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By Miriam Raftery
March 21, 2017 (San Diego) -- The United States has issued new flight restrictions due to intelligence reports that terrorist groups plan to smuggle explosives onto airlines in electronic devices.
If you’re flying into the U.S. aboard certain foreign airlines from 10 countries in the Middle East and vicinity, you won’t be allowed to carry on any electronic device larger than a cell phone.
Laptop computers, iPads, e-readers, video games and even cameras must be carried only in checked bags that are x-rayed. There is an exception for medical devices, however.
No U.S. airlines or domestic flights are affected.
The airlines included in the new carry-on restrictions are:
- Royal Jordanian
- EgyptAir
- Turkish Airlines
- Saudi Arabia Airlines
- Kuwait Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates Air
- Etihad Airways
The airports listed include major hubs in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar.
The ban will likely cause consternation among passengers concerned not only about convenient access to electronic devices, but also the potential for theft, a common occurrence among checked baggage.
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What's the real agenda?