UK bans uncharged phones on all flights
Ban on uncharged electronic devices extended to "some routes into and out of the UK", as well as all US-bound flights
Anyone flying into or out of the UK will need to prove they can switch on their phone and other electronic devices, officials have warned. The Department for Transport (DfT) said it was extending checks on uncharged electronic devices to “some routes into or out of the UK”, but could not disclose which routes for security reasons.
Earlier this week a ban on uncharged electronic devices was placed on all flights between the UK and the US. Both Heathrow and Manchester airports have warned that US-bound passengers must charge electronic devices carried in hand luggage before arriving at the airport.
British Airways said that customers could either leave uncharged devices at the airport, have them sent on to their destination or rebook for a later flight if it would then be possible to turn the device on.
In an updated statement the DfT said the ban could now apply to any flights into or out of the UK:
“In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft,” the DfT warned.
“Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.”
The DfT said that it could not specify the routes affected for security reasons.
Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said there was no change to the threat level faced by the UK, which remains at “substantial”.
“While we do everything we can, where possible, to minimise the disruption to people’s journeys, we will continue to take all the steps necessary to ensure that public safety is maintained,” he said.
