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No Laptop Ban on Flights from Europe to U.S.—For Now

For the time being, a ban on in-cabin laptops will not be extended to flights from Europe to the United States, according to the Department of Homeland Security

However, a spokesperson for DHS secretary John Kelly said that the option is "still on the table."

The announcement was made on Tuesday following a discussion between Kelly and European officials. 

For security reasons, carry-on laptops and other large personal electronic devices are already not allowed on flights to the U.S. from several airports in the Middle East and North Africa. The government had been reportedly close to adding Europe to the list.

Many travel experts warned that the move could have a negative effect on U.S. tourism. The expanded ban would certainly impact a large number of passengers—according to estimates, more than 60% of travelers on U.S.-bound flights from Europe carry large personal electronic devices with them. 

The question now is: Does this latest announcement signal an inconvenience averted or an inconvenience deferred?

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