Our advice on flight gadget restrictions

Commenting on the new restrictions on electronic devices on some flights Mark Shepherd, Head of Property, Commercial and Specialist Lines at the Association of British Insurers, says:

“Passengers travelling from the affected countries with laptops and tablets should check their policy and speak to their travel insurer to double-check what cover they have for valuables placed in the hold. Some travellers may find they also have additional cover under a household contents policy for gadgets outside of the home. We do know some insurers already take a flexible approach to claims if a passenger has been forced to put items in the hold by circumstances out of their control. 

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