How Airfares From Major Carriers Stack up for People Looking to Return to Florida
Now that Hurricane Irma has passed and left its devastating mark on Florida, parts of the southeastern US and the Caribbean, the concern for many residents is how to get home. Earlier today, we told you that JetBlue is capping its airfare to its Florida destinations, Charleston (CHS) and Savannah (SAV) at $99 for nonstop flights and at $159 for connecting flights.
How are the other major US carriers stacking up? American Airlines is doing something similar, capping its fares at $99 one-way for Main Cabin travel and at $199 for premium cabin travel. Here's a closer look at how the other major carriers are pricing fares back to the affected region:
American Airlines
On Sunday, American Airlines announced it was capping its one-way direct flights at $99 and $199 for travel in the Main Cabin and premium cabin, respectively. The capped fares are good for all Florida cities that were covered under the carrier's travel waiver, as well as Charleston (CHS), Hilton Head (HHH), Myrtle Beach (MYR) and Savannah (SAV). The fares are good for flights departing from the aforementioned locations between September 10-17.
On a sample search, we're seeing these one-way capped fares in action. For example, from AA's headquarters in Dallas (DFW) to Miami (MIA), we're seeing tons of availability on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, the one-way fares jump up to $180 via Washington, D.C. (DCA).
We're seeing similar availability from many other destinations, including Philadelphia (PHL), New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD) to MIA.
Delta Air Lines
When people were looking to evacuate Florida and surrounding areas, Delta capped some of its flights at $114 per one-way ticket. And it looks like many of those fares are applicable to return one-way flights.
For example, we're seeing tons of availability on one-way flights from Atlanta (ATL) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) for $114. We're seeing these fares for departures on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Beginning Monday, they jump up to $175.
Similarly, we're seeing these $114 one-way fares between Detroit (DTW), New York (JFK) and more to FLL.
JetBlue Airways
As previously mentioned, JetBlue is capping its flights back to its eight Florida destinations, as well as Charleston (CHS) and Savannah (SAV) at $99 for nonstop flights and $159 for connecting flights.
On a sample search between its hometown of New York (JFK, LGA and EWR) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), we're seeing tons of availability for one-way fares at $99 for nonstop flights.
On the same note, we're seeing these discounted fares for one-way flights from its other destinations to Florida, such as Boston (BOS) and Chicago (ORD). However, if you wait a little longer, you can fly one-way on Tuesday, September 19, between New York (LGA) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL) for just $80.
Southwest Airlines
When we covered Southwest's fares leading up to the landfall of Hurricane Irma, the carrier's fares weren't too pricey. Now, post-Irma, we're seeing the same type of reasonable airfare.
For example, between Dallas (DAL) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), we're seeing some availability at the $99 level for flights departing Thursday and Friday of this week. For other days, such as Wednesday, the lowest one-way fare we're seeing is $107 with a stop in Nashville (BNA).
On some other routes, such as Chicago (MDW) to FLL, we're seeing increased prices ranging from $109 to $162 between Tuesday and Sunday. After Sunday, the one-way fares drop to around $50.
United Airlines
When residents were evacuating before Hurricane Irma made landfall, United was the one major US carrier that had not initially discounted fares to a reasonable level — or at least one competitive with the offerings of others. And now, as residents are making it back home, we're seeing the same kind of one-way increased prices on these routes.
For example, on a search between Newark (EWR) and Fort Lauderdale (FLL), United is pricing one-way flights on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at $399. Then, beginning Tuesday of next week, the same route is dropping to $80 one-way.
We're seeing a similar pricing structure between Chicago (ORD) and FLL — $279-$317 this week before dropping to $55 next week.
Bottom Line
If you evacuated Florida or the surrounding areas before Hurricane Irma, you're surely beginning to look at going back. As shown, some of the major US carriers are better than others at offering customers more cost-efficient options for this last-minute travel. If you're looking to travel, you may want to look at all of your options before booking anything.
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Why We Chose It
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)Pros
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- 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.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
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)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 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.