American Airlines exits 3 US cities, blames coronavirus and lack of additional federal aid
American Airlines has said goodbye to three small cities in the Northeast as the coronavirus pandemic continues to hit air travel hard.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based carrier will not resume flights to Newburgh, New York (SWF); New Haven, Connecticut (HVN); or Williamsport, Pennsylvania (IPT), American spokesperson Nichelle Barrett confirmed and Cirium schedules show. The exits follow what was supposed to be a temporary suspension of flights beginning in October.
American's move is the latest hit to small cities. Destinations like New Haven and Worcester, Massachusetts (ORH) have lost all commercial air service in COVID-related reductions with no timeline for flights to resume. The cuts were forewarned by airlines in their failed push for an extension of the federal payroll support program in September.
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An extension of the payroll support provided under the federal coronavirus aid package, or CARES Act, may still occur. However, even if it does, that appears increasingly unlikely to come until after the new Congress and administration are sworn in in January.
Prior to the Thanksgiving-related jump in flyers, the number of passengers on U.S. flights was down 62% year-over-year during the week ending Nov. 17, according to trade group Airlines for America (A4A). Most expect the busy holiday week to be followed by a slow early December.
The drop in travelers has prompted airlines to adjust their maps to where travelers want to go. Destinations with outdoor attractions, like beaches and mountains, have been popular for people wanting to escape their homes during the pandemic. Places like Montrose (MTJ) and Steamboat Springs (HDN) in the mountains of Colorado, and Palm Springs (PSP) in California have seen flights return far faster than nationally.
Related: US airlines see cancellations rise amid COVID warnings against Thanksgiving travel
American's flights to Newburgh, New Haven and Williamsport were "not financially viable routes for the foreseeable future," said Barrett on the decision to exit the markets. The airline was the only carrier serving New Haven and Williamsport.
The airline has now exited four U.S. cities since the pandemic began. The three cities join Oakland, California (OAK) that was previously cancelled. American has also temporarily suspended flights to another eight destinations, including Del Rio, Texas (DRT), Florence, South Carolina (FLO) and Worcester.
Delta Air Lines has indefinitely suspended flights to more than 16 cities across the U.S. Similarly, JetBlue Airways has suspended Newburgh and Worcester, and ended flights to Long Beach, California (LGB).
Related: American, United say flights to small cities are at risk unless Congress extends payroll program
United has suspended service to Myrtle Beach (MYR), Nantucket (ACK) and Stockton, California (SCK), according to Cirium. However, Myrtle Beach and Nantucket flights may resume on a seasonal basis next summer.
Conversely, some airlines are using the crisis to expand their maps. Southwest Airlines is on track to add 10 new cities to its map between November and next June. The carrier's CEO Gary Kelly has said the airline is "happy to play offense" and grow during the pandemic.
In addition, United will return to New York JFK in February after a five-year hiatus.
Related: Oneworld carriers American, British Airways to trial testing regime for US-UK flights
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- 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.
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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. (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.