Laptops and electronics ban: handheld games consoles including Nintendo Switch allowed on UK-bound flights, but not US Handheld games consoles including the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS will be exempt from the electronics ban on UK-bound flights […]

Handheld games consoles including the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS will be exempt from the electronics ban on UK-bound flights from certain countries, but not those destined for the US.

The ban on electronic devices larger than 16cm x 9.3cm x 1.5cm in plane cabins will be enforced from from Saturday, but will not include games consoles, the Department for Transport has said.

“The ban will apply to flights bound for the US, not the UK,” a spokesman told i.

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WHICH COUNTRIES ARE AFFECTED?

Inbound flights to the UK from:

– Turkey

– Lebanon

– Jordan

– Egypt

– Tunisia

– Saudi Arabia

The new console, Nintendo’s fastest-selling to date in Europe, combines a traditional static gaming box with detachable controllers and a portable handheld tablet unit, which can be unclipped from the main body for gaming on the go.

The Switch’s advertising campaign showcased its portable gaming capabilities, including being played on a plane.

Within the UK, British Airways, easyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson passengers will be affected, flying from Turkey, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.

There has been confusion over whether larger smartphones, known as phablets, will also have to be checked into hold luggage. These larger models, including the Phone 7 Plus, Samsung Galaxy 7 Edge, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, LG G3 or Sony Xperia Z2 are fine to carry as hand lugagge, the government has clarified.

The UK followed the lead of the US in implementing the ban announced earlier this week.

US Homeland Security said the decision was made due to “evaluated intelligence”, and that terrorists “continue to target commercial aviation.”

ALLOWED IN HAND LUGGAGE

– Large smartphones

– General smartphones

– Approved medical devices

– E-cigarettes

– Hairdryers

– Straighteners

– Travel irons

– Shavers MUST BE CHECKED

– All laptops

– Kindles and other e-readers

– Smartphones larger than the 6cm x 9.3cm x 1.5cm restriction

“We note that disseminated propaganda from various terrorist groups is encouraging attacks on aviation, to include tactics to circumvent aviation security,” it added.

“The additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, and we understand the frustration that will cause, but our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals,” a government spokesman said.

The ban also extends to connecting flights made in the countries, even if the passenger’s journey started elsewhere.