How you can help deliver lifesaving supplies to front-line workers around the world

April 23, 2020
2 min read
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The only news may seem to be bad news these days, but one thing that's kept me positive is seeing how the world and the travel industry have come together.

Just take a look at our favorite ways travel companies are giving back. And there's more.

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One organization that has been behind these efforts is Airlink, a nonprofit that works closely with aviation and logistics partners to provide relief and supplies for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). In response to COVID-19, Airlink created the Aviation C.A.R.E.S. campaign, which has delivered more than 412,000 pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) and counting.

https://youtu.be/0gapVxtIEXQ

With the help of partners like United and Southwest, Airlink has been able to transport much-needed supplies and personnel critical to the fight against coronavirus. For instance, Airlink helped coordinate the logistics for United's delivery of 50,000 N95 masks and facilitated Southwest's transportation of volunteer doctors to coronavirus hot spots.

Related: 14 ways to give back during the coronavirus outbreak

The nonprofit was also behind relief efforts for the Diamond Princess cruise ship. The organization was able to coordinate a flight that delivered 5,000 pounds of kitchen supplies so that the World Central Kitchen could cook and prepare food for the staff and passengers stuck on board.

And those are just a few of the highlights.

Through Aviation C.A.R.E.S., the nonprofit is aiming to raise $10 million in cash or in-kind support so that it can continue to deliver necessary relief. You can donate directly to Airlink or you can donate your United MileagePlus miles or your Alaska Airlines miles toward its Disaster Relief Pool.

Related: Best credit cards for charitable giving

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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.

View More

Pros

  • Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
  • Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
  • First checked bag free

Cons

  • Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
  • SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
  • Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
  • Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
  • New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
  • Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
  • Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
  • Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
  • Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.
  • See Rates & Fees