BA Handling of laptop/tablet ban
Nov 10, 2017, 4:01 pm
#151
Join Date: Nov 2017
Posts: 3,061
1) I never suggested any 'light-fingeredness', in fact was quite clear I would be ecstatic if I even got to a position I could check it in.
2) Sadly I have a 100% record (admittedly on a smaller base) of being asked to turn it on. Including more recently than October - perhaps they've changed the way they apply rules since then?
3) Taking it to a socket won't help, it's completely dead. No lights, no noise, nothing.
I think I'll do as CWS suggests and try getting it fixed in the city. I guess I was reluctant a) because I'd rather not waste what time I have in a beautiful city running round after technology, and b) because if it takes longer to fix than I have then I'm back to square one, in which case the question is still valid anyway.
Thanks everyone for your responses.
Nov 11, 2017, 2:53 am
#153
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Brexile in ADB
Programs: BA, TK, HHonours, Le Club, Best Western Rewards
Posts: 7,067
Worcester, "My computer closed"??? Try "Benim bilgisayar bozuk"
A few things:
1) Having flown in and out of IST frequently for three decades, I have never known ISt to be a notorious place for light fingered baggae handlers. While I am not saying that nothing has ever been stolen at IST, it does not have such a widespread reputation, nor has it ever had one.
2) While 6 months ago they were for 2-3 months regularly asking people to turn on their computers at the terminal entrance check, this is a rarity these days, and I say this as someone who has flown out 8 times in October thusfar.
3) In relation to the above, if your computer is dead, there is always a socket somewhere they will take you to to get enough juice to turn it on. As stated above, any such check is an airport thing and is totally different than any checks that BA conducts.
4.
A few things:
1) Having flown in and out of IST frequently for three decades, I have never known ISt to be a notorious place for light fingered baggae handlers. While I am not saying that nothing has ever been stolen at IST, it does not have such a widespread reputation, nor has it ever had one.
2) While 6 months ago they were for 2-3 months regularly asking people to turn on their computers at the terminal entrance check, this is a rarity these days, and I say this as someone who has flown out 8 times in October thusfar.
3) In relation to the above, if your computer is dead, there is always a socket somewhere they will take you to to get enough juice to turn it on. As stated above, any such check is an airport thing and is totally different than any checks that BA conducts.
4.
Nov 11, 2017, 1:38 pm
#154
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: london
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 266
Not only was I not asked but I didn't see anyone else being asked though I wasn't watching what happened with anyone taken aside for extra checks, just the people in front and behind in the queue.
I was flying TK so it was in my backpack. At the gate TK selected some passengers for extra very comprehensive searches but not me so no one checked my laptop at any point.
Nov 15, 2017, 5:41 am
#155
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, HHonors Gold
Posts: 230
Having passed through today I can confirm what others have reported. Entrance to airport asking to power on laptops.
Normal airport security after check-in as you'd expect. Secondary security at the BA gate manually inspecting every passenger and every bag. Laptops, Kindles, iPads need to be gate checked with your own bag. The bag travels on the bus (assuming remote stand) and can be observed being loaded. The bag can be short checked to London or checked through to any other destination on your itinerary. If checked to London it will need reclaiming from the baggage hall. Power banks are subject to size restrictions. Anything larger than the restricted size can't be taken in hold or cabin baggage. This was quite small. None of my power banks would have fitted through this gauge. Only those of a slim design being not too much thicker than a phone would have fitted. Overall the process was somewhat chaotic and not all passengers had been made aware of the restrictions at check-in with some requesting baggage already loaded be pulled from the aircraft so the could add electronic items to their hold luggage.
By contrast I recently flew the same route with TK. All electronics permitted in hand baggage and secondary gate checks were of a random nature. Departure hall security checks identical for both TK and BA.
Normal airport security after check-in as you'd expect. Secondary security at the BA gate manually inspecting every passenger and every bag. Laptops, Kindles, iPads need to be gate checked with your own bag. The bag travels on the bus (assuming remote stand) and can be observed being loaded. The bag can be short checked to London or checked through to any other destination on your itinerary. If checked to London it will need reclaiming from the baggage hall. Power banks are subject to size restrictions. Anything larger than the restricted size can't be taken in hold or cabin baggage. This was quite small. None of my power banks would have fitted through this gauge. Only those of a slim design being not too much thicker than a phone would have fitted. Overall the process was somewhat chaotic and not all passengers had been made aware of the restrictions at check-in with some requesting baggage already loaded be pulled from the aircraft so the could add electronic items to their hold luggage.
By contrast I recently flew the same route with TK. All electronics permitted in hand baggage and secondary gate checks were of a random nature. Departure hall security checks identical for both TK and BA.
Nov 24, 2017, 4:01 am
#158
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: london
Programs: BA Silver
Posts: 266
Quick question, I looked through and couldn't see an answer. If you buy a HBO fare and arrive at IST for the return leg with a non compliant piece of equipment, does anyone know how BA is handling this? Are they letting you check your bag or making you upgrade your ticket. Just occurred to me as checking prices I can see they are selling HBO fares.
