Monarch, the UK-based European regional airline, has said that it will introduce additional security measures at Antalya and Dalaman airports so that the currently restricted personal electronic devices can be allowed in the cabin on its flights from those airports to the UK.
The announcement comes as the UK government is lifting the ban on carrying electronic devices in hand luggage from some airports and on some flights from Turkey to the UK, subject to additional security measures.
‘Currently the restrictions still apply. We will inform our customers when this changes,’ the airline said in a release.
Accordingly, electronic items including laptops, iPads, tablets and e-readers will need to be switched off (not in sleep or standby mode), packed into hold luggage and checked in. These electronic items will not be allowed in the aircraft cabin with the passenger. In addition, power banks and portable power sources or spare and separate device batteries for phones, laptops, tablets and E-readers larger than 16cm x 9.3cm x 1.5cm are not allowed at all on the flight from Turkey, either in the cabin or hold luggage.
There will be additional searches at the gate and any items found that are not allowed in the cabin under the new security measures will be taken and placed in the hold, the airline said.
To facilitate the new restrictions, the airline will increase the paid for hold luggage allowance by three kilograms free of charge to allow for the additional weight of electrical items on inbound flights, subject to a maximum of 26 kg per bag. This will be automatically added to the baggage allowance.
The airline also recommends insurance coverage by passengers for all belongings, including electronic items, Monarch said, adding that it will not accept liability for any damage to or loss of electrical gadgets in hold luggage. Locking the luggage is also recommended, it added.
As a result of the new security measures, online check in will not be available on Monarch flights from Turkey to the UK. Check in will be at the airport only. Check in for flights from Turkey to the UK will open three hours before departure and close 60 minutes before departure.
Flights from the UK to Turkey are not subject to these restrictions – so passengers are free to travel with their electronic items to Turkey, the airline noted.
