Britons going on holiday may be facing an increase in delays at airport security due to confusion around what technology they can legally take on their flights
A recent survey by AO.com has revealed that 11.4% of UK holidaymakers have been delayed at airport security due to a misplaced piece of electronic equipment. The news comes as AO.com releases its new “Sun. Sea. Tech. Easy” resource, designed to inform holidaymakers on how to get the most out of their tech this holiday season.
The survey also found that many of us are guilty of making other mistakes when taking tech on holiday, whether it’s on board a plane or relaxing on a beach.
For example:
– 28.7% of UK holidaymakers think that it’s ok to take a TASER in their hand luggage on to a plane. It’s not, and can only be carried in checked luggage.
– 77.2% of UK holidaymakers think it’s ok to bring a device that has run out of battery in their hand luggage. If you can prove it works by charging it, it’s fine, however, if you can’t, you will not be able to take it with you.
– 21.7% of 16-24 year olds have damaged an electronic device whilst abroad.
– 27.8% of UK holidaymakers have forgotten to put their device on airplane mode during a flight.
– 25-34 year olds are the age group most likely to incur a charge when using electronic devices abroad.
Tips for traveling with tech gadgets
Taking tech on holiday is a great help when it comes to finding local amenities and things to do, and it can even help to document your whole trip! However, silly errors cost tim and money.
To help you to avoid airport security delays and costly roaming charges, here are a few tips that should help your next trip flow a lot more smoothly.
- Since March, large phones, laptops and tablets – any device bigger than 16cm x 9.3cm x 1.5cm – are not allowed in the cabin of flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Tunisia.
- As a general rule, all passengers flying in to or out of the UK need to make sure any electrical devices they have in their hand luggage are sufficiently charged to be switched on when they go through security. This advice applies to anything with a battery including tablets, phones, electrical shavers, hair-straighteners, travel irons and cameras.
- If you’re unsure about your network provider’s rules concerning using data abroad, turn off data roaming before you leave. These devices could be downloading data at standard rates throughout your stay, and you could be running up a high bill without realising it.
- To make sure you get the most out of your technology abroad, you can take a look at AO.com’s Sun. Sea. Tech. Easy.
- Despite what some people think, booking a first-class flight will not increase your baggage allowance.’
Written by Bethany Taylor.