A Possible Problem - Flight via London

Our November Transatlantic cruise includes a scheduled flight to Barcelona, via London on British Airways. Under present regulations, as outlined on the British Airways website:

Passengers are advised that ALL electrical or battery powered items including laptops, mobile phones, portable music players, remote controls etc cannot be carried in the cabin and must be checked in as hold baggage.

Passengers may take through the airport security search point, in a single (ideally transparent) plastic carrier bag, only the following items. Nothing may be carried in pockets:

*pocket size wallets and pocket size purses plus contents (for example money, credit cards, identity cards etc (not handbags));
* travel documents essential for the journey (for example passports and travel tickets);
* prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), except in liquid form unless verified as authentic.
* spectacles and sunglasses, without cases.
* contact lens holders, without bottles of solution.
* for those travelling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger) and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight (nappies, wipes, creams and nappy disposal bags).
* female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed (eg tampons, pads, towels and wipes).
* tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs
* keys (but no electrical key fobs)

Every other item must be carried in customer’s hold luggage.

How can you securely pack a camera or laptop computer in checked baggage? Are you forced to go on vacation, without being able to take pictures to remember and share? Is British Airways going to have additional security personal to prevent theft from passenger baggage? Should such items be sent ahead by mail or package delivery? What is the cost of that option?

Many questions must be answered. The restrictions may not last long, but indications are that they will. In the coming days and weeks, solutions of these questions will be sought.