British Airways has amended its policy on uncharged devices, with the airline now offering to store them safely at the airport or forward them to a chosen address.
The airline initially said it would force passengers to rebook their flight to the US if they were unable to power up an electronic device when presenting it for inspection. There are now three options for passengers.
"Customers can ask to be rebooked on to a later service. If you wish to carry on the item as part of you hand luggage, you will need to ensure that the device can be charged ahead of your rebooked flight," BA advised.
"Customers are able to leave the device behind and hand it to a member of British Airways' customer service team. You will be asked to complete a form and the item can be collected on your return or forwarded to an address of your choice."
BA reiterated that all customers remain subject to additional security checks at gates before boarding a plane the US. This is in-line with thestringent directives introduced by the US Department of Homeland Security.
What to do if you don't have time to charge?
The easiest way to avoid any hassle is to store electronic devices, such as laptops, in baggage being checked-in.
As a last resort, it's also possible to use specialised services such as MailandFly at airports like Heathrow.
This service allows passengers to pay for banned hand baggage to either be shipped or stored at one of the firm's warehouses for up to 42 days.
Customers may be asked to turn on any electrical or battery powered devices such as telephones, tablets, e-books and laptops in front of security teams and/or demonstrate the item's functionality," it noted
The rule extends to devices which are purchased at the airport.
"The item and its packaging may also be examined by security teams at the boarding gate. Please do all you can to ensure that any new electronic items you purchase at the airport have power before you reach the boarding gate."
Passengers catching a connecting flight to the US from the UK are also warned not to drain the battery on their devices before boarding the plane on their final leg of the journey.
At this time Virgin Atlantic is advising passengers to arrive with fully charged devices.
"To help avoid delays and disappointment, please ensure you arrive at the boarding gate with all your devices including cameras, phones, tablets, laptops, e readers etc. are fully charged," the airline noted.
"If, when requested, you are unable to turn your device on, it cannot be carried on board the aircraft."
This article was updated on the 10 July to reflect the change in BA's policy.
