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New restrictions from American Airlines as it says most employees complying with vaccine mandate
Ana Figueroa
Contributor
Ana Figueroa is the former Weekend Editor for The Points Guy, where she draws upon her extensive background in both hard news and travel reporting. She has served as a reporter and editor for national news, entertainment and lifestyle magazines and a wide array of consumer and trade travel publications. Ana is partial to cruise travel, and her favorite cities are Rome, Seoul and Hobbiton.
Jan. 10, 2022
•
2 min read
New restrictions from American Airlines as it says most employees complying with vaccine mandate
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On the same day that the U.S. Supreme Court heard a challenge to the Biden administration's COVID-19 vaccine mandates, American Airlines announced new restrictions for its unvaccinated U.S. employees. The Jan. 7 statement from American indicated that more than 96% of its employees had either submitted proof of vaccination or requested a religious or medical accommodation from the mandate.
Going forward, the airline said it will impose additional requirements for unvaccinated U.S.-based employees. Those who are unvaccinated must "complete a weekly self-health declaration, practice social distancing when possible and wear a mask at all times, except when outside and social distancing can be maintained."
The requirements apply even to those who have received approved accommodations from the vaccine mandate.
American employees had previously faced a deadline of Jan. 4 to provide proof of vaccination or receive an exemption. However, ongoing legal challenges to federal vaccine mandates have left airlines with little choice but to move the goalposts on their own internal directives.
Related: Dr. Fauci clarifies that travelers shouldn't expect a domestic flight vaccine mandate
Fort Worth-based American has faced pushback from employees regarding the mandates over the past few months, as have other airlines.
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At this point, it appears that courts will be the ultimate arbiter of how the mandates play out in the airline industry.
On Friday the oral argument before the Supreme Court involved the vaccine mandates for healthcare providers and for companies with more than 100 workers. Legal observers noted that the Court seemed skeptical of the rule, which affects more than 80 million U.S. workers.
Airlines, however, also fall under a separate mandate for federal workers because of their work as federal contractors. That rule was not at issue before the Supreme Court on Friday. It is currently being challenged in other federal courts, though, so the matter may remain in flux for the foreseeable future.
The new rules at American Airlines are set to take effect on Jan. 17. It is not immediately clear what will happen to the 4% of employees who are unvaccinated and have not received an exemption.
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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| 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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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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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.
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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.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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- $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.