What you need to know about electronic devices on flights and your travel insurance

The Government has confirmed that there will be a cabin baggage ban on laptops and tablets and some mobile phones on direct flights to the UK from six countries from the 22nd March.

This ban relates to electronic devices larger than a regular mobile phone and includes, but is not limited to, tablets, laptops, Ereaders (16cm long, 9.3cm wide or 1.5cm deep).

Mark Shepherd, from the Association of British Insurers, has advised travellers to check if their insurance policy covers valuables placed in the hold.

He said some might find they have additional cover under a household contents policy for gadgets outside the home.

“Wherever possible, travellers should keep valuables, including tablets and laptops, with them on flights and, if travelling from destinations affected by the new regulations, it may be sensible to leave valuables at home,” he added.

“If devices are damaged during a flight, there’s also the potential to seek compensation through the airline.”

We would strongly suggest the following precautions are taken:

• If packing your electronic devices in your suitcase, ensure they are securely packed. A top tip is to put the device in bubble wrap and place in the middle of your suitcase with a good quality lock on the case.
• Once you’ve collected your baggage from the collection point, check your laptop, electronic device or tablet straight away. If you find it’s missing or damaged, report the details to the airline in writing and request a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Any customers travelling to the US, involving connecting flights between airports listed below will be subject to the ban:

• Queen Alia International, Amman, Jordan
• Cairo International Airport, Egypt
• Ataturk Airport, Istanbul, Turkey
• King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• King Khalid International, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
• Kuwait International Airport
• Mohammed V International, Casablanca, Morocco
• Hamad International, Doha, Qatar
• Dubai International, United Arab Emirates
• Abu Dhabi International, United Arab Emirates

Any customers flying back into the UK from one of the UK’s 6 listed countries from will be subject to the ban:

• Turkey
• Lebanon
• Jordan
• Egypt
• Tunisia
• Saudi Arabia

If you have an AllClear Gold or Gold Plus policy or an AllClear Traveller policy purchased after 1st November 2016….

These policies exclude valuables in checked-in luggage. Therefore, you will not be covered if these items are lost, stolen or damaged.

If you have an AllClear Traveller policy purchased before 1st November 2016

The underwriters (Travel Insurance Facilities) understand that this sudden change in regulation will have an impact on travellers. Therefore, where electronic devices are required to be stored in hold luggage to comply with the new measures,  they will cover loss or damage up to the policy limits and subject to all other policy terms and conditions, for those travelling from the above countries.

If you do have any loss or damage, obtain a Property Irregularity Report (PIR)  from the airline carrier. Keep all travel tickets and luggage tags to help support any claim.

If you have purchased Gadget Cover as an optional add on

Cover is provided those that have already travelled prior to the announcement and need to place the items in the hold on their return trip. Cover is not provided for those travelling after the announcement date.

This information is subject to change. If you are unsure, please speak to us on [lc].