Airline Loyalty Status and Rewards During COVID-19

Airline Loyalty Status and Rewards During COVID-19

Working from home, homeschooling kids, businesses closed.

Everything we typically think of as normal is different right now. So during all of this, what can you do to bring some sense of normalcy back to your life?

The answer to that question is going to be different for everyone, but at CRW we know our loyal travelers might be eager to book their next trip. Maybe you have built-up rewards miles with your favorite airline and you’re ready to use them, but you aren’t sure how or when to book rewards flights.

First things first, if you’re worried about losing your status with your favorite airline, many of them are offering extensions through 2021. The status you have now may be locked in for another year, regardless of how many miles you rack up. So check with your airline about their extension policies for rewards members.

If you’re ready to start booking flights for later in the year, now could be a great time to use your rewards points or miles. If that is you, The Points Guy is a great resource to track all of the deals. Some popular domestic destinations are going for as little as 4,000 miles each way. There are international flights during the 2020 holiday season that are going for 120,000 miles round trip.

If you plan on booking using your rewards or miles right now, it’s important to know your airlines’ cancellation and rebooking policy. Airlines have been adjusting their policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. Make sure you contact your airline before booking, so you know their current policy.

As we continue to move through this ever-changing situation, it is hard to tell what the future holds. But now might be the right time to, at the very least, see what deals are out there to use your hard-earned rewards. What could be a better escape than dreaming about your next trip?

Remember to #FlyCRW

REAL-ID Requirements Delayed Due to COVID-19

REAL-ID Requirements Delayed Due to COVID-19

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, President Trump announced a one year delay for the REAL ID drivers license requirement. 

The REAL ID, or Federal ID, is going to be required for anyone traveling on an airplane in the United States. The law was set to take effect on October 1, 2020, but is now being pushed back until October 1, 2021. 

“States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs,” said Acting Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Chad Wolf. “Extending the deadline will also allow the Department to work with Congress to implement needed changes to expedite the issuance of REAL IDs.”

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005. The law established minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.

In West Virginia, if your drivers license has a gold star in the upper right hand corner, it is a REAL-ID. For more information about REAL-IDs, or how you get one please click the links below:

FAQs about REAL-IDs: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id-frequently-asked-questions

How to get a REAL-ID: https://transportation.wv.gov/DMV/DMVFormSearch/Drivers_Licenses_REAL_ID_cards_brochure.pdf