A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,413
It's a big gesture since there's no expiration date. They can be used later, when passenger counts and prices are much higher than they currently are. In fact, especially for anyone who travels overseas (or wants to do so), it would be much better to wait until all of the entry restrictions, quarantine requirements, and shutdowns are largely gone.
BTW, the TV news coverage I saw said that the free tickets are for all active employees plus those who have taken voluntary leaves, etc. (but apparently not those who resigned or accepted early retirement packages).