Ok so you recommend checking in at the gate then? Does TK have a separate business class bag for all the laptops that generally come out first? I would hate to wait for just my computer after a while after getting my bag.

 

There was no separate bag for J laptops when I flew. Just check the damn thing in and forget about it :-)

 

one of these days a terrorist is going to use this opportunity to create a device using simple lithium batters that self detonate knowing that all of these devices are clustered together. I think these idiot security experts don't know that lithium batteries when shorted create massive explosions and crazy fireballs. Then if there is a chain reaction I can't even imagine what would happen.

Just to clarify - Turkish is allowing NC headphones into the cabin right?

 

There were long gate check delays on both ends flying IST - SFO last Friday, May 19 on TK79, a 777. If I'd known how bad it was, I'd have bought a small suitcase at the stand in the check-in area and checked my devices.

It took me 45 minutes after the final security screening to gate check the devices, and I was nowhere near the first or the last to go through the line, which caused the flight to take off about an hour late. Then on arrival there was another long line. I was near the end and got out of baggage claim about 1:20 after landing.

Checking a device gets an invitation card to borrow "a limited number of combination laptop-tablet devices" carried onboard.

Re the need for the ban: I saw a story about a specific threat report on using a laptop as an explosive device in a window seat, leading to decompression which in turn could cause structural failure. If the same device exploded in the cargo hold, it would not be next to a fuselage weak point, and would be contained in the cargo container and also in the hefty trunk used for the gate checked devices. So I have to admit that putting laptops in the hold makes sense.

 

Thanks for the info! I was going to gate-check my devices but now I'm just gonna put them in my suitcase to avoid the lines.

 

Anyone know if GoPro counts? I've searched online and some say it's banned and some say it's not.

 

Are CPAP machines allowed as part of cabin baggage to flights between UK and Turkey / Egypt?

I will be flying

1. Istanbul > London in Economy
2. London > Cairo in Premium Economy
3. Cairo > London in Premium Economy

Am I right in assuming that I will have to place my laptop in checked baggage for ALL the above flights?

What about a CPAP machine? Does that need to be checked as well? If so how secure is it to pack it into a light, fabric bag with a flimsy lock?

 

I was allowed to take my gopro on board, however they did make me switch it on and take a picture. They also ran one of those explosive swabs over the battery.

 

Medical devices are allowed.

 

Good Morning Folks,

I will be traveling TLV-IST-LHR in J tomorrow with my kids. Will I be able to keep my laptop for the TLV-IST flight and gate check it in IST as usual, or has something changed? I have heard of some outstations in non-ban countries requiring checking of laptops at the origin.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

TFD

 

In my experience they will offer, not demand, to check in your electronic devices at the initial check-in.

 

Cheers mate! I was hoping as much since the kids will be "fully occupied" on the lie flat 777 config TLV-IST, and I was hoping to use the opportunity to get some work done!

TFD

 

What is the latest arrangement with loaning laptops to passengers? I have seen a couple of internet articles which mention this happening in business class. Can coach passengers also get a loaner laptop for the duration of the flight? Any difference if you're Star Gold?

Thanks all.

 

Just wanted to share my experience from this week flying back from IST to MAN.

Advised at check-in to present laptop and ipad at gate as it was a safer option than putting them in my checked luggage, despite all the pull-up banner signs by the US/UK check in desks saying they must be put in hold baggage. I needed it to do some work in the lounge anyway which is why I asked.

Departed from gate 701 which is a good 10-15 min walk from the TK lounge and a group of gates with a precheck, downstairs a separate line after the boarding pass check for those without electronics (they pass through a scanner) and those with electronics who filter down a seperate line for a manual search of baggage.

Laptop and ipad were pulled out along with laptop mains power pack but I saw others who were allowed to take theirs in the hand luggage. These were then listed and you were escorted over to another desk handling the packing of them for your flight where they put them in bubble wrap and you sign to say they have been handed over.

Collected without issue in the baggage claim area at MAN on arrival, bit of a delay as they searched through 3 cases for the correct items for everyone when you hand in your "cloakroom" ticket. Advise you check all before signing to say received all back in same condition as I saw a lot of people not even check theirs etc.

One point to note my portable usb power bank was confiscated! Not allowed to even hand in with laptop or take in carry on. I was not aware of this and saw no signs to this effect that told me this anywhere otherwise I would have left at home before my trip a few days earlier !!

 

Thanks for the update, looks like I won't be bringing my power bank with me..