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United's new map-based search tool lets you search by destination, activity or cheapest prices

Oct. 03, 2020
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3 min read
Close-Up Of Yellow Paper Airplane Flying Over World Map
United's new map-based search tool lets you search by destination, activity or cheapest prices
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Tracking coronavirus restrictions has become a full-time job — literally, for some. TPG has published multiple reopening guides, while at least one tech company provides real-time COVID-19 restrictions for more than 120 countries worldwide.

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And now, United Airlines is jumping in the fray, thanks to Google-powered data.

The map utilizes Google Flights technology, which allows travelers to set budget limits for destinations featuring their ideal activities such as sunning by the beach, skiing, hiking and more.

You can find the new map and budget search function on the homepage at united.com, highlighted below in red.

The new interactive map allows travelers to set a fixed budget with open-ended destination suggestions.

Alternatively, travelers can choose "filter by interest" to select their preferred activities.

Quarantine restrictions now available as well

The airline launched its new visual search tool in late September, which allows travelers to click on individual states to see what local quarantine and entry restrictions require.

Screen shot courtesy of United.com

Related: Everything you need to know about maximizing Google Flights

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Clicking on a state provides a brief summary of requirements, color-coded to show ease of travel. Each state on the country map is also shaded according to a legend.

Travelers entering New York, for instance, are required to quarantine when coming from certain blacklisted states and territories. United's new map specifies the entry restrictions, but also offers a helpful button to click for more information.

Detailed information includes quarantine and COVID test requirements, as well as forms, social distancing protocols and mask requirements in that state. The site also includes shop, tourist and museum attraction restrictions, plus restaurant and bar limitations, if any.

The map page also includes a text-based section with individual state restrictions, which is handy for people who prefer words over images.

As of now, the map only shows U.S. states, and does not include territories such as Puerto Rico or Guam. However, you can find international information and other domestic destinations via DragonSlayer, a web-based tool designed for travel agents to quickly find local COVID-19 restrictions and information.

Featured image by Getty Images/EyeEm

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

American Express® Gold Card

TPG Editor‘s Rating
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Go to review

Rewards Rate

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    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.