The electronics ban has been without a doubt the biggest aviation topic this year. In March this year, the United States government issued a complete ban on devices bigger than mobile phones for 10 airports. The following airports are located in Cairo, Istanbul, Kuwait, Doha, Casablanca, Amman, Riyadh, Jeddah and The United Arab Emirates. This ban has affected all of the home carriers of those airports in some way, Emirates even said their profits have dropped 70-80% which is INSANE!

Airlines quickly found ways to improvise and make the experience better for passengers as not having their own devices on long-haul flights can be quite irritating.

Qatar started offering Business Class guests laptops to use for free, Etihad give First & Business Class passengers IPads to use as well as free Wifi and Emirates will loan passengers in First and Business Class a tablet to use.

At this point, Australia hasn’t been too involved with the ban except for extra security screening when departing Middle Eastern airports on flights to Australia. But that could soon all change and Australia could be the next country to ban laptops onboard certain flights. 

Per the Sydney Morning Herald,

Mr Turnbull said the government was “looking at it very closely”, and taking advice on the matter.

“We’re working very closely with our partners and, in due course, any announcements will be made formally through the Transport Minister,”

So right now, there’s no certain yes or no answer to whether Australia will also do the ban. Even though it’s not confirmed or denied, it’s a worrying thing to think about.

In the article, they mention International flights but there’s no idea which flights would and wouldn’t be affected.

Is the ban a ridiculous idea and should NOT happen?