Royal Jordanian Won’t Allow Electronics in Cabins Beginning March 21st

Jordan-based airline Royal Jordanian announced today via Twitter that beginning tomorrow, all electronic devices are banned from passenger cabins on flights to and from North America.  This announcement comes amid concerns of defective batteries in cell phones and other devices that have been known to explode or catch on fire.Additionally, the timing of this electronics ban has led many to believe the ban is related to US President Trump’s travel ban or similar restrictions on travel.

Additionally, the timing of this electronics ban has led many to believe the ban is related to US President Trump’s travel ban or similar restrictions on travel.  The device ban appears to have orginated from the US Department of Homeland Security.

Details About Royal Jordanian’s Electronic’s Ban

This is a developing story with limited information.  A Tweet sent out by Royal Jordanian is the only source available at the moment.  Aviation and travel journalists have been active on Twitter doing their best to get information about the electronics ban out to the public.

Royal Jordanian sent the following Tweet;

https://twitter.com/RoyalJordanian/status/843860881947725825

Essentially, other than handheld cellular devices and medical devices, all electronic devices are to be banned from transport in the passenger cabin on flights to and from North America effective March 21st, 2017.  However, the alleged ban comes from a US agency, Royal Jordanian included its entire North American network. What’s odd about this announcement is that Royal Jordanian will still allow cell phones to be transported in the passenger cabin.  Cellular phones have been one of the leading causes of battery related fires in recent months.

What’s odd about this announcement is that Royal Jordanian will still allow cell phones to be transported in the passenger cabin.  Cellular phones have been one of the leading causes of battery-related fires in recent months.  This leads me to believe this is an anti-terrorism measure and not a measure to prevent battery-related fires.

As of this afternoon, it appears that the device ban may be related to security concerns as well as defective device concerns.  There has been mention of this ban acting as retaliation for the US President’s failed travel ban, however, these claims are unverified.

It should be noted that in terrorist attacks, electronic devices can be used to transport explosives or used as detonators.  This is the reason large electronic devices must be removed at security checkpoints.  However, large electronic devices can still pose a threat in the cargo hold.  Batteries have been linked to cargo hold fires that lead to flight diversions and possible incidents.

The Ban Will Be Extended to Other Countries

According to various sources, this ban effects 13 countries in the Middle East and Africa.  One, of course, is Jordan.  It appears that Saudia Arabia will also be included in the electronics ban.  The US Department of Homeland Security has stated that 13 countries will be impacted by this device ban.

Overall

This is a very bizarre ban.  Just because electronic devices are kept out of the passenger cabin doesn’t mean they can’t pose a threat.  This could actually lead to more issues on international flights with more electronic device unattended in the cargo hold of aircraft.  It’s also bizarre because of the limited information that was made available.  Airlines were the first to announce the electronic device ban not the US Department of Homeland Security.

I will continue to monitor this story.

What do you think about this electronic device ban?  Will it be effective?