Comparing premium transcon flights in the age of coronavirus
If you're after the best domestic flight experience, then you're going to want to fly between New York and Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
That's because all the major U.S. carriers offer their top products on these lucrative — and competitive — routes. Passengers sitting in biz (and even in first on American Airlines) will be treated to an exclusive ground experience, lie-flat seats, multi-course meals and more.
Before the coronavirus came stateside, I'd written a guide to choosing between American's Flagship First, JetBlue Mint and United Polaris. But now that inflight service protocols have been modified to promote safety and social distancing, let's take a look at how the premium transcon experience differs in the age of the coronavirus. This time, I'll also add in Delta One to the mix, although it was left out of the guide to the best transcon experience since its seat isn't as up-to-date or private as the other three. And don't forget to pack your mask, since you'll be required to wear one throughout your journey.
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Ground experience
On a typical domestic flight, you won't be entitled to lounge access when flying in biz. However, the airlines make an exception for premium transcon flyers.
American Airlines
Across the board, American offers the best transcon ground experience since passengers can use the Flagship Lounge, which is typically reserved for international biz flyers. Flagship Lounges offer refined dining options, an expanded bar and nicer seating options than the regular Admirals Club.
However, due to the coronavirus, all Flagship Lounges are currently closed indefinitely. American says it doesn't plan to reopen the lounges until there's sufficient demand. In the meantime, Flagship Business and First flyers will be able to access the regular Admirals Club at JFK, LAX and SFO. The LAX location in Terminal 4 is currently open, and the JFK outpost reopens on June 22. There's no date yet for when the SFO outpost will reopen.
Related: Is American Flagship First worth it?
Delta
Delta doesn't (yet) offer a lounge dedicated solely to business-class passengers. For now, all transcon Delta One passengers can access the Sky Club. The JFK and LAX lounges are open, but the SFO location is still closed with no updated reopening date.
JetBlue
Unlike the big three U.S. carriers, JetBlue doesn't operate any airport lounges. Flyers in Mint, its business class, have access to a dedicated check-in area at JFK's Terminal 5, but there's hardly a reason to get to the airport early when flying Mint since there's no lounge to use. As such, the Mint ground experience is unchanged.
United
United's premium transcon service doesn't include access to the Polaris Lounge. Instead, flyers can use the regular United Club. While there are clubs open at both LAX and SFO, the Newark (EWR) club is only open for customer service issues (no food or beverage service).
Related: Which airline lounges in the US are currently open?
Cabin and seat
Because of the coronavirus, airlines have accelerated the retirement of many aircraft types. Additionally, we've seen some carriers remove their premium transcon jets in favor of more fuel-efficient ones.
American Airlines
American suspended its transcon routes between JFK and LAX and SFO for a short period when passenger traffic was at its lowest point during the outbreak. Fortunately, the carrier is once again seeing demand for these flights, so it brought back its swanky Airbus A321T to the routes. These 102-seater jets are configured in three cabins: first, business and coach.
Delta
Delta's operating a mix of Boeing 757 and 767 aircraft on the transcon routes. These planes all feature lie-flat Delta One seats, but the 767 offers a more private and spacious product.
The Delta 757 is outfitted with the Collins Aerospace Diamond business-class product, which is arranged in a 2-2 configuration. On the other hand, Delta's 767 sports the Thomson Vantage biz product, arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. As such, each passenger gets direct aisle access, so if faced with the choice, I'd definitely recommend choosing flights operated by the 767.
Related: How to fly Delta's best business class seats domestically
JetBlue
JetBlue offers Mint on just one aircraft type, the Airbus A321. You'll find 16 lie-flat seats arranged in an alternating 2-2, 1-1 configuration. The Mint Suite in the 1-1 rows is definitely the way to go, since it has a sliding door and added space to help maximize your social distancing. You'll find Suites in rows 2 and 4.
United
United didn't stop flying between the coasts during the coronavirus pandemic, but it did make the experience much less comfortable. It substituted lie-flat-equipped jets with 737s that sported recliners up front.
Fortunately, those days are over, and United's back to offering service on a mix of the Boeing 757, 767 and 787-10 Dreamliner. If you get the choice, the 787-10 Dreamliner offers the most private Polaris experience, since it has the "new" seats. Some 767s do too, but it's not a guarantee like it is on the 787-10. Finally, I'd avoid the 757 is possible. Like Delta, the 757 is equipped with the Collins Aerospace Diamond business-class product, arranged in a 2-2 configuration.
Amenities and IFE
Though airlines have updated their service protocols, most of the amenities and IFE remain unchanged.
American Airlines
There aren't any changes to report for American's Flagship amenities. Customers will still receive Casper bedding, as well as amenity kits.
Delta
Delta continues to offer Westin heavenly bedding and Tumi branded amenity kits on its flights.
JetBlue
JetBlue continues to offer a pillow and blanket, and Hayward and Hopper amenity kit. To decrease touchpoints, Mint customers will receive a pair of complimentary earbuds rather than shared headphones.
United
United Polaris customers will receive Saks branded bedding, as well as amenity kits. The headphones remain unchanged.
Food and beverage
Aside from the ground experience, the food and beverage offerings are the most heavily modified in light of the health and safety precautions implemented due to the coronavirus. Across the board, we're seeing the elimination of the pre-departure beverage, though the details of the food and beverage service differ across the airlines.
American Airlines
The meal options remain unchanged — you'll still have a choice of warm entree. However, it's all going to be served on one tray, so you can (temporarily) say goodbye to multi-course meals. Regular alcohol service is still available.
Delta
You might want to pack your own food and drinks if you're flying with Delta. The carrier has suspended the traditional meal service for those flying domestically in Delta One. Instead, you'll be served a packaged Flight Fuel snack box. Your sole drink option is an individual 8.5-ounce bottle of water (you can get more than one). Note that there's no alcohol, plastic cups or ice available.
JetBlue
Like Delta, JetBlue is also abandoning hot food service in Mint. Instead, you'll be served a selection of fresh fare from the EatUp Café menu, which includes options like a turkey and pepper jack sandwich and a jicama and grape salad shaker.
Beverage service is limited to a selection of water, red and white wine and beer, which will be served in single-use cups instead of glassware. In addition, the self-service Pantry will be unavailable.
United
United Polaris customers will still be served a hot meal, but it'll all come packaged on one tray. There will be a packaged snack service before arrival too. Sadly, the ice cream sundae trolley is temporarily suspended.
All beverages will be served sealed, and there won't be any ice, coffee, tea or poured alcohol. Instead, there will be canned beer and bottled individual wines on offer.
Related: The buffet is closed: How coronavirus forever changed a longtime travel luxury
Bottom line
The transcon flight experience will look a lot different as travel begins to slowly rebound. Though the hard product isn't changing, many elements of the service, especially the food and beverage options, are going to be quite limited.
Delta and JetBlue have totally suspended hot meal service. American and United still offer hot entree choices, but American's got the broadest offering since it still offers the alcohol service.
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Annual Fee
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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.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.
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- $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.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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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. |
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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.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.