jbalmuth

I flew yesterday CAI - LHR - JFK (my laptop and kindle had to be in checked luggage, but fortunately made their way safely), and very honestly I did not notice anything dramatically worse at Cairo Airport than at Heathrow or JFK. None of the many security workers in Cairo were worse than the rude "security" gent at T-5 (B) who decided that we should wait in line to show him our connecting flight boarding passes before being allowed to queue for a standing-room-only bus from T5 to T-3, and none of the multiple passport checks at Cairo took as long as the CBP official at JFK T-8 who decided to review each Global Entry print-out slip as slowly as humanly possible (thereby creating a longer line than in Cairo). Regarding "dump", Cairo T-2 is certainly newer and cleaner than anything at LHR T-3 or JFK. [That said, I recommend skipping the uninspiring business class lounge at CAI unless you've arrived at the airport long before your flight; you'll also avoid an additional security check when leaving the lounge.]. YMMV

Hafnia

notsosmart

I'm a bit confused: are you not allowed to take any laptop/phone chargers with you out of CAI when flying BA? Even in the hold?

SFO777

You can take all of the above out of CAI. But the only electronics you are allowed to carry on with you is your cell phone. Anything else (laptops. chargers, etc...) can and indeed must be checked.

jbalmuth

You can take small ones (the size of a normal cellphone) with you in the cabin.
The restrictions are specified at https://www.britishairways.com/trave...s/public/en_us, which directs you also to https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-rest...ectrical-items
Since many chargers are larger (generally thicker) than a normal phone, and the CAI security guards carry around tape measures, if the charger exceeds any of the specified dimensions

• Length: 16 cm
• Width: 9.3 cm
• Depth: 1.5 cm

the charger is confiscated.
To my knowledge, the ex-Cairo the prohibition only currently applies to BA 154 (BA's daily nonstop to LHR). The ex-CAI nonstops on MS do not have the same restrictions --- and any ex-CAI flights direct to other non-U.K. destinations are also exempt. Thus, you really need/want to be flying the BA nonstop to have this restriction imposed on you.
[One might find it infuriating that they (BA) have taken no meaningful steps to mitigate this restriction, especially as some other U.K. airlines that fly from the Middle East to the U.K. have taken additional security steps such that they have been relieved from these rules. Many, many threads in the BA Forum highlight how BA's current management has recently led the airline down various customer - unfriendly paths; this is, unfortunately, just one of many....].

saint77

I genuinely appreciate the advice offered on this thread

I must confess to not being in Cairo for two years, I visited a couple times annually for 6 years in a row before that (on every visit I said it would be my LAST)

it is one of my least favorite destinations and the old airport (was a true dump) had nowhere to go but up, so I believe posters here that it is much improved

I will not opt for a tight connection on EK after my return on BA and have booked the Meridien for a short night with an early flight on Egypt Air to Kuwait, this is the more prudent option despite me not being too excited about the choice of airline

stephem

I had forgotten about the electronics hassle exCAI on BA when I booked an old legacy AA J fare (since withdrawn by AA) that booked onto BA CAI-LHR and allowed upgrade to F w only miles on the AA segment from LHR-LAX. At the time it also seemed a perfect way to show the kids the pyramids and have a day in Cairo. Now thinking about 3 kids w iPads, wife and me with computers and cameras at the end of a long holiday, I am not sure a cheap F flight back to LAX is such the deal I thought it was...

jbalmuth

I think that this is simply a case of "forewarned is forearmed", and not a "must reschedule" situation. Both BA and AA have very extensive video offerings for all ages, and the ~3 hour change of plane at LHR allows you time to have a very nicely prepared, relaxing meal at the CX first-class lounge in T3. AA's F service also now permits eating-on-demand, which is extremely helpful during such a long travel day. After a day touring the Pyramids and enduring Cairo's chaotic traffic, I'd wager that most kids would spend much of the LHR - LAX flight sound asleep.
btw, the current rates for Uber (and its competitor Careem) in Cairo are astonishingly cheap at the moment; comfortable rides to/from the Le Meridien Cairo Airport to the center of town (i.e. the Egyptian Museum on Tahrir Square) cost USD 6-7 despite extensive traffic, and the Le Meridien is a very affordable 3k SPG points per night per room (with free upgrades to a very pleasant Executive Lounge for SPG elite members); in addition, they'll arrange a complimentary transfer service to/from the airport terminal, and during our last stay there, didn't hesitate to let us check-in when we arrived ~8 am.
I apologize that this has gone way off-topic, but I hope that it helps.

binman

2old4coach

YES! It is a BA thing. There is a check just before boarding the BA flight, and they search carry ons just for electronics and batteries. I do not take my i pad or lap top I leave my extra camera batteries in my checked baggage. I only take my i phone. So be fore warned. It is a BA rule. Flying to DXB on EK to DXB you can take laptop etc.

nk15

You should pack your laptop in your checked luggage ahead of time, and you are allowed to lock the checked bag with a lock, and I think it seems pretty safe. Many people arrive at the CAI BA check in counter unprepared, you should see their expressions when they are told of the restrictions...And then some people check their laptop cases, briefcases, or even women's small shoulder bags and purses, lol...It is hilarious to see those going around on the luggage belt at LHR....

DeltaFlyingProf

Trafic even that late can be bad. Unpredictable. One time it took over an hour and a half to get to the Conrad, another time, less than 1/2h to get to the le M�ridien Pyramids.

Take Uber.

more4less

danielm

I came across this fare today while searching and grabbed it. Am incredibly, incredibly bummed to hear that I won't be able to take my laptop on the plan (and therefore, on the trip - my various flights to Cairo mean I can't check a bag...and what could I possibly need to check on a 36 hour trip anyhow?) I vowed never to fly BA IST-LHR just last week, and here I go again...

Anyways, question: could I expect to be able to land in Cai at 6:20 and be on the 8am ba flight out? That's really pushing it, I think, but some people seem to think its okay on the internet. What do you experts say?

DeltaFlyingProf

Not impossible but risky.
On the other hand, if you are bummed about the laptop ban, the cancellation penalty is minimal (2x650EGP IIRC), so you can use it.