The DHS hasn’t made a final decision, but it still remains a possibility that they will ban laptops and tablets from entering the US. The Department of Homeland Security is considering banning all carry-on laptops on flights from Europe to the United States. This rule change would represent an expansion of previous regulations banning carry-on laptops and tablets on flights from some Middle Eastern and African countries.
DHS spokesperson David Lapan later clarified the department’s position on Twitter with the following statement:
“No final decisions made on expanding the restriction on large electronic devices in aircraft cabins; however, it is under consideration. DHS continues to evaluate the threat environment and will make changes when necessary to keep air travelers safe.”
Why banning laptops and tablets?
The initial ban on carry-on laptops and tablets was apparently a response to renewed fears that someone would disguise a bomb as an iPad and manually detonate it mid-flight. The United Kingdom followed suit, implementing a similar,targeted ban on large electronics in airplane cabins. Of course, neither ban prevents these devices from being checked and transported in the baggage hold.
