land, getting the thoughts out on paper will help you do what you need to do quickly back at the office.
For more thoughts on how to keep your team safe while traveling, connect with the team at Happy Faces Records Management. Call today!Airp
