British Airways has announced an extra twist in the new rules for electronic devices. Amongst the advise not to bring broken electronics with you to the airport, the advise that if you bring a device that will not turn on – “Please do not bring any broken devices in your hand luggage to the airport as you will not be able to fly as planned.”

This is the whole article, which bears careful reading if you are travelling to the US on BA:

Summary

British Airways is complying with the new security requirements from the US Government on flights from the UK to the US.

All British Airways flights continue to operate as normal and we would advise customers to arrive in good time for the various stages of their journey including check-in, main security search areas and at the boarding gate. Customers may be subject to additional searches and questions.

Customers are advised to keep checking our website for any additional information regarding their specific flights.

More information

Customers on flights from the UK to the US must be able to comply if asked with the following requests:

Customers may be asked to turn on any electronic or battery powered devices such as telephones, tablets, e-books and laptops in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item’s functionality.

If, when asked to do so, you are unable to demonstrate that your device has power you will not be allowed to fly on your planned service.

Please do all you can to ensure that items you bring with you are fully powered before you arrive at the airport.

Please do not bring any broken devices in your hand luggage to the airport as you will not be able to fly as planned.

Transfer customers flying to the US via the UK:

If you are flying to the US as a transfer customer, especially those on long journeys, please make sure that you not deplete power in your devices while on the first part of your journey.

There will be very limited charging points at airports.

Customers are still able to use their electronic devices on board subject to the normal operating rules. Read our guide on how you can use your electronic items on board.

The safety and security our customers remains our top priority at all times and we continue to work very closely with governments and airports around the world.

We thank you for your patience and understanding in helping us to comply with the additional regulations.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What electronic devices are covered by this change of security regulations?
All electronic devices and mains powered electrical items such as tablets, telephones, e-books, laptops are included in these additional searches. If the security teams ask you to remove the item from its case or turn the device on you will be required to do so.

What happens if I don’t have any power left in my electronic device?
If you are unable to power up your electronic device you will not be allowed to fly. If it does not power up then it cannot be placed in your hand or hold luggage. Please do all you can to ensure that any electronic device you have is fully powered before you arrive at the airport. There will be very limited facilities at airports to charge electronic items.

I am transferring through London on a flight and then onto the US, what happens if my electronic device has run out of battery power by the time I arrive?
All electronic devices must have power and if you are unable to power up your item you will not be allowed to fly. Please use your electrical and electronic devices sparingly if you are going to fly on a long journey before getting to London and then transferring onto a US destination.

If my electronic device doesn’t have any power, will I be allowed to rebook?
If your device doesn’t power up when you are requested to do so, you will not be allowed to fly to the US on your original service. Our customer services team will look after the rebooking of your travel arrangements.

Will all customers on US flights be subject to the additional security measures?
All customers flying to the US must be prepared to have their electronic items searched and they must have sufficient power to be used.

I have just purchased a new electronic item from an airport shop, can I carry it on board if it has no power?
Customers must be prepared to demonstrate that the item has power. The item and its packaging may also be examined by security teams at the boarding gate. Please do all you can to ensure that any new electronic items you purchase at the airport have power before you reach the boarding gate.

Will there be extra charging points at the airport?
There will be some extra charging points, but customers need to ensure that their own devices have enough power at all times. Please do all you can to ensure that your electronic devices are fully powered before arriving at the airport.

Can I use my device on board?
Customers can use their devices on board. Our normal guidelines of using electronic devices in Flight Safe mode continue. Read our guide on how you can use your electronic items on board.

I no longer wish to travel, can I change my flight?
We expect to operate a full schedule of flights to and from the US and therefore normal ticket rules apply.

Can I use a mobile boarding pass as normal?
Yes, customers will still be able to use their mobile devices as boarding passes. Please ensure that any electronic devices, you have your mobile boarding pass on, have sufficient battery life and power before arriving at the airport.

I am flying to a destination outside of the US, what will I be required to do?
We comply with all the required security regulation on each country we fly to. We will continue to conduct additional random security processes on a wide range of destinations