Multiple United States airlines have extended their loyalty program statuses and benefits to 2021 for those stuck home due to the Coronavirus outbreak.
United Airlines has extended its members’ MileagePlus Premier status through January 2022, reducing the threshold for Platinum qualification by 50 percent, giving away more credit card points as well as making it easier to upgrade seating.
“While much remains uncertain right now, one thing is for sure: this crisis will pass,” said Oscar Munoz, United Airlines CEO, on the company website. “Our nation and communities will recover and United will return to service you, our customers. When that happens, we want you to fly United with even greater pride because of the actions we took on behalf of our customers, our employees and everyone we serve.”
Delta Airlines has also extended its SkyMiles Medallion Members’ status and the expiration dates for their upgrade certificates and travel vouchers.
“On behalf of all of us at Delta, I want to thank our customers for your continued loyalty during these unprecedented times. While our focus is on keeping customers and employees safe and healthy today and always, you are a part of the Delta family and we know how important these benefits are to you,” said Sandeep Dube in the company’s website, Delta’s Senior Vice President – Customer Engagement and Loyalty, and CEO of Delta Vacations. “That’s why as coronavirus continues to dramatically impact travel across the globe, you don’t have to worry about your benefits – they’ll be extended so you can enjoy them when you are ready to travel again.”
Airlines have also started offering waivers on charge fees as well as sometimes refunds, for travel that was booked for the next couple months, but this depends on the specific airline.
The United States Transportation Department has stated to airlines that they have to refund tickets for flights they cancel, or significantly change the schedule of that passengers don’t accept.
Multiple airlines have also applied for a share of the $2 trillion economic package.
“The financial assistance provided by the CARES Act will ensure our pilots, flight attendants, airport and contact center agents, ramp service, technicians and others remain on the front lines and are able to provide the vital air service that gets Americans home and delivers much needed goods around the country — including food, medical equipment and front-line health care provider protective gear — as we come together to fight COVID-19,” the United statement said in a Washington Post article.