Brave new world; 8 changes I've noticed flying during coronavirus
As the travel industry reopens following COVID-19 shutdowns, TPG suggests that you talk to your doctor, follow health officials' guidance and research local travel restrictions before booking that next trip. We will be here to help you prepare, whether it is next month or next year.
When the coronavirus outbreak first happened, I headed for my father's ranch in Montana and didn't leave for the next four months. When I finally started venturing out again in July, I stuck to road trips at first. I've been extraordinarily cautious - wearing a mask constantly, religiously washing my hands and using hand sanitizer, and even wearing eye coverings. As I've slowly returned to the skies, it's been fascinating to see the changes on the ground at airports and in the air.For more TPG news and reviews delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.I've flown both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines over the past few months, and I really have felt safe and well taken care of by both airlines.Related: Another new safety measure from DeltaHere's the eight changes that have been most noticeable as I've flown around the U.S.
Airports are empty
The thing that has probably shocked me the most about my recent travel is seeing how empty most of the airports I've traveled through have been.
Related: My first flight post-coronavirus
It's very strange to see empty terminals and not to see bustling crowds and overflowing gate areas. The most glaring examples were at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Milwaukee's General Mitchell International Airport (MKE).
My colleagues have reported on how empty John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) have been as well.
The two exceptions to this have been Seattle International Airport (SEA) and Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) which have both been relatively crowded (though not like pre-pandemic). Las Vegas was the most crowded of any airport I've been to so far in the past few months. In fact, while Las Vegas was definitely less crowded than it has been, the airport felt too crowded at times.
Related: 9 ways Las Vegas is different now
Many lounges are closed or have reduced offerings
Many of lounges I've passed have been closed including the American Express Centurion lounges and some of the Priority Pass lounges. I also came across closed Delta and United lounges. The few lounges that are open definitely have less amenities and food options. (American Airlines is beginning to serve hot food a few of its open lounges.)
Delta probably has the most robust offerings especially at the Los Angles and Salt Lake City clubs I visited. Still, food is all individually wrapped and drinks are served by a bartender behind plexiglass.
Related: Review of Delta lounge LAX during COVID-19
It was similar at the Alaska Airlines lounge I went to in Seattle. Food and beverage options were sparse and individually wrapped. There was one walk-up bar servicing people who wanted drinks, but you needed to socially distance while waiting to be served. You couldn't serve yourself coffee even at the Alaska lounge. The lounges were much less full than normal as well.
Related: Best credit cards for airport lounge access in 2020
Flights are less crowded
The thing that has made me feel perhaps best about the air travel I've done this summer is the lack of crowding on planes. Most of my flights have been only about 25% full. That's why I've mostly stuck to Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines because so far they are blocking middle seats.
Related: What its like to fly during the pandemic
Everyone is wearing masks
I am very happy to report that mask compliance was 100% on all my flights. Pilots and flight attendants make multiple announcements during boarding and during the flight. I didn't hear anyone complaining. Most people are even wearing their masks properly (like keep your nose covered).
The only times people take their masks off is to eat or drink. Only one time did I see a woman leave her mask off for a long time. She was drinking several glasses of wine.
Related: Face mask etiquette
There is minimal service
If you are a big fan of first class service and food and beverage service, you'll be disappointed when you return to the skies. Interactions with flight attendants are few and far between for safety reasons obviously. On most Delta flights you'll get a large plastic baggy with snacks, water and some hand sanitizer.
Related: Guide to meal and drink service in the age of coronavirus
Alaska Airlines had more of a traditional meal service on longer flights, but the was still limited to pre-packaged snack items or a cheese plate even on long flights. Alaska is serving hot, fresh coffee on their flights which I did not get on Delta. They are also giving out warmed-up cookies in first class which is a nice treat.
No cocktails
One thing to be aware of if you love a cocktail is that there aren't any! Most airlines are not serving mixed drinks at all at least on domestic fights. Both Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines are serving individual bottles or cans of wine or beer, but generally only in their premium cabins.
Related: Booze on board?
Planes seem more clean
This is obviously subjective since you can't see germs, but I definitely feel like planes are cleaner. I noticed much less trash and dirty surfaces than I'm used to seeing on planes
The airlines have all announced various cleaning measures and planes are being cleaned better and more often. Many airlines are actually sanitizing surface areas with electrostatic sprayers at least once a day or using a fogging spray that disinfects surfaces.
Related: How airlines are working to keep it clean amid coronavirus outbreak
In any case, it made me feel better knowing the new procedures were in place. I also appreciated Delta handing out hand sanitizer to every passenger and putting it inside new meal bags. Alaska also gives out hand sanitizer, but only on request.
Related: How Delta is cleaning planes
Upgrades are clearing easily
One of the extraordinary impacts of the fall in travel demand has been the ease of upgrades for elite members. Even with airlines blocking as many as half of seats in the first class cabin, upgrades have been easy and early. I've only missed one upgrade in all the flights I've taken on planes with first class cabins. A 95% upgrade percentage would have been unheard of before the pandemic even with top tier status.
As a MVP Gold 75K on Alaska, I've gotten upgrades on all my flights. As a Delta Platinum, I've only missed one.
Other folks are reporting similar success. My colleague Zach Wichter was recently updgraded as a Delta Silver Medallion.
Conclusion
After multiple airplane rides, I can report that I've felt safe in the air and at airports. For the most part, folks are following rules and social distancing guidelines. I've chosen Delta and Alaska because I feel like they have taken the most precautions (Southwest getting high marks from my colleagues too).
To stay up to date on how coronavirus is impacting the travel industry, head to TPG’s coronavirus hub page.
Be sure to check out Zach Honig's guide to various airlines' policies for cleaning and social distancing if you are going to be returning to the skies so you can make the best decision for yourself.
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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)Pros
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- 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.
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| 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. |
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$325Recommended Credit
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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
- 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.