Lights out -- Las Vegas Strip goes dark for at least 30 days
Summer Hull , aka Mommy Points, ran the Mommy Points site for families who want to travel more for less using miles and points for seven years. She now heads up a variety of special projects at TPG when she isn't exploring the world with her own two girls.
March 19, 2020
•
3 min read
Lights out -- Las Vegas Strip goes dark for at least 30 days
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The lights on the Las Vegas Strip have gone dark before, but it's usually only for a few minutes in recognition of the passing of a president, a key figure in Las Vegas history or a movement such as Earth Day. But the current COVID-19-related shutdown has turned off the lights of the bright, feisty, dynamic Las Vegas Strip in a way that we've never seen before -- both literally and figuratively.
Effective March 17, Nevada governor Steve Sisolak ordered all nonessential businesses in Nevada to close by midnight on Tuesday for 30 days -- this includes the world-famous casinos and gaming operations.
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So what does that mean? For now, MGM Resorts (Bellagio, Aria, MGM Grand, NoMad, etc.), Caesars (Caesars, Planet Hollywood, Harrah's, etc.), Wynn and most other major casinos are closed and currently taking reservations for travel dates beginning April 17, though, of course, that's subject to change.
But it's not just the casino doors that are shuttered (also, literally), but it's also the iconic, big, bold, blinking lights themselves that are, for now, also switched to the off position.
The shows are all dark. And the fountains. And while unconfirmed, our money would bet that the volcanoes are also silently awaiting the return of slightly tipsy, kind of rowdy visitors that while perhaps annoying even just two weeks ago, are now sorely missed on the largely silent Strip.
While the Strip sits and waits, we'll brush up on how to maximize the casino loyalty programs, have our strategies to skip the lines ready (for once the crowds return), map out some day trips from Las Vegas and even learn which status matches may score you an even more rewarding trip for when the lights of Las Vegas do come back on.
For more on travel and the coronavirus outbreak, see:
- What does the deadly coronavirus mean for travelers?
- Myth-busting: Will a face mask keep you safe from viruses on a plane?
- Extreme measures cruise lines are taking
- Should I travel? Advice for the coronavirus outbreak
- No coronavirus waiver? Some airlines have you more covered than others
- How a global outbreak has left the travel industry reeling
Featured image by (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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- 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).
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- Annual Fee is $250.
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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
TPG Editor‘s Rating
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 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. |
Intro Offer
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
$250Recommended 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.670-850Excellent/Good
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