Qatar Airways is all set to offer a laptop loan service to US bound passengers in order to overcome the ban on electronic devices on some flights. Since the electronic ban passengers were not allowed to carry any devices bigger than a mobile phone, business class travelers will now be able to get laptops from Qatar Airways to use during their flight journey.
The customers will be able to download their work onto a USB before boarding the flight, the airlines has also agreed to offer one hour of free Wi-Fi to all passengers. For those who require internet on their smart-phones they need to pay an additional $5 for the whole journey.
The laptop loan strategy is an attempt by the airlines to overcome restrictions. The ban applies to inbound flights on nine airlines operating out of 10 airports in the Middle East. It also includes North Africa and Turkey, while some of the major airlines included are Qatar, Etihad, Emirates and Turkish airlines as per BBC.
Etihad airways also announced to provide free Wi-Fi and iPads on US bound flights for passengers in first and business classes. As for the Dubai Emirates they launched a handling service allowing customers to use their laptops and tablets until they board the flight to the US.
The ban took its course after US officials justified the measure as a precaution against terrorism. Large electronics devices are still allowed on board in checked baggage, but customers cannot carry their own laptops or devices bigger than a smart-phone to work during their journey to the States.
This is a safety measure taken for the country as electronic devices can be an object that could even hold a bomb. Other airlines are also working on similar launches to overcome restrictions, and keep their customers satisfied and able to work at the same time.
