Travel with Electronics - New Alert

[VNwalking]

This story today--FYI, everybody.
So if you intend to travel to or from the Camino with certain kinds of electronics on certain airlines, you need to be aware that international travel just got a little more complicated.
[Edit--it's not clear what airlines, what countries, and whether this only applies to flights to and from the USA. I think it's just one of those 'stay tuned' situations.]

 

[Fritzi]

Smart- and mobile phones shall be fine, the rest (tablets, notebooks) just need to be checked in. As far as I've heard it's only flights to and from the US from/to certain Arabian countries.

 

[VNwalking]

I was thinking (though I do not know for sure) that this may affect people connecting through any of these places en route to or from the Camino. So particularly for those coming from Asia/Australia/NZ and transiting through the Middle East it would pay to find out from your airline if you are affected by this.
The ruling also pertains to cameras--anything larger than a cell phone.
(I don't know about anyone else, but when I travel with electronics, these are the very things that I don't want to check!)

 

[Bradypus]

The story is still very garbled: an airline made a public announcement based upon a confidential email from TSA notifying them that a change in security rules was imminent. TSA have stated that the airline's interpretation of the new rules was incorrect in details and that their new policy will be officially stated later today. It might be better to wait a few hours for the official announcement before speculating on the effects this might have on travellers to and from the caminos.

 

[William Marques]

This is what the BBC reports Electronics banned on some flights from Middle East

 

[Paddington Bear]

I was thinking (though I do not know for sure) that this may affect people connecting through any of these places en route to or from the Camino. So particularly for those coming from Asia/Australia/NZ and transiting through the Middle East it would pay to find out from your airline if you are affected by this.
The ruling also pertains to cameras--anything larger than a cell phone.
(I don't know about anyone else, but when I travel with electronics, these are the very things that I don't want to check!)

It only applies to flights into 10 cities in the USA from Africa and the Middle East. It's apparently in response to a credible terrorist threat.

 

[t2andreo]

My informed sources tell me that the US authorities are very concerned about a new and urgent threat related to very small but very powerful explosives being placed inside some commonly carried on board personal electronics. Hence, the new rules.

The threat is very real. The "good" news, depending on your perspective is that the bad guys are presently focused on harming US citizens and US interests.

Just sayin... We have adversaries out there with very long memories and a penchant for holding grudges. They also believe in a biblical sort of revenge. 'Nuff said on that...

However, the new rules presently apply to flights from a designated area of origin that fly directly to, or connect in the US.

Flights that are totally foreign to the US are exempt FROM THE US RULE. However, and depending on what affected carrriers or countries determines, this ban could spread.

Personally, and being knowledgeable about the subject matter, I would think it will be a matter of days before this ban becomes more widespread or even global. PLAN AHEAD.

The present US rule says these items can be transported, but must be in CHECKED BAGGAGE. Only mobile phones and personal medical devices like portable CPAP machines will be permitted on board. Again PLAN AHEAD.

In my experience, a mobile phone can be a communications device OR, a container for a small explosive device, BUT NOT BOTH, at least not simultaneously. Most all modern mobile phone lack space for both capabilities. A good thing I think.

Finally, portable readers, e.g. Nook, Kindle, etc. are considered to be tablet computers by the US authorities. As such, you should plan on checking these, at least for the duration of the threat.

All this said, I have fallen into using an iPhone 6s for everything while I am on Camino or traveling, generally. A similarly functioned Android phone will work as well.

There are other threads in the Forum addressing which apps are "best" or recommended. So I will not repeat the comments here.

I hope this helps.

 

[grayland]

The ban relates to a very small number of direct flights from specific airports in the Middle East and from Istanbul in Turkey. Direct flights only.

Not likely to affect many pilgrims unless flying back via Turkish Airways through Istanbul.

 

[VNwalking]

Here's a more clear picture of who might be affected and who not--though (as Tom just said, the ban may spread). One thing worth noting in the article is that any connecting flights are affected.
That won't affect you if you're coming and going from the US directly via Europe. But if you are traveling elsewhere after your Camino this could affect you. So if your travel itinerary back to the US includes the affected airlines and airports (including the big hubs in Qatar and Dubai) be warned and plan ahead.
Apparently a British ban will be announced soon as well.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

The British ban is announced at about 16.15 hr.
There where no airports mentioned,but it will be almost the same as the US ban .

Wish you all well,Peter.

 

[William Marques]

UK Flight Ban on Laptops Announced

I suspect this will matter more to pilgrims travelling to Europe from the Far East and Australasia on discounted tickets with the 3 major Gulf based carriers

 

[nycwalking]

And, people wonder why the Camino is becoming so popular. Soon, we will trek as pilgrim's during middle ages.
Buen camino to all, and to all a safe flight.

 

[JillGat]

The "good" news, depending on your perspective is that the bad guys are presently focused on harming US citizens and US interests.

Thanks a *lot*!

 

[Micah26]

I agree the one thing I don't want "thrown under" with the rest of the luggage are my electronics! I understand the need for safety but... I'm hoping cell phones will stay off the list. I will just leave my camera home!

 

[Saint Mike II]

This story today--FYI, everybody.
So if you intend to travel to or from the Camino with certain kinds of electronics on certain airlines, you need to be aware that international travel just got a little more complicated.
[Edit--it's not clear what airlines, what countries, and whether this only applies to flights to and from the USA. I think it's just one of those 'stay tuned' situations.]

