Related to why the laptop ban: https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/trump-revealed-highly-classified-information-to-russian-foreign-minister-and-ambassador/2017/05/15/530c172a-3960-11e7-9e48-c4f199710b69_story.html
Some things these days are just hard to fathom…
Wait. That’s related to the laptop ban ?
Yes. He apparently shared the intel that was the cause of the laptop ban (if it ever happens).
It sure looks like it is related. Good grief!
All to impress his employers.
If nothing else, it seems ridiculous people in the general public are claiming political theater or security theater, and I’m not talking just about the proposed laptop ban, when those people don’t have access to even a small fraction of the information, which may be driving those decisions.
I think security theater applies in this case due to the risk of all those batteries in the cargo hold. The science of that is independent of any intel or politics.
I’ve been reading a travel forum in preparation for a trip abroad and a poster mentioned that DSLR cameras may ne included in the ban! If that’s true, I am going to be extremely disappointed. DH bought me a new camera for my birthday and I wanted to bring it with me.
If we were truly concerned about battery fires, we would put all electronics in some type of fire proof container for the duration of flight, combined with improved fire suppression systems in the cargo area. One of the main causes of batteries catching fire in the first place is overcharging.
My d is literally sitting on the tarmac in Amsterdam coming home. I didn’t want to freak her out, but she’s texting. I just casually asked if she had her laptop and kindle for entertainment and she does. She would have mentioned if she wasn’t allowed to have it.
According to memory of discussion about 3 years ago, due to living near a plant that makes those:
If just one ionlithium battery overheats -and there are many reasons - all other batteries catch the heat and overheat, quickly reaching a high temperature.
That’s why these batteries are supposed to be packed in separate packs and cannot be in a single big container.
@roethlisburger The current limitations on carrying lithium ion batteries on board and in the cargo hold show that the airlines DO have reservations about the safety of these batteries. Obviously they have been hoping that these limits are sufficient to eliminate the risk of fire. The fact that a few fire incidents have occurred in cargo and cabin areas indicates current regulations don’t 100% reduce the risk. Wouldn’t be surprised to see work is being done by airplane manufacturers to add additional fire suppression gear. But that takes time - a lot of it - and there’s likely to be a big gap of time between implementation and security changes. The question is will the airlines be able to financially withstand that gap. No doubt an electronics ban similar to what is being discussed will result is a decrease in airline travel, maybe even a significant drop in $.
I’m confused. Has this already happened or is it anticipated it will happen? If the latter, when?
Ironically the last time people in my family traveled to/from Euorpe for pleasure they road tripped it to Calgary, Alberta first, saving thousands in airplay tickets, and got to add a second city to their trip. Obviously not a practical option for most people; even for others who live 3 hours from the border as its all day drive but it’s interesting.
@Hoggirl When I posted it, it was expected to be rolled out the following day. It hasn’t yet, but still being talked about. Now, it is also tied to Trump’s rerouted leakage of classified info to the Russians.
*reported
You can’t have your computer on a on a trans-Atlantic flight but you can on a trans-continental flight. That oughta stop a new 9/11 style attack.
Oh wait…
And in-flight soda and canned beer needs to be banned as well…
@sue22 That’s because the intel said, according to reports, that we believe the laptops are now in certain European cities. I don’t believe we have intel that said they are here in the US. When that happens, you can bet the same thing will happen here.
So how long does it take to get a shipping container to the US?