Feds temporarily ban electronics on certain flights to US

U.S. government officials reportedly have temporarily banned most electronics on certain flights into and out of the country.

Royal Jordanian posted on Twitter Monday that “following instructions from the concerned U.S. departments, we kindly inform our dearest passengers departing to and arriving from the United States that carrying any electronic or electrical device on board the flight cabins is strictly prohibited.”

The tweet was later deleted, but a State Department source told CNN that affected countries and airlines are being informed of the ban.

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The ban does not apply to cell phones or medical devices, but does include laptops, tablets, electronic games and cameras. Those items can be stowed in checked baggage, however.

Reuters reported the policy change would be officially announced on Tuesday.

U.S. officials on Monday would not confirm or deny the temporary ban.

“We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide any update as appropriate,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
 
But the ban appears to apply to 13 countries for the next 96 hours, according to Fox News, and could be in response to a new intelligence threat — not related to President Trump’s revised travel ban, which was frozen before it took effect last week.

Jordanian Airlines says US off’ls barred electronic devices from certain flights. Ban appears to apply to 13 countries for next 96 hours. https://t.co/xQo7FdqbVV

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 20, 2017

US officials are NOT commenting at this time. Sources suggest could be result of new intell threat, not related to travel ban. https://t.co/xk6kDgWqpK

— Jennifer Griffin (@JenGriffinFNC) March 20, 2017