In  March 2017, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) put in place a ban on electronic devices larger than the cellphone in carry-on luggage for direct flights to the U.S. from 10 airports: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), and Dubai International Airport (DXB).

On June 28, 2017, in lieu of an expanded electronics ban, DHS announced “enhanced security measures” for all commercial flights to the U.S. These measures will be implemented over the next several months and will include: enhancing overall passenger screening; conducting heightened screening of personal electronic devices; increasing security protocols around aircraft and in passenger areas; deploying advanced technology, expanding canine screening; and, establishing additional pre-clearance locations.  Any airline found to be in non-compliance with these measures will “run the risk of additional security measures being imposed”.

On July 5, 2017, three airlines (Etihad, Emirates and Turkish Airways) were exempted from the electronics ban.

On July 19, 2017 Mexico increased security measures for large electronics on direct flights bound for the United States, at the request of U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and they recommend that passengers on these flights arrive at the airport a minimum of 3 hours prior to boarding.

This post will be updated with additional information as it becomes available.  Please contact OEC with any questions regarding this issue.