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Saudia the Latest Carrier to Be (Partially) Exempt From Electronics Ban

July 17, 2017
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2 min read
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Saudia the Latest Carrier to Be (Partially) Exempt From Electronics Ban
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Since the US Department of Homeland Security announced a couple of weeks ago that it was going to require enhanced security procedures, airports have been quick to implement the required steps — the 10 airports in eight countries have made the changes so that they could be exempt from the electronics ban. Now, the last of the affected carriers, Saudia, has lifted the electronics ban — at least partially.

The TSA announced on Twitter today that both Saudia and Jeddah's King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED) had successfully implemented the required security measures in order to have the electronics ban lifted on its nonstop flights to the US.

In a follow-up tweet, the agency indicated that travelers from JED could now bring their laptops on board. However, it didn't clearly indicate if passengers traveling on nonstop flights from King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh would also be allowed to take their large electronics in the cabin.

We've reached out to the TSA for clarification but have yet to hear back. A TSA spokesman told Reuters that the US government had lifted the ban at JED and will be visiting RUH "later this week to confirm compliance there as well." At this point, it would seem that only JED has implemented the required enhanced security measures, meaning RUH still has the electronics ban in place. As a reminder, Saudia only flies nonstop from RUH to Washington, D.C. (IAD). The carrier flies nonstop from its JED base to Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (JFK).

For now, RUH is the only airport at which the electronics ban is still in place, however, it appears that may be ending soon as well.

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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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  • 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.