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Emirates sticks to 'no board' policy for uncharged phones [ITP.net (United Arab Emirates)](ITP.net (United Arab Emirates) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Emirates Airline has said that its passengers may not be able to fly if their mobile phones and other devices are not charged, despite British Airways reversing its policy on the matter. BA changed its position last week by offering passengers the option of being re-booked on a later service, leaving their device at the airport for collection on their return, or having it forwarded to an address of their choice (a service Virgin Atlantic has also offered) and the airline will pay for the delivery. An Emirates spokesperson told ITP.net: "Emirates is advising travellers to the USA, Canada and the UK that they are required to switch on their electronic devices at Dubai International airport or risk being denied boarding. All electronic devices are required to have sufficient power before reaching the airport. This advisory is part of enhanced security measures required by the authorities of these countries and is applicable to passengers of all airlines." The new security measures, which originally started with flights just to the US have now gone global and according to The Telegraph, the routes which are affected have not been disclosed for security reasons, but reports suggest flights to the Middle East and parts of Asia are among those likely to be affected. It has now been officially announced that all travellers flying to or from Britain must be able to switch on mobile phones, laptops and other gadgets at security to prove they are working properly, with the Department for Transport saying that its policy now applies to passengers "on some routes both to and from the UK". Because the routes have not been officially named, however, it is advised that all passengers should ensure any battery-operated gadgets are charged up before leaving for the airport. (c) 2014 ITP Business Publishing Ltd. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info). |