Alaska to start providing tourists with vaccine options at 4 airports beginning in June
Editor's Note
Alaska was the first state to allow all residents aged 16 and older to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Now, it's forging ahead with a new pro-shot campaign: Alaska will begin offering COVID-19 vaccines at four airports across the state to residents and tourists alike beginning on June 1.
The airports will be administering either the Pfizer or Moderna shot. Those who won't be in the area for the second shot will need to contact their local providers for the follow-up dose.
Participating airports include Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), Juneau International Airport (JNU), and Ketchikan International Airport (KTN), and all shots will be administered (for free) outside the security areas.
Governor Mike Dunleavy said in a press conference on Friday that "the idea is if we have excess vaccines, why not use them?"
Sign up to receive the daily TPG newsletter for more travel news
According to the AP, officials are doing a "soft rollout" for Alaskans traveling through the Anchorage airport for five days in late April to work through logistics. Then, eligibility opens up to all come June.
Related: What you need to know about all the COVID-19 vaccines in the US
According to the New York Times, Alaska has one of the highest vaccination rates in the country, having fully vaccinated 40% of its population.
"We want to get our economy back up and running. We want to get our society back up and running," Governor Dunleavy said. "We want to put this virus behind us — as far as possible, as soon as possible."
Across the country, states have been ramping up their vaccination rollout programs. According to the Times, about 3.2 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are being injected each day, and about 129.5 million people across the country have received at least one dose.
It's clear that vaccinations will be a key factor in restarting travel — especially internationally. Some cruise lines and destinations have said that vaccines will be required.
Related: What the COVID-19 vaccine might mean for your travel plans
Iceland, for example, has said that tourists who are fully vaccinated will be able to forgo a mandatory quarantine.
Delta CEO Ed Bastian said at ITB Berlin that vaccines will be the biggest factor when considering a return to travel — a sentiment echoed by many others in the travel industry.
A state such as Alaska, where the cruise and tourism industries make up a large part of the economy, has much to gain from successful vaccination against COVID-19.
Related: Delta CEO says testing, vaccinations are 'the answer' as industry eyes pandemic recovery
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.