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Airlines React to the Electronics Ban on Social Media

March 22, 2017
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3 min read
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Airlines React to the Electronics Ban on Social Media
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Yesterday, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued an emergency security directive banning large electronic devices from carry-on luggage on flights from select airports in the Middle East and Africa to the US. (The UK has also implemented a similar policy.) In all, the electronics ban affects 10 airports across eight countries, which impacts nine airlines.

The electronics ban has spurred outrage among some, especially business travelers who make the trek from the Middle East and Africa to the US and will not be allowed to use laptops during the flight. As expected, airlines have reacted to the ban as well — voicing their concern, snarky feedback and (one of them) delight on Twitter. Here's how some airlines have responded to the imminent electronics ban:

Royal Jordanian

Royal Jordanian, the carrier that originally tweeted about the ban, used some humor in the tense time following the announcement of the ban.


The Amman-based carrier flies nonstop from Amman (AMM) to New York City (JFK) and Chicago (ORD) and to Detroit (DTW) via Montreal (YUL).

Emirates Airline

The Dubai-based carrier has nonstop options between Dubai (DXB) and Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Los Angeles (LAX), New York (JFK), Orlando (MCO), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA) and Washington, D.C. (IAD). After the ban was announced and Dubai was included, the carrier came out with a snarky response, informing travelers that there are plenty of options on board to keep you entertained. Plus, a surprise appearance by Jennifer Aniston.

Qatar Airways

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Doha-based Qatar had a similar reaction to Emirates, informing passengers that there are plenty options to choose from on its Oryx One in-flight entertainment system.

The carrier has nonstop travel options from Doha (DOH) to Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Philadelphia (PHL), Washington, D.C. (IAD), Atlanta (ATL), Miami (MIA), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Dallas (DFW) and Los Angeles (LAX).

Turkish Airlines

Another airline affected by the ban, the Istanbul-based Turkish Airlines, also took to Twitter to let travelers know of its in-flight entertainment options. According to the carrier, it has two billion minutes of entertainment in its IFE system.

Turkish offers nonstop flights from Istanbul to New York (JFK), Washington, D.C. (IAD), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Houston (IAH), Miami (MIA), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO).

Pakistan Airlines

The Karachi, Pakistan-based airline was not affected by the ban. The carrier doesn't offer a nonstop option to the US, however, it does offer a one-stop option to New York (JFK) via Manchester (MAN).

Continue to follow TPG as we follow how airlines are reacting to the electronics ban.

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  • Intro Offer

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  • Annual Fee

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  • Recommended Credit

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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.