United Airlines CEO says flying is safe, even without social distancing onboard
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby is standing by the carrier's decision not to block middle seats on its flights, arguing that safety from the coronavirus comes from other measures but not physical distance onboard.
Kirby, who stepped into the top job at the Chicago-based carrier a little over a week ago, insisted at the Bernstein Strategic Decisions conference on May 28 that it is safe to fly on United's aircraft even as concerns of COVID-19 remain. The airline's cleaning regime, requirement that all passengers and crews wear masks, and air circulation through high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters keep travelers safe.
“Airplanes don’t have social distancing -- we’re not going to be six feet apart," he said. "But an airplane environment is incredibly safe."
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More and more travelers are noticing fuller planes as people gradually return to the skies in the United States. On average, domestic flights had 46 passengers onboard during the week ending May 26, according to trade group Airlines for America (A4A). That's up dramatically from fewer than 10 people onboard at the end of March.
But while the improvement shows more people are flying on the few flights still operating, it has also created some uncomfortable situations for passengers unsure about safety onboard. People have tweeted images of full cabins with questions about airlines' social distancing policies.
Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways are blocking most middle seats and Southwest has capped sales below capacity. Other carriers are blocking them from sale or selection at booking, but the seats can still be assigned at check in or by a gate agent. And all of the policies sunset by the end of June.
Related: Which US airlines are blocking middle seats, requiring masks?
Kirby is correct that it's difficult to social distance from others onboard an aircraft. The typical economy seat is just 17 inches wide, or less than a quarter of the 6 feet of distance recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, the distance from a seat back to the front of the next seat -- or "pitch" -- is only around 30 inches in economy on non-low cost carriers.
"You can’t be six feet apart on an airplane, middle seat or not," said Kirby.
United will allow travelers who are uncomfortable sitting next to someone else to move to another flight.
Related: A complete list of major carriers' coronavirus change and cancellation policies
Bankruptcy was another question that Kirby laid to rest at the Bernstein conference. While few have suggested that United could file for Chapter 11, he put the kibosh on any thought of the idea.
“To me it’s like the dumbest question possible -- we are not going to like file for bankruptcy," said Kirby. "It would be the absolute last thing we’d do… That is not even remotely in the plans for United Airlines.”
American Airlines CEO Doug Parker has made similar comments, arguing that he views bankruptcy as failure and not a financial tool.
“I think we’re all going to be fine,” said Parker at the Bernstein conference on May 27. “I don’t think you’re going to see any airlines go by the wayside.”
Related: United Airlines may change route map post-coronavirus, says no hub is ‘sacred’
Cash is critical to airlines' surviving the coronavirus crisis. Those who have filed for bankruptcy or their local equivalent, including United partner Avianca as well as Virgin Australia, have cited the near disappearance of all revenues as people stopped traveling and country's restricted their borders for their restructurings.
Raymond James analysts estimated that the big three U.S. carriers -- American, Delta and United -- respectively have seven months, nearly 13 months and 10 months, of cash on hand in a May 25 report.
“We are going to survive the crisis, and emerge stronger on the other side," said Kirby.
Related: United considers retiring Boeing 757s and 767s, many of its 50-seat jets
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Recommended Credit
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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
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- 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.
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- 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. |
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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.