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US Considering Electronics Ban For Flights From Europe

April 25, 2017
•
3 min read
Etihad electronics ban boxes gate DFW
US Considering Electronics Ban For Flights From Europe
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Update 4/25/17 12:05pm: A TSA spokesman said there are "no imminent" plans to add any other nations to the electronics ban, according to Bloomberg. The spokesman added that the agency is continuously assessing security directives based on intelligence, but as of this update, there are no changes coming in the immediate future.

When the electronics ban was first announced, people traveling from the listed 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and Africa have had to come up with alternatives for using their large electronics on flights to the US. But now, The Guardian is reporting that the US may soon implement its electronics ban on flights coming from Europe as well.

A source told The Guardian that the Trump administration is considering extending the ban on electronics larger than a smartphone — including laptops and tablet devices — on flights headed to the US from Europe. UK government sources suggested to the outlet that although it wasn't certain, the US was considering implementing the ban, and specific airports weren't mentioned.

As you'll remember, the Trump administration announced the electronics ban suddenly in late March — news that was prematurely broken by Royal Jordanian. As part of the ban, travelers flying from airports in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Morocco must check their large electronic devices in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Since it was announced, airlines, such as Emirates and Qatar, have come up with solutions like offering passengers to use loaner devices for their long-haul flights.

The ban was implemented after the US gained "intelligence" that terrorists favored "smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items." Since the US administered its electronics ban, the UK followed with its own ban on the same day.

Of note in the first US electronics ban, no US airlines were affected. In fact, the government faced the biggest criticism over including Qatar (Qatar Airways) and the United Arab Emirates (Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways) — or the ME3 — in the ban. However, if the US were to employ an electronics ban on flights from the UK and Europe, US carriers would be forced to require their passengers to check their laptops and other large electronics.

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Details on the potential electronics ban on flights from the UK and Europe are sparse as of right now. However, if The Guardian's sources are correct, the possibility of an electronics ban on flights from the region could be a huge blow for both travelers and airlines. To see what it was like to fly Emirates and Etihad during the electronics ban, check out our coverage.

Stay tuned to TPG for details if we get more information on the possibility of an electronics ban on flights from the UK and Europe.

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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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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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