Four Middle Eastern airlines are now cleared for large electronics on flights to the United States. Following industry speculation that the American laptop ban was targeting Qatar Airways, the Doha-based airline has now been cleared for laptops and tablets on flights to the United States. First announced in March, the so-called 'laptop ban' prohibited passengers from carrying-on electronics larger than a smartphone on select flights originating from major Middle Eastern airports. Fueling the speculative fire, the major Gulf airlines - Etihad Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways - have been involved in a years long battle with the US carriers. Describing the search as "very invasive," RealClear Markets Editor John Tamny flew from Doha to Los Angeles International Airport shortly after the electronics ban was enacted.

Source: Forbes July 06, 2017 20:03 UTC