The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has removed the restriction that prevented passengers from carrying laptops and other large electronic devices in the cabin on flights from 10 majority-Muslim countries.
The measure, introduced in March, gradually eased over recent weeks. Initially, travelers bound for the United States from ten airports in the Middle East were required to check all electronic devices larger than a smartphone—most notably laptops—rather than keeping them in the passenger cabin. As security reviews and negotiations progressed, some of those airports were phased out of the restriction until the policy was fully lifted.
The original ban drew criticism from industry groups and corporate travel organizations, who argued it created significant inconvenience for passengers and did not fully address evolving security challenges. The International Air Transport Association and the Association of Corporate Travel Executives were among the bodies that publicly questioned the ban’s effectiveness.
“We are heartened to hear that the Trump administration has finally ended its laptop ban. This is one less burdensome regulation business travellers — and tourists — must grapple with as they plan their future travel,” said Greeley Koch, executive director of ACTE. “The policy was insufficient as a standalone measure to address very real ongoing security threats, and did not take into account the need for travellers to maintain connectivity and productivity, especially for long intercontinental flights where being off the grid can lead to business interruption.”
Koch praised the administration’s willingness to adjust the policy in light of improvements across the global airline industry: “We’re happy to see the administration demonstrate flexibility and recognition of the important strides the global airline industry has made towards safer travel.” At the same time, she noted there are remaining concerns about other policies announced earlier in the year.
“There remain other travel policies that continue to leave questions unanswered; namely, the immigration ban introduced earlier this year. We’d hope that the Trump administration would seriously reconsider such policies, as well, and focus their resources and efforts on developing enhanced screening techniques and technologies that better serve travellers and provide the comprehensive security we need.”