Following the Ban, Emirates Will "Gate Check" Your Electronics
Update: 3/24/17: Since Emirates' announcement, Turkish Airlines has also announced that it's introducing an electronics "gate check" option. You can find the full details on the carrier's website.
Since the electronics ban was announced (mistakenly, at first, by Royal Jordanian and then as a US security directive), the airlines that have been affected have had to figure out both how to implement plans to comply. Some have taken to social media to voice their concern, or, in some cases, snarky feedback regarding the ban, and some are scrambling to come up with a strategy for dealing with the implications.
Emirates is the first of the nine affected airlines to announce a strategy that'll benefit travelers. The Dubai-based carrier is hoping to mitigate the impact of not being able to use larger electronics on board as much as possible. In a release today, Emirates shared that it'll allow travelers who are transiting through Dubai (DXB) to use their laptops and tablets until just before they board flights to the US. It's worth noting that in the statement, the carrier also noted that passengers who are originating in DXB are encouraged to pack their electronics in their checked luggage, as opposed to those who are transiting through the hub.
With the free service, passengers will be allowed to "gate check" their electronic device, such as a laptop, right before they board the plane and on the first leg of their journey. That way, they can use their devices in the airport with as little disruption as possible. The device will be handed over to security staff at the gate before boarding their US-bound flight. Emirates will then pack the devices into boxes and load them into the aircraft hold. Once you arrive in the US, Emirates will return your device to you, presumably upon deplaning.
With this announcement, we also gained some insight into how this new ban might be enforced. Emirates said that there will be detailed searches of all hand baggage on nonstop flights from DXB to the US. As mentioned earlier, the airline is encouraging passengers whose travel originates in DXB to check their electronics from the get-go to avoid delays in the boarding process due to the extensive searches. The carrier says that it's deploying extra staff at the airport to ease and assist passengers.
On another note related to the electronics ban, there was some confusion if Emirates' 5th Freedom routes to the US from Milan (MXP) and Athens (ATH) would be included in this ban. However, in this announcement, Emirates confirmed that the regulations don't apply to its US-bound flights from Milan and Athens.
We're glad to see Emirates taking action in hopes of softening the harsh blow, especially for business travelers. The ability to "gate check" your laptop still allows you to work up until it's time to board, and you'll have the chance to disconnect and actually enjoy your flight. It'll be interesting to see how this strategy plays out on the ground — TPG Community Manager JT Genter will be reporting from Dubai on his return to the US this weekend, so stay tuned for continuing coverage of the electronics ban.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.