Middle East airlines offer loaner laptops, tablets and storage for US-bound business travellers
Emirates, Etihad, Qatar and Turkish Airlines to the rescue.
Business class passengers flying Qatar Airways to the United States will be provided complimentary laptops and limited free net access, while first and business class passengers on all Etihad flights to the US will be offered free WiFi and iPads in an effort to combat the new US/UK in-flight electronics ban.
These new services were introduced after both the US and UK Government's issued tough restrictions on the use of various devices for those travelling out of the Middle East.
Large phones, laptops and tablets are banned in the cabin on flights from 10 countries across the region.
Dubai-based Emirates Airlines was the first carrier to offer passengers maximum flexibility to use their devices until the last possible moment, after which banned devices will be packed into secure boxes and stored in the aircraft's cargo hold. The boxes will be returned to travellers once they reach the US.
Once on board, passengers can access the internet on their phones via the airline’s free Wi-Fi service.
Qatar's business flyers can download their work to a USB before stepping on board and using a loaner laptop to pick up where they left-off. Qatar is also offering a special service at the gate for all passengers, whereby any electronic items prohibited by the new ban will be collected and securely packaged.
Qatar passengers get one hour free Wi-Fi and for US$5 can stay connected for the duration of the flight.
Turkish Airlines took to Twitter to reveal those who turn in their laptops and tablets will receive free WiFi.
There are many reasons why you wouldn't want to pack laptops or mobile devices in checked luggage and these four Middle Eastern airlines are the first to begin offering alternative solutions for customers.
Unfortunately economy class passengers on these airlines mostly miss out on these gratuitous assists.
Wondering which travel insurance brands will cover your checked devices? 1Cover and FastCover have your back and should you need to make a claim, the Insurance Contracts Act should work in your favour.
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