Laptop bans on flights come into effect

A ban on laptops and tablets in cabin baggage on flights from Turkey and some countries in the Middle East and North Africa to the US and UK has come into effect.

 

Officials say devices "larger than a smartphone" must travel in the hold because of an increased risk that they could contain explosives, reports BBC.

 

At least one airline is allowing devices to be used up until boarding.

 

The US ban covers eight countries, while the UK restrictions apply to six.

 

Nine airlines from eight countries - Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait - are affected by the US ban. They operate about 50 flights a day to the US.