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Travel Industry Reacts to President Trump's Immigration Ban

Jan. 29, 2017
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3 min read
USA - San Francisco-based ride sharing service Uber continues to grow
Travel Industry Reacts to President Trump's Immigration Ban
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It's been a wild two days for the travel industry in the wake of President Trump's travel ban. Airlines and airports are finding themselves on the front lines of the immediate executive order banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries for 90 days and suspending all refugee admission for 120 days. Here's how some travel companies have responded:

Airbnb

Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has gone to social media to stand against the travel ban and pledge "free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US". While it's unclear how Airbnb will implement this offer, Chesky has offered his direct assistance for any urgent housing needs:

New York City Taxis

In response to the ban, NY Taxi Workers Alliance called for a work stoppage at New York's JFK from 6pm to 7pm Saturday night, calling for drivers to stop and join the protests:

The work stoppage was impressively successful, as reflected in photos of empty cab lines:

Another protest is planned for 2pm Sunday afternoon in Battery Park City. If you're in NYC, this rally might significantly reduce the ride options across NYC:

Uber

Uber has felt über backlash from social media since yesterday evening's decision to turn off surge pricing and continue rides to JFK airport:

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Social media users are using #DeleteUber to voice their anger with the company for — as one popular response put it — "breaking a strike to profit off of refugees". Uber has responded that this wasn't its intentions and reiterated its opposition to the travel bans:

Uber has now released a statement saying that it will compensate Uber drivers who are unable to return to the US because of the travel ban:

Lyft

In response to the travel ban, Lyft has issued a statement that it stands "firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community." The company has pledged to donate $1 million over the next four years to the American Civil Liberties Union:

Emirates

United Arab Emirates-based Emirates is feeling the effects of the travel ban. While the UAE is a Muslim-majority country, it's not one of the seven countries included in the travel ban. However, Emirates boats a diverse crew of 160 nationalities, including crew from the seven banned countries. In a statement to Reuters, Emirates has confirmed that its made "the necessary adjustments to our crewing, to comply with the latest requirements." The airline expects US flights to continue on schedule.

Etihad

Similarly, Etihad expects to retain its current flight schedule. In a statement to Arabian Business, the airline has noted: "Our flight crews were unaffected and we have taken steps to ensure there will be no issues for flights departing over the coming weeks."

Other Airlines

Many airlines are waiving change fees for passengers affected by the travel ban.

Featured image by Corbis via Getty Images

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.