United Airlines could return to New York's JFK airport in 2021
United Airlines may finally be returning to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport, righting what its CEO Scott Kirby has called a strategic mistake by the carrier.
The Chicago-based carrier hopes to return to New York JFK sometime in 2021 — maybe even early in the year — CNBC reported citing officials familiar with the matter on Tuesday. TPG independently confirmed United's intention to return to JFK next year from sources familiar with the carrier's plans.
A United spokesperson declined to comment.
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United ended service to JFK when it suspended nonstop flights from Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) in October 2015. The move amid fierce competition from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways on the high-profile transcontinental routes. While leaving JFK, United consolidated its flights on the routes at its nearby Newark Liberty (EWR) hub and raised the stakes with up to hourly service.
“I wish I could roll back the clock and change the decision," Kirby said on the departure in 2017. "It was the wrong decision.”
The move lost United the many New Yorkers who prefer flying into and out of JFK rather than cross the Hudson River to Newark. In addition, JFK serves the millions of people who live on Long Island or in Westchester County and for whom the trip to New Jersey is longer and less attractive.
United continues to serve New York LaGuardia (LGA) and Westchester County Airport (HPN) in addition to Newark.
Related: United Airlines adds 17 routes to Florida, bypassing hubs in pandemic route-map shakeup
The decline in air travel because of COVID-19 may create the opening United needs to acquire slots at JFK. While slot usage rules remain temporarily waived, some airlines are expected to give up slots at various airports as they shrink as a result of the crisis.
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration has waived slot usage rules through Oct. 24 and is considering an extending that to Dec. 31.
United is in favor of extending the slot waivers. The airline's vice president of international regulatory and policy Steve Morrissey cited a "great need of flexibility" due the uncertainty around the duration of the crisis in a letter to the FAA on July 14. He asked the regulator to extend the waivers beyond December through July 2021.
Related: United Airlines pilots accept cuts to avoid furloughs
The airline remains significantly smaller today than it was in 2019. In October, United plans to fly about 40% of what it flew a year ago with expectations that it could resume up to only about half of its former schedule by year-end.
United anticipates furloughing roughly 12,000 employees, including flight attendants and ground staff, on Thursday (Oct. 1). That is the day after protections under the federal coronavirus aid package, or CARES Act, expire barring an 11th hour extension by Congress.
While House Democrats unveiled a bill that would extend protections for airline employees on Sept. 28, a vote and a comparable Senate bill appear unlikely before Thursday.
Related: American, United say flights to small cities are at risk unless Congress extends payroll program
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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.
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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. |
| 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. |
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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
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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.