Emirates offers laptop, tablet handling service for US flights
The UAE-based airline Emirates has introduced complimentary laptop and tablet handling service to enable US-bound passengers to use their electronic devices after check-in and until boarding.
The service aims to beat Washington's ban on carrying such electronic devices in cabin baggage on flights to the US.
“This will enable passengers to use their laptops and tablet devices until just before they board their flights to the US,” said the airline in a statement.
The controversial ban on carry-on laptops and tablets on flights from the Middle East to the United States and Britain went into effect yesterday.
Travellers must pack these electronic devices in their checked-in baggage.
Emirates said its new service would enable passengers travelling to the US via Dubai to use their laptops and tablet devices on the first part of their journeys, and also during transit in Dubai.
“They must then declare and hand over their laptops, tablets, and other banned electronic devices to security staff at the gate just before boarding their US-bound flight,” it said.
The airline said Emirates staff would pack the devices into boxes, load into the aircraft hold, and return to the passengers at their US destination.
Tim Clark, president of Emirates Airline, said: “Our aim is to ensure compliance with the new rules, while minimising disruption to passenger flow and impact on customer experience.”
“Our new complimentary service enables passengers, particularly those flying for business, to have the flexibility to use their devices until the last possible moment.”
Once on board, passengers can still stay connected on their mobile phones, said the airline.
The new security directive, issued by the US Transportation Security Administration, however, does not apply to passengers travelling on Emirates' US-bound flights via Milan and Athens, or Emirates flights to and from any other destination, said the carrier.
Comments