Major airlines ban checked firearms to DC ahead of inauguration
At least four major airlines will not allow travelers flying to Washington, D.C.-area airports to travel with firearms in their checked luggage around the inauguration.
Delta Air Lines was first to announce such a move on Thursday morning before being joined later in the day by Alaska Airlines, American and United. The carriers are also implementing other temporary restrictions on flights to the big airports serving the greater D.C. area.
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news!
Delta CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC on Thursday that the airline made the decision in light of last week's violent raid on the Capitol. The FBI has warned that more attacks are planned in the lead up to and around the Jan. 20 inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
"We're all on high alert based on the events over the last couple of weeks in Washington," Bastian said.
Delta's temporary policy comes into effect on Jan. 16 and will run through Jan. 23. It will only apply to flights to three primary Washington-area airports — Dulles International (IAD), Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) — as well as to nearby Richmond, Virginia (RIC). Members of law enforcement who are carrying an authorized firearm as part of their job will be exempt from the ban.
"Weighing the violence we witnessed in the Capitol last week alongside our unwavering commitment to the safety of customers and our people, Delta will not allow firearms in checked baggage for flights into the D.C. area Saturday, Jan. 16 through Saturday, Jan. 23, with the exception of credentialed law enforcement," a Delta spokesperson said. "Customers needing to change travel due [to] this policy or requests from officials asking people not to travel to the inauguration, can do so using our flexible change policy. Nothing is more important than doing our part to keep people safe."
United implemented a similar policy, also running from Jan. 16 through Jan. 23, for the same four airports. Additionally, it will have crew members overnight away from downtown Washington during the period and will increase staffing at the airports "to supplement our frontline teams in remaining vigilant."
United also reminded flyers of its mask requirements, noting that it added 60 flyers to its no-fly list just last week because of mask-related infractions.
Alaska Airlines' changes around the inauguration will begin Friday (Jan. 15) and will cover DCA, IAD and BWI airports. Alaska Airlines does not fly to Richmond. Alaska also will boost staff at those airports, highlight enforcement of mask policies and require all passengers on flights to or from those airports to remain in their seats for one hour after takeoff and again before landing.
Further, Alaska said that "to support law enforcement's calls to avoid travel to the area, we will limit the number of tickets purchased on flights to and from the D.C. metro area." Alaska did not specify when the temporary measures would end for its D.C.-area flights.
American also will ban checked guns, the Associated Press reported, and is restricting alcohol among its temporary restrictions on flights to the nation's capital.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser, as well as Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam, have told visitors they should not travel to the D.C. metro area for the inauguration.
On Wednesday, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that it's cracking down on violent, unruly passengers. It said it was making the move following "a disturbing increase in incidents where airline passengers have disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior."
Also on Wednesday, Airbnb and its subsidiary HotelTonight announced they would be canceling and blocking all reservations in the D.C. metro area for the inauguration.
The FBI is warning of right-wing extremist groups organizing potential attacks on Washington, D.C., and statues and federal buildings across the country.
Additional reporting by Ben Mutzabaugh, TPG.
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.