Skip to content

How these airlines created memorable travel experiences for 2 TPG readers this year

Nov. 04, 2021
6 min read
Alaska and American planes on the runway at LAX
This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.

Editor's Note

Submissions have been edited slightly for clarity.

It's been quite a year for travel. Things started slowly but quickly gained steam, resulting in a sudden summer surge that stressed many facets of the industry. Then the surge of the delta variant led to renewed fears of taking to the skies — and in the midst of it all came operational meltdowns from Spirit, Southwest and (most recently) American.

However, with the ongoing rollout of vaccines across the country and worldwide, many travelers saw this year as a chance to reconnect with loved ones or create new memories after the pandemic severely blunted trip possibilities in 2020. And despite the aforementioned hiccups, many travel brands were front and center in these efforts.

Today, as part of the 2021 TPG Awards, we're thrilled to kick off a series of reader stories about those companies that helped facilitate memorable travel experiences. And first up — a pair of newly-partnered airlines that stood tall in the eyes of two TPG readers.

Skydiving over Aruba (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Fairfield)

First-class upgrades for a deserving couple

The first story comes to us from TPG reader Cheryl Fairfield. Back in 2013, she and her husband took a two-week trip to Aruba — and promptly fell in love with the island. They began visiting annually, getting to know many in the local community.

They "loved on us," she said, highlighting how the staff in hotels, restaurants and car rental companies took care of them on every trip. And that support made Cheryl want to do more.

"I started collecting school supplies and books to take with us," she said, but "realized very quickly how heavy those things would be." And overweight bags translate to added costs.

Related: How to avoid checked baggage fees on major domestic airlines

But here's where an American Airlines agent saved the day.

Sign up for our daily newsletter
When I called [American] to ask the cost to bring them — either in suitcases or boxes — the customer service rep was wonderful. She said, "Let me look at your reservation." I heard typing in the background, and then she replied, "Well, look at that — you're in first class, so you each get two 70-pound bags plus a carry-on and your own personal item. Will that cover your weight?"

Cheryl was in tears and expressed her gratitude to the phone agent, who replied, "If you can go and do kindness, we can help you do it."

In all, Cheryl and her husband were able to take 280 pounds worth of donations down to the community on that trip — including school supplies, books and backpacks. They were given to St. Anna School (as recommended by the agent they befriended at the local car rental company). In fact, when they learned that the school had zero laptops for students, they decided to buy several for classroom use and brought them down on a subsequent visit — earning points on the purchases that can go toward a future trip.

And thanks to the generosity of the phone agent, they've remained loyal to American ever since.

Adam and his friend enjoying a beautiful day in Seattle. (Photo courtesy of Adam Czarnik)

Travel flexibility for a college student

In 2020, many U.S. airlines eliminated change and cancellation fees on most tickets. However, there are still exceptions and nuances to these policies. Passengers are often on the hook for fare differences, and these waivers don't always apply to the cheapest tickets. So while travelers might be able to avoid fees, switching to a different flight isn't always free.

But this wasn't the case for TPG reader Adam Czarnik from San Jose, California — thanks to an assist from Alaska Airlines.

Adam is a senior in college and in the process of figuring out post-graduation plans. Seattle was on his shortlist of possible spots to live, but he hadn't visited the city in almost a decade. So, when he found a great deal on Alaska and coordinated a place to stay with an old friend from high school, he jumped at the chance to check it out.

Related: 5 reasons why Seattle should be your fall vacation destination

After a great few days as a tourist — including early-morning paddleboarding on Lake Washington before logging into his remote summer internship — his friend's family offered to let him extend his trip to enjoy a weekend in town.

There was only one problem: finding flight availability at the last minute, right in the thick of the summer travel rush.

Fortunately, an Alaska agent was ready (and willing) to help, according to Adam.

While the agents are always friendly and helpful, this time they really went above and beyond. It was looking like most of the flights were full, but because I was making a change within five days — the period in which I qualify for a complimentary first-class upgrade — the agent was able to put me on a full flight at a perfect time for me by processing my upgrade on the spot.

The agent even took the time to find a flight that not only had upgrade inventory but also would result in a minimal fare increase. In the end, he paid just $60 for the privilege of a confirmed seat in first class and a few extra days with his friends in Seattle — and to top it all off, the fare difference qualified for the annual airline fee statement credit on his Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required).

As Adam described it: "All in all, a great trip!" And one made even better by a fantastic agent at Alaska Airlines.

A beautiful sunset in Aruba (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Fairfield

Bottom line

Many airlines have hit snags in 2021 thanks to surging demand, but it's not all doom and gloom. And as these two stories show, airlines can play an important role in creating memorable travel experiences, especially as the industry continues to rebound. We'll hopefully see even more of these as we move into 2022 and inch closer and closer to normalcy.

Stay tuned for more reader stories like these in subsequent weeks here at the TPG Awards.

Featured image by (Photo by AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

TPG featured card

NEW BENEFIT! TAKEOFF15!
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards

1 - 3X points
3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles50,000 Bonus Miles
Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

Annual Fee

$250

Recommended Credit

670-850
Excellent/Good
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.

Why We Chose It

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.

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
Apply for Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
Card Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
3 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

3XEarn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
2XEarn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the U.S. and at U.S. supermarkets.
1XEarn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
  • Intro Offer
    Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

    Earn 90,000 Bonus Miles
    50,000 Bonus Miles
  • Annual Fee

    $250
  • Recommended 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.

    670-850
    Excellent/Good

Why We Chose It

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.

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