The Gay-Friendliest Airlines in the Skies
In recent years, many airlines have woken up to the truth that our gay brothers and sisters are here, they're queer and they love to travel. As we wrap up National LGBT Pride Month — and celebrate SCOTUS' momentous ruling for gay marriage —I'm taking an in-depth look at which airlines are showing their true rainbow colors. While we can never top the always-hilarious Pam Ann's A-to-Z Airline Guide, here's a look at the gay-friendliest airlines in the skies.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Our first shout-out has to go to Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). In the hands of another company, its 2010 PR campaign to have the first in-flight gay and lesbian wedding ceremonies would have been nothing more than a stunt. But one look at the "Love is in the air" blog that gave updates on the promotion (warning: you WILL cry) shows a group of people who displayed an overwhelming amount of respect, love, admiration and joy for what it's really all about: love. And fabulous outfits.
This campaign was not soon forgotten, either: In 2012, SAS was named Favorite Airline at the EDGE Awards. SAS is also a member of the Stockholm Gay and Lesbian Network, and partners with VisitSweden in the US, which promotes Sweden as a leading LGBT destination.
Delta Air Lines
Next on our list of faves is Delta: Not only has the airline been corporate a sponsor of and participant in yearly Pride events ("NYC Pride, LA Pride, Utah Pride Festival, Motor City Pride, Seattle PrideFest, Twin Cities Pride, Atlanta Pride and Pride Toronto, among other festivals"), but it has proudly claimed its commitment to LGBT employees as well:
We are proud to have been designated one of the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) “Best Places To Work” for LGBT employees in 2010 and 2011, and we continue to earn near-perfect scores on HRC’s Corporate Equality Index ever since. Our people participate in and support the efforts of DEEN, Delta’s Employee Equality Network.
Our employees in same-sex relationships enjoy health, dental, life insurance, pension and flight benefits for domestic partners, and we updated our policies to cover any federal or state income or payroll tax burden associated with their coverage. The result is true equality in health care coverage costs between same-sex domestic partners and employees in legally recognized marriages — regardless of U.S. location.
Rock on, Delta! That's walking the walk.
American Airlines
American Airlines is on our list of gay-friendly faves, as well. It's "the first airline loyalty program that invites you to highlight LGBT interests" in traveler profiles, and perhaps you heard about its Pride logo this month?
Isn't that great? Well, not everyone thought so (quelle surprise). But far from trying to explain or defend itself, AA simply stopped ignorance in its tracks:
The disappointed Mr. Lorick has since locked his account. (H/T: Pizza In Motion)
Virgin America
While we're on the subject of effective social media, Virgin makes my list for this tweet alone:
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand has had a bit of a bumpy ride in maintaining a consistent focus on LGBT customers, but for the most part it's on the side of the angels. The airline was certainly ahead of the pack in 2007 with its Pink Flight, which featured a drag queen stewardess, pink airplane food and a shirtless competition on its way from SFO to the Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney.
But then in 2010, an otherwise amusing in-flight safety video featuring the All Blacks rugby team had a weirdly homophobic moment (start at 2:55) that sparked enough complaints to have the video pulled. On the bright side, it's been smooth sailing since 2013, when ANZ hosted an in-flight wedding on the first day it was legal in New Zealand. GOOOOOOAL!
Austrian Airlines
Speaking of branded party flights, though, it's time to bring up the otherwise low-key Austrian Airlines. With the support of the Vienna Tourist Board, Austrian Airlines specially branded a Boeing 777 from JFK to Vienna for the Life Ball in 2014. The company's press release is Austrian-level staid: "Austrian Airlines colleagues are wearing red ribbons during this time as a sign of its solidarity," but the photos from the flight itself tell an entirely different — and fabulous — story. What a hot mess of a flight!
JetBlue
JetBlue's laid-back hipness and upbeat attitude has always extended to the LGBT community, and it's paid off:
JetBlue Airways Corporation, New York's Hometown Airline, is proud to announce that it has earned the top score of 100 percent on the 2015 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), a leading survey and report on corporate policies and practices related to LGBT workplace equality from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. In addition to supporting JetPride, an LGBT peer resource group for its crewmembers, JetBlue supports an array of nonprofit groups focused on LGBT equality. Among these are Athlete Ally, Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Empire State Pride Agenda, National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association, New York City Anti-Violence Project, PFLAG NYC, Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and pride celebrations at its focus cities in Long Beach, CA and San Juan, Puerto Rico."
PC Air
Lastly, one airline that put the "T" in LGBT was PC Air, which in 2011 introduced transgender flight attendants after receiving more than 100 job applications from transgender candidates. Sadly, the charter airline is no longer in business after a row with its sales agent that resulted in the airline's only plane being impounded — but for a brief shining moment, this airline made transgender history.
[card card-name='Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® MasterCard®' card-id='22144516' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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.