How I Roll: TPG Credit Cards Reporter Chris Dong
Welcome to a special COVID edition of How I Roll, an airport routine series with a focus on health and safety while traveling. Today, we’re asking TPG travel expert and Credit Cards Reporter Chris Dong a shortlist of questions about how he travels during the pandemic, covering everything from how he preps for a trip to what he wears on the plane. Here’s what he had to say. Safe travels!
The itinerary
TPG: What is the last flight you caught?
CD: My last flight was from Los Angeles to New York with American Airlines a few weeks ago. I was lucky enough to score an upgrade from economy to business on a flight that was pretty empty.
Related: Review of American Airlines Flagship First during the pandemic
TPG: Was the trip for business or pleasure?
CD: The trip was for pleasure and a much-needed escape from my home in New York City. I visited four national parks in total across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West.
TPG: With whom were you traveling? If you had a travel companion, what conversations did you have to align on safety precautions? Did you need to reassure them?
CD: For this specific flight, I traveled back home alone. However, during the course of the trip, I had two companions and we chatted about the potential risks. Since the trip was primarily focused on the outdoors -- and they had gotten COVID tests -- I was cautious but not overly concerned.
Related: What do travelers want this holiday season? Safety, cheap flights and flexibility
TPG: Did you plan this trip pre-pandemic, or were these new travel plans?
CD: These were new travel plans for national parks and cities I had never visited before.
TPG: What’s a trip you’re hoping to take in the future, that’s been put on hold?
CD: I had big plans to visit Santiago, Buenos Aires and explore the Patagonia region. I love trips that mix both city and nature. Of course, that’s on hold for now, but I wrote about my tentative plans here.
Pre-departure prep:
TPG: What does your pre-travel to-do list entail?
CD: Making sure everything fits into my carry-on (I don’t check bags unless I absolutely must). I regularly sit on my Away bag to ensure it closes. Of course, as a credit cards reporter, I make sure I’ve brought the right cards with me for my trip.
TPG: Did you purchase any additional supplies, masks or protective gear for the trip?
CD: Yes, I have a few trusty N-95 masks that I specifically use in flight.
TPG: Did you get a COVID test? If so, what kind?
CD: Yes, I got a PCR test but rapid tests are increasingly becoming easier to find (and some are free!).
Related: The 3 NYC-area airports now offering COVID testing
Packing strategy:
TPG: What items did you pack to protect yourself from coronavirus?
CD: I’ve got a trusty bottle of hand sanitizer, some wipes and of course, a mask. I like to bring several masks with me on a trip since one might be for working out or a run, one is for wearing around every day and another for the flight(s).
TPG: Is there anything you left at home that you normally would have taken?
CD: No, the pandemic hasn’t drastically altered my packing routine which, to be fair, was pretty haphazard to begin with. I just make sure I have my protective gear.
TPG: What are your carry-on essentials?
CD: Noise-canceling headphones and chargers (including portable ones) are super important for the flight. I need a good hand moisturizer, face wash, face lotion and lip balm -- those go in my former airline amenity kit turned dopp kit. I usually bring a book everywhere I travel but half the time, it never gets read.
Related: Best carry-on bags of 2020
TPG: What’s your go-to travel outfit, and has it changed at all during the pandemic?
CD: I have a pair of super-comfy (but still stylish) joggers from Everlane that are my go-to for flights. I usually wear a soft t-shirt and will layer it with a hoodie. Typically, I don’t really get dressed up for flying and that hasn’t changed during the pandemic.
Related: 14 packing hacks for just traveling with a carry-on
Before boarding
TPG: Do you get to the airport early or with just enough time to spare?
CD: If I know there’s an awesome lounge -- or great planespotting and people watching -- I will go to the airport early. If there are none of those things, or if it’s an early morning flight, I’ll just get to the airport in the nick of time to catch a flight.
TPG: How do you normally prefer to kill any extra time at the airport?
CD: Give me a good lounge with views of planes and I’ll be a happy camper. But I also just love people watching and considering why people are traveling and where they might be going.
TPG: Has that changed at all?
CD: Well, during the pandemic, many lounges have temporarily suspended operations entirely or altered service. Still, I prefer a space that won’t have too many people so whether that’s the lounge or out in the terminal, I’ll have to make a judgment call when I arrive at the airport.
TPG: What is your airport food strategy?
CD: I try to eat before arriving -- or if I know a lounge will have food offered, will eat up there. However, I will not say no to food in the airport terminal, either. This is especially true if I’m leaving a country or region known for some food item -- and I have one last chance to get it. Also, it depends on if I’ll be served anything onboard.
TPG: What differences have you noticed at the airport since the pandemic began?
CD: There are way fewer options in terminals now. And the eateries that are open have really long lines. It’s best to be prepared and bring your own food, in many cases.
Inflight routine:
TPG: What is your strategy for choosing your seat on the plane?
CD: Window if I think my flight will be fairly empty. Aisle if it’s a full flight since I go to the bathroom often. (I drink water on planes like no one else I know.) However, I love it when you can have both a window and an aisle if you’re flying in a first or business class on some planes.
TPG: Were you able to work or relax during the flight?
CD: On this flight back from Los Angeles, I was able to relax, watch a couple of movies, and enjoy dinner on board (I was upgraded to business thanks to my Executive Platinum status with American).
TPG: Do you eat or drink on the plane? Has that changed in any way?
CD: If there’s food in front of me, I’ll eat it -- including while onboard flights. Of course, I try to eat quickly and put my mask back on out of courtesy for other passengers and crew.
TPG: Have you noticed any changes in in-flight service?
CD: Yes, many airlines have cut back on food and beverage service. Some airlines are not offering food or drinks -- or even the option to buy them. Hopefully, that will change in the coming months but I also understand the concern about flight attendants walking up and down the aisle.
Lucky for me, my American flight in business class was a premium transcontinental flight and had almost the exact same service as before the pandemic, though.
Everything else:
TPG: Overall, did you still enjoy traveling during the pandemic?
CD: Yes, I did enjoy my travels but you just have to go into it knowing that things will be very different than before.
TPG: How much traveling have you done since the pandemic began?
CD: I’ve gone on several domestic trips, including road trips close to home during the summer and two trips out to the west coast this fall. I never plan anything more than a few weeks in advance though.
TPG: Any travel pearls of wisdom or hacks for flying right now?
CD: Prepare -- but don’t over-prepare. Now, more than ever, things will change on the fly and you have to be okay with that in order to travel. Also, know that airlines, hotels and the experiences you’re accustomed to at your destination will look a lot different. Finally, please be kind to front-line workers.
Rapid-fire questions:
TPG: Are you Team Ask or Not Ask fellow travelers to put their mask on/over their nose?
CD: I’m Team Not Ask but will actively avoid those travelers.
TPG: Airline blanket & pillow — take 'em or leave 'em?
CD: Leave 'em.
TPG: Latex gloves — yay or nay?
CD: Nay, I’ll use any wipe and sanitizer given to me though.
TPG: Favorite hand sanitizer brand?
CD: Anything that doesn’t smell too strongly (no scents please).
TPG: Favorite mask brand?
CD: I actually love my masks from Old Navy.
TPG: Favorite pandemic travel gear innovation?
CD: Still waiting for someone to invent a mask that doesn’t fog my glasses.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.