US, Europe seek measures to avert expanded airline laptop ban

American and European officials will meet this week to discuss new security measures that could prevent the US expanding a ban on laptops beyond flights from 10 airports primarily in the Middle East. Homeland Security chief said last week he was looking at an additional 71 airports in Europe, Africa and the Middle East for a possible expansion of the ban. A European airline industry official said the US had suggested possible enhancements including explosive trace detection screening, increased vetting of airports' staff and additional detection dogs. A US security official said it "remains to be seen" if enhanced security measures could allow reversal of existing airports under the ban. <br/>