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The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Benét, known as the Aviation Queen, is a former senior editor at TPG who is best known for being an aviation journalist for 25-plus years. Her love affair with travel and aviation began at age 6, when her Air Force family moved from California to a military base outside of London. The family flew from JFK to London on a pretty new Pan Am 747. She was amazed when, in 1992, she got her first aviation journalism job.
June 7, 2021 • 8 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.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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Related stories
Quick summary
Domestic air travel has rebounded, leading to crowded airports and full flights.
Rideshare waits and prices have increased at airports due to driver shortages and higher demand.
Airport concessions and seating remain limited, with some eateries closed and crowded open areas.
Security lines are longer, but expedited screening programs can help minimize wait times.
What to consider
Expect longer waits for rideshares and higher prices due to reduced driver availability.
Many airport restaurants and shops have limited hours or remain closed, so check availability before travel.
The FAA is enforcing strict penalties for in-flight misbehavior, including mask noncompliance and disruptive actions.
What you'll miss from the article
Tips for preparing and adapting to the current airport and flight experience, including packing strategies and navigating limited amenities.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
In case you missed it, U.S. domestic travel is back.
I recently returned back to Baltimore after a trip to visit my family in San Antonio. I had a 7:25 p.m. Southwest Airlines flight on Sunday, May 9 out of Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). I returned on Tuesday, May 25 on a 3:25 p.m. flight from San Antonio International Airport (SAT). My departures and arrivals for both flights had a lot of activity.
Let me share five things I learned during my recent travels.
Uber/Lyft prices are higher -- and there's a wait
(Photo by Hrach Hovhannisyan / Shutterstock.com)
I always schedule my rideshare in advance when going to the airport. I recently decided to buy an Uber Pass for 50% off ($59.99 a year) to get 10% off my first three rides of the month, and thanks to my Uber Rewards Platinum status, I usually get priority airport pickups.
When I landed in San Antonio, however, I had a 19-minute wait for my Uber home. When I asked my driver about the delay, he said that there's been a big move toward delivering groceries and restaurant food, causing a shortage in cars. In turn, prices go up because of that scarcity. Upon arriving in Baltimore, the same thing happened, although that was only a 14-minute wait.
Travelers in a TSA checkpoint at Orlando International Airport (MCO) on the Friday before Memorial Day 2021. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
At BWI, one security checkpoint in Concourse A is still closed. When I went to the next Concourse A checkpoint, the lines were pretty long on that Sunday. Luckily for me, I have both a Clear membership (worth every penny) and TSA PreCheck, thanks to my Global Entry membership, so I didn't have to stand in that long line. At San Antonio's Terminal A on Tuesday, it was close to a mob scene, with check-in counters full, and long security lines -- except, oddly enough, the TSA PreCheck line.
After more than a year of not taking to the skies, I fully expect long security lines to continue -- and grow -- throughout the summer.
The Vino Volo wine bar at San Antonio International Airport (SAT). (Photo by Benét J. Wilson/The Points Guy)
Once past the BWI checkpoint, there were lines at all the open restaurants. BWI has been slowly bringing back food and retail, but it's not 100% yet. I stopped off for a snack at R&R Seafood Bar, which was completely full -- but still had socially distanced seats. It was a bit of a rush, since most of the airport's dining options are still closing at between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., so it's smart to check your airport's website for the latest information on what's open during what hours.
At SAT, several of the eateries are still closed, making the ones that were open pretty crowded. I managed to snag a two-top table seat -- with power outlets and USB ports -- at Vino Volo. But it filled up pretty quickly, with travelers outside waiting for a seat. The line to get into Smoke Shack BBQ was long; plus the screen to order carryout food was inoperable, forcing customers to order at the crowded bar.
(Photo by Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
The seating area for my gates on both sides of my trip were pretty full, with no real attempt to socially distance. Travelers were sitting in blocked seats and on the floor against the window. Others sat in seating areas across the alley or at nearby gates. The gate agents were emphatic about us keeping our masks on throughout the flight, and that message was echoed by the flight attendants. Everyone was wearing their masks, although there was some grumbling during the gate announcement.
Flights are packed
I miss the days when Southwest Airlines flights were as empty as this one. (Photo by Benét J. Wilson / The Points Guy)
No surprise here: All of my Southwest Airlines flights were completely full. Many people haven't traveled in more than 15 months, and they were out in full force, despite rising airfares. We're all just ready to go somewhere -- anywhere -- so don't be surprised if there's never an empty seat on your upcoming summer flights.
Our flight was drama-free, but be warned: The FAA is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on those who misbehave on flights. Your flight could be really expensive, with the FAA levying fines of up to $35,000 for infractions including not wearing a mask, ignoring crew instructions, fake bomb threats, being abusive to flight attendants and drinking alcohol you bring on board.
The American Express Centurion Lounge at Las Vegas' McCarran International Airport (LAS). (Photo by Zach Griff/The Points Guy)
As a long-time Girl Scout, I take its motto to heart whenever I travel: Be prepared. I pack snacks, wipes, hand sanitizer and a charger for my laptop and electronics. I download Netflix programming in case there are issues with inflight entertainment. I bring an empty Swell water bottle (it does a great job of keeping liquids hot or cold) and fill it up post-security. If there's a lounge I can access with my The Platinum Card® from American Express, I make a beeline for it. I take full advantage of my A-List early boarding status on Southwest Airlines to ensure I get my aisle seat toward the front of the aircraft.
I also pack patience and grace. It's going to be a long, hot travel summer, so remember to be nice to the check-in and gate agents, flight attendants, retail and food workers and the other travelers you encounter on your trip. We're all in this together.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
