Airlines React to the Electronics Ban on Social Media
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
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.
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.