‘US is free to fly jets full of bombs’: Electronics ban sparks anger and ridicule
As the airline electronics ban spread from the US to the UK, many of those affected took to social media to air their grievances,and to poke fun at the confusing rule.
From jokes to pointed statements about both the US and the UK’s foreign policy, the denizens of social media did not disappoint.
Many expressed confusion at the ban, wondering why it only applies to certain countries, and why X-ray machines in airports couldn’t detect and find explosives or bombs in laptops.
Also: "Technical experts said the bans served no credible security purpose."
— Nasri Atallah (@NasriAtallah) March 21, 2017
Just racial profiling then. https://t.co/MmilPkDVBa
So a bomb in the hold is better than a bomb in the cabin, ok #electronicsban
— Some Feen (@SomeFeen) March 21, 2017
Tell me, what is the point of X-ray scanners in airports if they cant detect a bomb pretending to be a DvD player? 🤔🤔🤔 #electronicsban
— Jack Brooks (@jackbrooks248) March 21, 2017
People fretted over leaving electronics in their checked bags, while others were upset by the thought of now having to pay to check in more luggage on flights.
When you're a History & Politics uni student with essays to write but you can't take your laptop or kindle to Jordan. #electronicsbanpic.twitter.com/IghPLk36Z5
— yasmine|ياسمين (@yziadat) March 23, 2017
The future of air travel to the UK/US #electronicsbanpic.twitter.com/zzjyNE3FKU
— Haisam Haidar (@HaisamHaidar) March 21, 2017
If i can't work then i want a shisha on board.@emirates@EtihadAirways@RoyalJordanian@Egyptair: who wants my company's biz? #GETONITpic.twitter.com/iHcfh1bszL
— Mohamed El Dahshan (@eldahshan) March 23, 2017
What's next? We travel naked with a pencil and some bamboo leaves? Good job fighting terrorism y'all. Just genius.
— Joey Ayoub 🌹 (@joeyayoub) March 22, 2017
To many, the ban appeared hypocritical in light of the US and UK’s actions overseas.
People questioned the reasoning behind the ban. “You can't take a laptop on a flight to the US, but the US is free to fly jets full of bombs into the Middle East,” one person said.
We will ban your laptop when you visit our country and you can ban our warplanes from bombing your country!! #Syriahttps://t.co/A6cxQNGJu0pic.twitter.com/S0G5lcBvf2
— Alinaghi Amiry (@AlinaghiAmiry) March 22, 2017
You can't take a laptop on a flight to the US but the US is free to fly jets full of bombs into the Middle East. That's balance for you.
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) March 21, 2017
Maybe we should start screening them in retaliation. 'I'm sorry sir, you're not allowed to fly with this missile system. I know, unfair'.
— Karl Sharro (@KarlreMarks) March 21, 2017
It is strange that this electronics ban is about security, but includes no countries on the #MuslimBan, which was also about security.
— Adrienne Mahsa (@AdrienneMahsa) March 21, 2017
For some, the ban is nothing more than another form of racism.
Following confusion at US airports, the White House clarifies its #electronicsban for airline passengers traveling to America. #Trumppic.twitter.com/w7oEt83fhb
— Teacher Dude (@teacherdude) March 23, 2017
If the #electronicsban was truly about safety and not racism, it would be across flights from all destinations, as with the ban on liquids.
— Nathaniel Esson (@Natedaley) March 21, 2017
For others, though, the greater concern is now the number of children on board airplanes that won’t have access to items such as iPads to keep them quiet.
They shld put Trump in a plane full of kids without ipads kindle laptops etc for 12 hrs let's see what he's gonna do pic.twitter.com/fipN4oyHqQ
— Abi ® (@AbiBb9) March 21, 2017
Up to 13 countries could have to deal with an electronics ban in carry-on baggage. Cue crying children without iPads https://t.co/4yHKmmCni2
— Travel Weekly (@travelweeklyaus) March 21, 2017
Making kids sit through a 14 hour flight with no screens to distract is a form of terrorism.
— Emily of the State (@EmilyGorcenski) March 21, 2017
There are going to be a lot of really whiny small children on these flights if parents don't have iPads to distract them for 8 boring hours. https://t.co/WVvUvBKgvV
— Christina (@christina_ette) March 21, 2017
