Trump Blames Travel-Ban Chaos on Delta, Protesters

After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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In a move that elicited disapproval and dismay from Democrats, Republicans, and leaders of many other countries, newly elected President Donald Trump on Friday issued an executive order that barred refugees, visa holders, and permanent U.S. residents from seven predominately Muslim countries from reentering the U.S. Chaos ensued, as travelers, airlines, and airports were caught off guard by the new restriction, which was imposed with no advance notice.

Protesters quickly mobilized and demonstrated against the ban at many of the country’s largest airports, and lawyers secured court orders in several cities temporarily staying the executive decree. In the end, the administration was forced to soften its stance, although the turnaround caused as much confusion as did the original order.

Politically, it was a constitutional crisis; on the ground, it was a mess.

As has become his signature move, President lashed out on Twitter at those who criticized the ban, blaming the protesters and a Delta computer meltdown for the confusion and disarray at some airports.

No doubt the demonstrations somewhat disrupted airport operations. Adding hundreds of extra bodies to the normal airport traffic can only slow down things down. But the protests were legal and peaceful, and entirely predictable given the nature and scope of Trump’s executive order.

As for the Delta IT breakdown, it occurred on Sunday evening, well after the peak confusion, and in any case only affected domestic flights.

Trump and his team bear most of the responsibility for the airport chaos. Imposing such a draconian policy without consulting and coordinating with the affected parties—government agencies, airports, airlines, travelers—was bound to play out exactly as it did. What transpired was the direct result of inept management. Which doesn’t bode well for international travel over the next four years.

Reader Reality Check

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After 20 years working in the travel industry, and 15 years writing about it, Tim Winship knows a thing or two about travel. Follow him on Twitter @twinship.

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