I know you could argue that passenger should have been aware of the rules before they bought but in the real world that doesn't always happen
I know you could argue that passenger should have been aware of the rules before they bought but in the real world that doesn't always happen
Nov 24, 2017, 7:57 am
#159
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Programs: BA Gold, A3 Gold, FB Gold, Bonvoy Titanium / LTP, Accor Plat
Posts: 13,896
Quick question, I looked through and couldn't see an answer. If you buy a HBO fare and arrive at IST for the return leg with a non compliant piece of equipment, does anyone know how BA is handling this? Are they letting you check your bag or making you upgrade your ticket. Just occurred to me as checking prices I can see they are selling HBO fares.
I know you could argue that passenger should have been aware of the rules before they bought but in the real world that doesn't always happen
I know you could argue that passenger should have been aware of the rules before they bought but in the real world that doesn't always happen
Nov 25, 2017, 12:49 am
#161
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 5,596
We arrived for the afternoon IST-LHR and security to enter the terminal just ignored the laptop in the checked bag.The flight was cancelled and we were sent to a hotel.
Next day for the morning flight security wanted the laptop out of the checked bag and turned on.So it seems to be a chaotic picture of nobody knowing what to do.
Next day for the morning flight security wanted the laptop out of the checked bag and turned on.So it seems to be a chaotic picture of nobody knowing what to do.
Nov 30, 2017, 3:39 am
#162
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: DUB / DOH
Posts: 693
Hi all,
I am flying RUH - LHR tonight and I know that I can't carry my laptop on board, but I have a slightly more complicated question. I just bought a new Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which is technically 1-2mm taller than the allowed limits according to phone specs.
I assume this won't be an issue, but I also don't want to have my phone confiscated at the gate, so if anyone could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
I am flying RUH - LHR tonight and I know that I can't carry my laptop on board, but I have a slightly more complicated question. I just bought a new Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which is technically 1-2mm taller than the allowed limits according to phone specs.
I assume this won't be an issue, but I also don't want to have my phone confiscated at the gate, so if anyone could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Dec 5, 2017, 2:41 am
#163
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Beirut
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 10
Ban lifted for MEA Flights from Beirut
Interestingly, Lebanon's national carrier now allows laptops and larger electronics into the cabin:
https://www.mea.com.lb/english/about...es/uk-ban-lift
Yet BA still maintains its ban, and the Government website still states that the ban is in place.
I flew from Beirut to London on the 16th of November with BA, and each and every carry-on bag was searched at the gate. Surely it would be less onerous for BA to follow suit and do random checks?
DFT lifts the electronic ban on MEA flights bound to the UK
17 Nov 2017
Effective 17 November 2017, Middle East Airlines passengers are allowed to carry laptops, tablets and accessories into the cabin to the UK bound flights, provided specific random additional security measures are implemented at the London flight segregated gate.
MEA extends its deep appreciation to its passengers for their understanding at the time of the electronic ban and thanks them in anticipation for their continuous cooperation.
MEA would like to seize this opportunity to thank H.E. British Ambassador in Lebanon Mr. Hugo Shorter for the efforts exerted to lift the ban, as well as the British team and Lebanese Airport Authorities for the cooperation during this period.
17 Nov 2017
Effective 17 November 2017, Middle East Airlines passengers are allowed to carry laptops, tablets and accessories into the cabin to the UK bound flights, provided specific random additional security measures are implemented at the London flight segregated gate.
MEA extends its deep appreciation to its passengers for their understanding at the time of the electronic ban and thanks them in anticipation for their continuous cooperation.
MEA would like to seize this opportunity to thank H.E. British Ambassador in Lebanon Mr. Hugo Shorter for the efforts exerted to lift the ban, as well as the British team and Lebanese Airport Authorities for the cooperation during this period.
Yet BA still maintains its ban, and the Government website still states that the ban is in place.
I flew from Beirut to London on the 16th of November with BA, and each and every carry-on bag was searched at the gate. Surely it would be less onerous for BA to follow suit and do random checks?
Dec 5, 2017, 2:42 am
#164
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Beirut
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 10
Hi all,
I am flying RUH - LHR tonight and I know that I can't carry my laptop on board, but I have a slightly more complicated question. I just bought a new Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which is technically 1-2mm taller than the allowed limits according to phone specs.
I assume this won't be an issue, but I also don't want to have my phone confiscated at the gate, so if anyone could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
I am flying RUH - LHR tonight and I know that I can't carry my laptop on board, but I have a slightly more complicated question. I just bought a new Samsung Galaxy Note 8, which is technically 1-2mm taller than the allowed limits according to phone specs.
I assume this won't be an issue, but I also don't want to have my phone confiscated at the gate, so if anyone could shed some light on this it would be much appreciated.
Thanks!
Dec 6, 2017, 7:04 am
#165
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: DUB / DOH
Posts: 693
I didn't encounter any issues although the phone never came out of my pocket at the supplementary gate check. I don't think there should be any issues as I don't think anyone would notice that it is too big as it is only marginally bigger than other phones.