Your guide to Airlines Week at the 2020 TPG Awards
We've officially wrapped up Airlines Week at the 2020 TPG Awards! We had a packed five days of content on the site — with a multitude of opportunities for our readers to participate. Throughout the week, we took a close look at the airline industry and what the future holds for the traveling public, and if you missed out on any of the content, we have a full recap for you below.
You can use the #TPGAwards2020 across all of our social platforms to join the conversation — both now and in future weeks.
And in case you missed the announcement, we're wrapping things up this year with Trivia Night at the 2020 TPG Awards on Thursday Dec. 17, with questions based on all of the content we're rolling out across all four weeks. Be sure to follow along on the site and across our social channels to maximize your chances at taking home some terrific prizes.
Sign-up for the TPG daily newsletter so you don't miss out on anything related to the TPG Awards.
Read on for more details on what we covered.
Monday
We started the week with an announcement of our two Readers' Choice award-winners — Best U.S. Airline Loyalty Program and Best Airline Cobranded Credit Card. We had tens of thousands of TPG readers weigh in to pick the winners, and Southwest took home both the honors this year.
We then launched some of the top-notch editorial content we had lined up for the week, including:
- Zach Griff's take on why change fees may only be the beginning of future airline updates
- My suggestions on how to maximize 100,000 JetBlue TrueBlue points in 2021
Monday was a busy day on our social channels as well, with TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig — our social host for the week — kicking things off, and plenty of discussion opportunities around the award winners. Be sure to check out our new, custom aviation augmented-reality filter on Instagram and see if you can figure out what plane that cockpit belongs to! If you use the filters, share them on your own Instagram account and tag @thepointsguy for a chance to win some TPG swag each week.
And remember to follow along to the full #TPGAwards2020 conversation on Twitter, where the community is encouraged to share their thoughts on all of the content launching throughout the week.
Tuesday
The content continued on Tuesday, as Ben Mutzabaugh took a deeper dive into how airline route maps have changed (and will continue to change) in response to the pandemic. For any new followers or readers just getting into the world of points and miles, Victoria Walker highlighted how now may be a great time to get started. And our social team went through how some members of the TPG community are taking Vikkie's words to heart, while Zach Griff shared his own, personal favorite aviation story.
RELATED: The best first credit cards for 2020
Wednesday
Mid-week saw Zach Griff take a close look at innovation in airline loyalty, which included giving out our first Editors' Choice award to American AAdvantage as the program that took the most forward-looking steps in 2020. I also hosted our first internal Facebook Live (you can watch the recording right here), breaking down the winners of the two Readers' Choice awards — and discussing whether we agree with reader votes.
However, the most exciting event of the day was our first Future of Travel webinar of the 2020 TPG Awards, as Brian Kelly sat down with Blake Scholl, CEO of Boom Technology. His company is working toward building a new, supersonic passenger jet — one that may ultimately shave a ton of travel time off popular routes.
Brian and Blake discussed how Boom came to be and what supersonic air travel means for passengers. If you're even a casual flyer, be sure to check out the link below for what you missed.
The excitement continued on our social channels, as our team took a look back at the key aviation news that transpired over the course of 2020. We also launched a fun, fill-in-the-blank activity on Instagram, so be sure you're following @thepointsguy to participate.
Thursday
Our second Editors' Choice award was handed out Thursday, as Zach Honig's "Spotlight on Safety" feature launched, taking a close look at what airlines are doing to keep passengers safe — and how Delta Air Lines stands ahead of the rest. This was also a busy day across our social media channels, including an Instagram Live with Pete Weber, better known as "Pilot Pete" from the Bachelorette and Bachelor television series. Check out the recording for a special drop-in from Pete's dad — who happens to be a pilot for United (and was at the helm for Tom Stuker's most recent record-breaking flight).
Be sure to follow our Instagram (@thepointsguy) for additional content over the weeks to come.
Friday
We wrapped up Airlines Week with more great content for our readers, starting with Zach Griff's look-ahead to 2021 and the key airline loyalty updates on the horizon — including the new partnership between American and JetBlue and Alaska's formal entrance into the Oneworld Alliance. We also gave out our first special honor of 2020: TPG's "Making a Difference" award, which went to a trio of deserving airline employees for their work with Project Wingman:
- Captain Emma Henderson from EasyJet
- Captain Dave Fielding from British Airways
- Anders Lindström from Norwegian Air
Our social media efforts wrapped up as well, including an interactive quiz on Instagram stories that tested your knowledge of the airline industry — and much more.
Bottom line
There's a lot to look forward to in the world of aviation, and the first week of the TPG Awards celebrated that very thing. The coronavirus pandemic may have changed the format for this year's awards, but there's still a lot to be optimistic about as 2021 approaches.
As we move forward, be sure to follow us across our social media channels so you don't miss any of the great content we have for future weeks. Remember — everything awards-related is fair game for Trivia Night at the TPG Awards next month, so review the information above (and stay tuned for subsequent weeks) to maximize your chances at winning some great prizes.
We're taking the week of Nov. 23 off for the Thanksgiving Holiday, but be sure to come back on Monday Nov. 30 as we kick off Credit Cards Week.
Featured graphic by Wyatt Smith / The Points Guy
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.