As reported elsewhere - so far it affects flights from certain middle-eastern airports (now including Istanbul) to the US & UK. But if Paris is added it will really start to affect Camino pilgrims especially those who disdain to check the backpacks. My recommendation - keep up with the news - check with your airline - do they have your email/mobile number? Buen Camino.

 

[jayree]

More info ...

THE MILE HIGH SNUB
"Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items." The Dept of Homeland Security has banned laptops and other electronic devices from airplane cabinsfor flights from 10 airports. After seeing the same intel reports and communicating with their American counterparts, the UK has joined the ban.

 

[William Garza]

Forgive my dismal ignorance, but checked baggage is the items that go in the storage in the belly of the plane?
Where I here the horrific stories of lost and broken belongings?
Thanks.

 

[Kanga]

I've never had a problem with checked baggage. I've always taken the view that baggage handlers in major airports are far too busy to spend time pilfering through backpacks. I know that occasionally luggage does not make a connection, or gets misdirected, but it has only once happened to me in over 50 years of travelling on international flights (yes, I started young).

Its another of those risk/benefit ratios.

 

[Rebekah Scott]

This is just St. James' mystical way of reaffirming that pilgrims should leave electronic distractions at home, and walk in beauty and silence for a little while. He's been telling us that for a while, but no one's listening. So he made a few calls to his friends...

 

[William Garza]

Kanga
What a wonderful traveling life!

 

[HikeTall]

What I've read so far is that it pertains to certain flights from the Middle East. But who knows. It may become the new normal when flying. I'm old enough to remember when you didn't have to take off your shoes or get patted down before a flight. Or when you were able to bring on bottles of liquid. We live in crazy times. Kinda sad. But the irony is that Mark Twains quote about Travel being fatal to prejudice, bigotry & narrow-mindedness is more true today then ever before. So get out there and explore the world!

 

[VNwalking]

So get out there and explore the world!

While you still can.

I know that occasionally luggage does not make a connection, or gets misdirected, but it has only once happened to me in over 50 years of travelling on international flights (yes, I started young).

Lucky you, Kanga! In 45 years it's been at least 10 times for me--and when that's happened in Asia is when things have gone missing. I travel for work for much of the year and have to live out of my suitcase for months at time--with no stable 'base' to leave my important electronics. To lose my laptop would be a nightmare so I never check it. Uh-oh.
(That said, I never bring it on the Camino...what a relief, to be unplugged. I think Rebekah's onto something.)

 

[HikeTall]

I've never had a problem with checked baggage. I've always taken the view that baggage handlers in major airports are far too busy to spend time pilfering through backpacks. I know that occasionally luggage does not make a connection, or gets misdirected, but it has only once happened to me in over 50 years of travelling on international flights (yes, I started young).

Its another of those risk/benefit ratios.

I've been pretty lucky too. Only once did I lose something in transit that I checked, my surfboard when coming back from New Zealand to New York. But I'm a light backpacker by nature, so I try to travel with carry on only whenever I can. I love being able to just get up and go. Very liberating. But times are changing. It may get more difficult to do that in the future.

 

[naplesdon]

In my 40+ years I have never lost any checked item. The only problem I ever incurred was a Pan Am flight from LAX to SYD when I ended up on a flight to Melbourne. That certainly wouldn't happen in today's world.
It was the Queen's birthday weekend so everything was closed for the 3 day holiday. Pan Am delivered my bag to my hotel in Sydney put me up in a hotel in Melbourne for the weekend and gave me enough money to buy new clothes which I could not spend due to the holiday. Those were the days when airlines provided "service" and Pan Am was by far the gold standard when it came to service.

 

[Saint Mike II]

This is just St. James' mystical way of reaffirming that pilgrims should leave electronic distractions at home, and walk in beauty and silence for a little while. He's been telling us that for a while, but no one's listening. So he made a few calls to his friends...

Hi Rebekah - whilst I could be convinced to agree with you, I am doing other stuff in the 2 weeks before my Camino begins and for this I DO need those electronic wizbangs!! Also need to be contactable by immediate family - yes they are definitely over 18 - mine are closer to 70 - but its those even older who are of concern. Cheers for now.

 

[t2andreo]

Hi Rebekah - whilst I could be convinced to agree with you, I am doing other stuff in the 2 weeks before my Camino begins and for this I DO need those electronic wizbangs!! Also need to be contactable by immediate family - yes they are definitely over 18 - mine are closer to 70 - but its those even older who are of concern. Cheers for now.

Once you start your Camino, or are at your starting place, SERIOUSLY consider shipping your excess or not needed until Santiago electronics ahead to Ivar at Santiago. They are safe & secure once it gets to him.

Bloggers aside, few folks need more than mobile / cell phone while on Camino. Of course, this is just IMHO.

As regards the ban, it is merely another sign of the troubled times we live in. Adapt and overcome!

I hope this helps.

 

[fraluchi]

... Soon, we will trek as pilgrim's during middle ages....

Which is as well. Leave our gadgets at home and face pilgrimage cum adventure again.

 

[jamesa]

Here is the info post from TSA https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/21...ncements-select-last-point-departure-airports

 

[Robyn Scott]

I've never had a problem with checked baggage. I've always taken the view that baggage handlers in major airports are far too busy to spend time pilfering through backpacks. I know that occasionally luggage does not make a connection, or gets misdirected, but it has only once happened to me in over 50 years of travelling on international flights (yes, I started young).

Its another of those risk/benefit ratios.

Except of course if you are in South Africa. Guaranteed to lose your electronics.