JDiver

This is not definitive, but knowledgeable people are saying if it's battery powered and not a smartphone or smaller than one, it's likely ot acceptable. If it's unpowered or cord powered, it seems to be okay. At least one blogger has suggested, for instance, that a smartphone with a dongle and keyboard that isn't battery powered are okay.

The priblem is, IMO, that unless USDHS or QR provide clarity and specificity, some of us will get into discussion or argument with security or other personnel at the airport.

I certainly hope QR deals with this in a far more customer friendly way than saying "pack it in your checked baggage, you're on your own". They could certainly take electronics and place them in a container that would be comparable in handling to special, valuable, courier or diplomatic cargo.

aglp2k

I am flying on Sunday, 3/26 from HYD-AUH-DOH-DFW with HYD-AUH-DOH segments on EY and DOH-DFW on QR . I contacted EY and they told me that I can carry my laptop to DOH. So I contacted QR via twitter direct message and they told me that it should be checked in at point of origin.

As there is no other choice, I am planning to pack my laptop and check it in the baggage at HYD. However I am not sure what to do with my Bose headset (QC25) which is powered by a single AAA battery. Can I still carry on my hand baggage? I just got the generic answer from QR that all electronics larger than a phone needs to be checked in.

Any suggestions?

Always Flyin

Substantively, I'm afraid not. I expect it will take a period of time until it becomes clear how this will all be implemented.

Please post a follow-up and let us know how it goes.

Good luck!

justforfun

Very disappointed QR hasn't made such provisions yet.

united78

I agree - it seems they are slow off the mark and certainly not focused on the "customer experience" - something that EK has communicated. Let's hope the delay in communication leads to something worth waiting for.

aglp2k

I saw a response by QR on Twitter this morning to a tweet by a passenger if QR will be making special arrangements similar to EK regarding collection of banned devices at the gate. Here is QR's response:

"Yes B. We made the arrangements right after they had issued the travel bulletin. The devices shall be collected at the gates"

However, I do not see any information on QR's website about collection of banned devices at the gate. Something in the works may be.

justforfun

What?! There is no official mention by QR of this anywhere. I fly in 10 hours SYD-DOH-US and would really love to be able to carry my laptop all the way to the gate in DOH.

aglp2k

Here is QR's Tweet:

justforfun

I wish they were more specific as to what those special arrangements are.

G-CIVC

Im boarding QR 739 DOH-LAX in 3 hours. Seems like I will be the first data point on FT?

With SSSS too, it won't be fun.

What a spectacular way to end a 12-day MR...

justforfun

If possible, please update us before take off. Would be much appreciated.

MKE-MR

At checkin today at an outstation, I asked about the policy. I was told that for US flights, they are collecting at the FIRST POINT OF DEPARTURE, not at the gates in Doha. I expressed my displeasure.

The same sign was posted as the one at HKT which is shown earlier in the thread.

If I have time when in DOH, I will drop by a US-bound gate to see if there is any procedure in evidence.

aglp2k

Thanks for the update. Are they providing any kind of box to put the laptop in or they are expecting to use your existing baggage to pack?

G-CIVC

I'll have data until take off so that should work.

I originated in Paris and no actions were taken, neither at Doha transit desk (had to stop by since SSSS)

G-CIVC

It was a giant clusterf--k.

There is a wrapping counter at gate C9 where they would seal and box your laptop. However when I went there I was instructed to go back to the gate and clear security first. Those outside security agreed with that so I went through gate security. Oops, nope the people at the scanners now didn't know what to do with my (case/sleeve)-less laptop. They then had to assign one of themselves as 'courier', took my laptop, BP and phone # and went to C9.

It took forever but finally my laptop (I hope) came back in a sealed cardboard box, everything wrapped and labeled on the surface with my personal particulars. It was double sealed with the luggage tag you get when you check luggage normally.

Finally, you will have to sign an indemnity form that waives ALL claims towards QR if there is any 'data loss' or 'damage'. I asked if I can choose not to sign, was told it will remain at DOH if so. Then it will be wrapped again at the BP scan point, where someone takes it to the hold (can't see that). There's no valet at LAX but they'll show up on the belt (I hope so, in 16 hours.)

A lot of people were confused as well and I overheard citations of very different instructions across different outports that the pax originated from. Some people struggled to check in lenses, camcorders etc I saw.

Not sure if related but there was this incredibly intimidating security questioning by a white guy who had such condescending attitude I almost teared up. Now we're having departure delay because of 'security reasons'.