Breaking: Delta Air Lines confirms no furloughs for flight attendants
Some rare good news from the airline industry came late Friday: Delta Air Lines says that thanks to voluntary leave and early retirements, it will not have to furlough any additional flight attendants this year, reports View from the Wing.
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"With the overwhelming response of flight attendants choosing to participate in our creative staffing options -- and based on our current network schedule -- we are positioned well to be able to successfully manage through our flight attendant overstaffing situation," Delta spokesperson Amanda Eatman told TPG. "We’re grateful for the continued rallying spirit of Delta people during the pandemic."
17,000 Delta Air Lines employees took early retirement or buyouts.
Back in July, Delta CEO Ed Bastian said the airline was doing everything it could to avoid layoffs. And that effort appears to have been successful so far — at least when it comes to flight attendants. In August, Delta said it would have to furlough as many as 2,500 pilots and would downgrade three flight attendant bases as part of a downsizing.
Related: Delta sending Airbus A350s to Los Angeles, will close Cincinnati pilot base
The news on flight attendants is a better sign.
Delta flight attendants have taken to social media to express their appreciation. One employee tweeted, "Thank you Delta for doing everything to avoid furloughs for flight attendants like me."
TPG's Ned Russell reports Delta is only planning on flying half its 2019 schedule by the end of 2020.
Related: Delta operates final MD-88, MD-90 flights amid tough times for airlines
Both American Airlines and United Airlines have announced they would layoff tens of thousands of employees ahead of the expiration of the CARES Act. That's the bailout Congress passed to help airlines survive during the severe downturn due to coronavirus. Funding to continue paying salaries expires on September 30. Industry lobbyists and unions are pushing Congress to extend the payroll protection program through March 31, 2021.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has warned the industry won't fully recover until 2024.
Related: Delta Air Lines will shrink its European footprint after coronavirus
Additional reporting by Ned Russell.
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There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
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- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and 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, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees