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British Airways is canceling 2 US routes in 2021
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British Airways is reducing its long-haul route network as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. While the carrier has reduced operations in some areas throughout the year, it’s cancelling 13 long-haul routes entirely from its network as of summer 2021 — including two routes to the U.S.
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In total, the airline has elected to suspend more than 15 routes — including to some popular destinations. Split between North America, South America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Australia and the Indian Ocean, the cancellations take effect from summer 2021 onwards.
The airline will cancel the following routes permanently as of summer 2021:
- Africa: Durban (DUR)
- Asia: Kuala Lumpur (KUL), Osaka (KIX) and Seoul (ICN)
- Indian Ocean: Seychelles (SEZ; from April 24, 2021)
- Middle East: Abu Dhabi (AUH), Dammam (DMM), Jeddah (JED; some operations will take place during July 2021) and Muscat (MCT)
- North America: Calgary (YYC), Charleston (CHS) and Pittsburgh (PIT)
- South America: Lima (LIM; from Gatwick)
In addition, British Airways will temporarily suspend its routes to Sydney (SYD), Bangkok (BKK) and San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) during summer 2021 until 30 October 2021. For SJO, the last service will take place on April 17, 2021.
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“We are sorry that, like other airlines, due to the current coronavirus pandemic and global travel restrictions we are operating a reduced and dynamic schedule,” the airline said in a statement. “We will be in touch with any customers whose flights are affected and advise customers to check ba.com for the latest flight information.”
British Airways said that it will refund passengers who don’t want to seek alternative arrangements.
BA announced its route to Pittsburgh (PIT) in 2018, before launching the 787-operated service in 2019. Also in October 2018, the carrier announced that it would begin flying one of its Dreamliners to Charleston, South Carolina (CHS), the city where the Dreamliner is assembled. That route launched in April 2019.
In the first half of this year, British Airways reported losses of almost £4 billion ($5.4 billion). Throughout the year, it’s had to make several cost-cutting measures, including laying off more than 10,000 staff and retiring its entire Boeing 747 fleet earlier than anticipated.
The airline’s CEO Alex Cruz stepped down in October, with Aer Lingus CEO Sean Doyle taking over.
Former IAG CEO Willie Walsh, the owner of British Airways, said that the group doesn’t expect demand to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023 or 2024.
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Go to reviewCard Rating is based on the opinion of TPG‘s editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
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. |
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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$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
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- 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.
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- 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.