The golden era of travel is far from finished — it’s transforming

Some might argue that the golden era of air travel concluded with the demise of Pan Am and the end of complimentary cocktails and cigars. Perhaps it was truly over when the pandemic hit, prompting airlines to retire their superjumbo jets and significantly reduce their premium cabin offerings.

Nonetheless, I contend that we are currently experiencing the golden age of travel. It’s simply evolving.

The unprecedented upheavals brought about by the pandemic have hastened the transition to a new golden age. Flying private has become more attainable than ever, airlines are embracing greater innovation, redeeming miles has become simpler, change fees have vanished, and travel credit cards are now offering unprecedented sign-up bonuses.

Anyone can experience flying 'private' ...

The most significant change I observe is that an increasing number of people are opting for private flights. The reason? It has never been more accessible.

Private flying is no longer exclusive to the ultra-wealthy or top executives. With the emergence of apps and services from companies like Wheels Up, XO, Blade, and Aero, booking a private flight can be as simple — and at times almost as economical — as hailing a ride.

Nowadays, there are numerous regularly scheduled "private" flights available for seat booking. If a scheduled service doesn’t meet your needs, you can organize your own crowdsourced flight. Think of it as the Uber Pool for private air travel.

For as little as $89, you can reserve a no-frills semi-private flight with JSX. These flights utilize 30-seat regional jets, offering a degree of privacy while allowing departures from private terminals. You can arrive just 20 minutes prior to your flight, avoiding long check-in lines, traditional TSA security checks, and potentially crowded terminals. The cabins are spacious, and while there may not be caviar onboard, free snacks and drinks are provided. Routes primarily focus on the West Coast and Texas.

For a truly classic private jet experience, you can book a semi-private flight with companies like Aero or Blade, costing between $1,000 and $3,000 per seat. While this is pricier than a domestic first-class ticket, it's a mere fraction compared to the $4,000 to $20,000 typically charged per hour for jet charters.

These companies operate smaller jets featuring luxurious interiors, catering to upscale vacation destinations such as Miami, Aspen, Colorado, and Napa, California. On BladeOne flights, anticipate exceptional inflight dining, including caviar service from Pearl Street Caviar.

Your choices for booking shared charters expand even further with a membership program. For example, a $100 monthly Set Jet membership allows you to fly across the West Coast for $450 to $490 each way. Members influence the flight schedule and receive outstanding service from start to finish. Set Jet's aircraft accommodate 13-16 passengers, and each flight includes a cabin attendant offering complimentary top-shelf drinks and gourmet snacks.

If you're considering joining Wheels Up, you can now access discounted memberships and additional benefits with The Platinum Card® from American Express. Besides seats on shared flights, Wheels Up members can also reserve significantly discounted empty-leg Hot Flights.

... or enjoy a private-like experience

Naturally, flying private isn't always an option. Fortunately, there are now several ways to achieve a private-like experience while traveling commercially, and these options have become increasingly accessible.

Travelers passing through Los Angeles (LAX) can avoid the chaos of the main terminal by indulging in access to a secret VIP terminal known as PS. There are three types of experiences available: a private suite, The Salon, or PS Direct.

The private suite is the top choice for those seeking unparalleled privacy and comfort. It’s akin to waiting for your flight in a luxurious hotel room. The suites are stocked with an array of snacks, beverages, and travel essentials, you can order meals prepared by the renowned H.wood Group, and even request in-suite massages. When it’s time for your flight, you undergo a private TSA screening and are chauffeured across the tarmac to your plane’s entrance. Each visit costs between $3,250 and $4,350 and accommodates up to four travelers.

The newly introduced Salon provides all the essential perks of PS in a communal, social environment, but at a much lower price. Access costs $695 per person (must be 21 or older to book), allowing you to enjoy excellent food and beverages, expedited security screening, and shuttle service to the aircraft.

Lastly, PS features a service called PS Direct. For $3,450, accommodating up to four travelers, members can be driven directly to their final destination from the arriving aircraft, completely bypassing the terminal — just like private flying.

If you’re traveling through another airport and flying with American Airlines, you can book one of their Five Star ground experiences. While not quite as private as PS, these services help you avoid waiting in lines and make the overall ground experience much smoother, especially for families. The most affordable option is the new Five Star Essentials, priced at $149 or 15,000 AAdvantage miles for up to two adults and three children. Delta and United also offer similar VIP services.

