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Etihad Offers Free Wi-Fi and iPads on US-Bound Flights From Abu Dhabi

March 28, 2017
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3 min read
Etihad business cabin feat
Etihad Offers Free Wi-Fi and iPads on US-Bound Flights From Abu Dhabi
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Airlines are still in the process of figuring out how to deal with the recently-implemented electronics ban after it was announced last week that nine carriers flying from 10 Middle Eastern and African countries directly to the US would not allow passengers to carry on electronics larger than a smartphone. Airlines started enforcing the US Government-imposed rule this Saturday at 3:00am, which forced passengers to put any larger electronics into checked bags.

Since then, we've seen many of the affected airlines responding to the ban over social media, touting their in-flight entertainment systems to tide over anyone who may become bored on their long-haul flights without their personal electronic devices. Etihad, one of the airlines impacted by the new ban, recently sent an email to TPG reader Jonathan Haysom detailing how it will work to make the overall flight experience better for passengers.

According to Etihad's website, the airline will be offering complimentary Wi-Fi vouchers and iPads for business and first-class travelers to use (upon request) on all of its nonstop flights from Abu Dhabi to the US — there are power and USB outlets at every seat to keep the devices charged. A post on Etihad's Instagram account specified that these amenities will be available to passengers starting Sunday, April 2.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSMNKgBlZff/?taken-by=etihadairways

Other airlines, like Emirates, are allowing passengers to bring their devices past airport security and check-in, allowing them to use the electronics until they board — an Emirates agent will then pack the electronics into secure boxes and return them upon landing in the US. Emirates charges $1 for 500mb of Wi-Fi and offers the first 10mb for free — note that TPG contributor JT Genter, who recently flew from Dubai (DXB) to New York (JFK), described the Wi-Fi speeds as being "atrocious," probably because everyone else onboard was trying to use it at the same time.

TPG contributor Katie Genter detailed her experience trying to bring electronics onto a recent Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi (ABU) to Dallas (DFW). Despite the ban being so strict, she was able to get some of her electronics through that were larger than the specified dimensions (a Kindle Paperwhite e-reader) — but she also had some taken away (a $32 portable charger).

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As more details and effects from the electronics ban emerge, the affected airlines will likely develop a game plan for better accommodating customers needs, especially business travelers who tend to work on their laptops throughout the entire flight. Stay tuned to TPG for the latest updates.

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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)

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  • 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.