As part of new aviation security measures, all inbound direct flights from the following six countries to the UK won’t permit certain electronic devices to be stored in hold luggage inside the flight cabin:

• Egypt
• Jordan
• Lebanon
• Saudi Arabia
• Tunisia
• Turkey

All laptops, tablets and e-readers are banned from hand luggage and passengers boarding flights to the UK from these countries won’t be allowed to take phones which are larger than:

• 16cm in length
• 3cm in width
• 5cm depth

While flyers will be able to check the items in with their suitcases, if you’re buying electrical items in duty free, the government confirms that again, laptops and tablets, and any phones larger than the above dimensions won’t be allowed in the cabin.

The move follows similar rules implemented in the US, though the American government has banned all personal electronic devices from the cabin.

How will this impact my insurance?

The Association of British Insurers (ABI) said flyers should check their travel insurance policy and speak with their insurer to double check what cover they have for valuables placed in hold.

This is because valuable items placed in hold aren’t usually covered under insurance policies.

Mark Shepherd of the ABI, said: “Some travellers may find they also have additional cover under a household contents policy for gadgets outside of the home. We do know some insurers already take a flexible approach to claims if a passenger has been forced to put items in the hold by circumstances out of their control.

“Wherever possible travellers should keep valuables, including tablets and laptops, with them on flights and, if travelling from destinations affected by the new regulations, it may be sensible to leave valuables at home. If devices are damaged during a flight, there’s also the potential to seek compensation through the airline”.

Direct Line Travel Insurance said it will consider claims while this advice remains in place for inbound flights to the UK from the six affected countries.

A spokesperson, said: “All customers travelling to and from other destinations are still expected to keep these items with them at all times and carry them as part of their hand luggage, in the cabin. It may be sensible for customers to leave valuables at home. The single item limit for valuables will still apply, therefore, we recommend customers check their travel and home policies to ensure they have the right level of personal possessions cover.”