Even though you're still boarding a commercial flight with these services, with a bit of research, you can ensure a comfortable experience on board. Nowadays, it’s quite common to see wide-body aircraft operating domestic routes between major hubs, featuring lie-flat seats in the front and spacious premium economy seats marketed as extra-legroom coach.

Remember, we're focusing solely on air travel for this discussion. There are also numerous private-like hotel experiences available today, including many private-island resorts that you can book with points.

A new level of flexibility

One positive outcome of the pandemic is the elimination of annoying change fees.

With the exception of ultra-low-cost carriers, all major U.S. airlines have removed their $200 change penalties (excluding basic-economy fares). Some airlines, like United, have even stated they will never reinstate those fees. This is fantastic news, as it allows you to seize great travel deals as they arise and decide later if you want to go. It's also helpful for adjusting tickets if your fare drops.

Many airlines have introduced free same-day change options. This means that if you arrive at the airport early, you can standby for an earlier flight without any extra charge.

Unmatched welcome bonuses

Credit cards are crucial in the travel landscape, and we are undoubtedly experiencing the golden age of credit cards. Issuers are raising the stakes, making cards more rewarding than ever for consumers. One method they're using is to offer unprecedented sign-up bonuses and welcome incentives.

In June, the highly sought-after Chase Sapphire Preferred Card unveiled the largest sign-up bonus in its 12-year history. Currently, you can earn 100,000 points after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of opening your account. This translates to an impressive $2,000 towards award travel, based on TPG point valuations, especially considering the card has only a $95 annual fee.

Then, in early July, the Citi Premier® Card introduced its best-ever bonus of 80,000 ThankYou points after spending $4,000 within the first three months of account opening. Previously, this card consistently offered a 60,000-point bonus for the same spending requirement. The list of best-ever bonuses continues to grow.

Redeeming points and miles has become simpler

Points and miles are not only easier to accumulate but also simpler to redeem.

In recent years, an increasing number of airlines have eliminated award charts, opting for dynamic pricing instead. This means higher award costs when cash prices rise and lower costs when fares drop.

While this shift may disappoint award travel enthusiasts who typically seek outsize value from their points and miles, it's generally a positive change for the average traveler. You might think I'm out of my mind, but consider this: the typical consumer isn't chasing ultra-premium long-haul award tickets; they're more focused on everyday redemptions.

Dynamic pricing enables travelers to use points for any flight without blackout dates. This means that those whose jobs or school commitments require travel during peak times — such as Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, or any day throughout the year — can utilize their points. Previously, flexibility with dates was necessary, as award availability was often limited. Even when saver-level seats were found, securing enough for the whole family was a challenge.

Let’s be honest, points and miles still hold significant value. Travelers can score fantastic deals through Delta's SkyMiles flash sales and American's Web Special awards. Which award chart ever listed flights for as low as 400 points each way? Plus, there have been exciting developments in frequent flyer programs, like family points pooling, the elimination of fuel surcharges on award tickets, and the chance to earn elite status without flying.

Airlines are ramping up their innovation efforts

In an unprecedented move, airlines are pouring more resources into innovative technologies than ever before.

While the Concorde may remain grounded indefinitely, United recently sent ripples through the aviation industry by announcing a deal to acquire 15 supersonic jets from Boom Supersonic. Both companies stated that the new supersonic fleet would operate as net-zero carbon and rely solely on sustainable aviation fuel. These aircraft are slated to begin commercial service in 2029, with ticket prices expected to align with current business-class fares.

Shortly thereafter, the airline introduced United Airlines Ventures, a new corporate investment fund aimed at backing promising companies in sustainability and aerospace innovation. In July, this subsidiary invested in the Swedish startup Heart Aerospace, which is developing electric passenger aircraft.

Airlines such as American and Virgin Atlantic have also pledged investments in eVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) startups, along with Blade.

While we await the arrival of these aircraft, travelers can take advantage of innovations like floor-to-ceiling fully enclosed first-class suites featuring "virtual windows" for middle seats. The ability to connect Bluetooth headphones directly to the seatback screens is also a groundbreaking change.

Final thoughts

Double-decker aircraft featuring three-room "residences" will never take to the skies again. Similarly, genuine international first class may be fading away.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. Amid the numerous cuts and adjustments airlines faced over the past year, the industry has shifted toward a new golden era of air travel. Yes, airlines are currently grappling with cancellations and delays, but this situation is merely temporary. Looking ahead, air travel is poised to improve significantly. Before long, we might be redeeming miles for journeys to space.