Carry-On Electronics Banned From Flights

Our favorite electronic devices are suddenly facing a very uncertain future on international flights under new security measures being introduced into airports in Britain and the US. In response to recent revelations of a suspected bomb plot targeting some UK flights traveling to the US, transport and security agencies in both countries have issued strict new guidelines, which international airlines such as Qantas must observe. The UK has already banned all electronic devices such as MP3 players, mobile phones and laptops from hand luggage on all flights departing from the country. The US has taken the more conservative step of only banning liquids, gels and beverages from in and outgoing flights. However, given the nature of the threat uncovered by British security agents, which is believed to involve liquid explosives that could be triggered by an electronic signal, security experts are saying that tight restrictions for carry-on luggage might spread far beyond UK borders.

The restrictions stem from the fear that suspected bombers have discovered new ways to evade airport security, with electronic devices playing an important role. New measures are likely to bring considerable disruption and security concern to business travelers who are accustomed to carrying laptops and PDAs in hand luggage. Shipping expensive devices in cabin luggage is believed to substantially add to the risk of such items being stolen or damaged...and could even involve loss of critical or confidential data. I don't know what would happen to business travel if they prohibited carry-on electronics because I'd never trust my gear to the cargo bay.

Once something is placed on the restricted list in the US, even if the threat is fictitious, it could take a minimum of 3-5 years for that object to be removed from the list. At what point does it become too inconvenient to fly? If flying does become too inconvenient as a means of transportation, does that mean the terrorists win?