…
Just in time for the holiday travel rush, American Express Platinum Card members can now take advantage of a new suite of benefits launched today that is worth hundreds of dollars – including an Airline Fee Credit of up to $200, a 20% Travel Bonus and a Travel App. These new benefits, combined with existing ones, reinforce the Platinum Card as a smart choice for travelers looking to get more value for their money and time during the holidays and all year-round.
“At American Express, we are focused on providing our Card members value, service and access in a world of black-out dates, restrictions and unexpected delays”
Card members can enroll, earn and download the following new benefits beginning today at americanexpress.com/transformtravel:
- $200 Airline Fee Credit1 – Card members can check a bag or enjoy an in-flight meal on American Express. American Express will cover up to $200 per year of incidental airline fees that are charged on the Card member’s enrolled Platinum Card on their selected airline. The $200 Airline Fee Credit can apply to baggage fees, flight change fees, in-flight food and airport lounge day passes. Twice as nice: Card members who enroll and select the qualifying airline of choice online at americanexpress.com/transformtravel on December 1 will receive the full 2010 benefit for use the remainder of the month. And on January 1, 2011, their benefit will reset and they will have up to $200 throughout the calendar year.
- 20% Travel Bonus2 – Platinum Card members can now redeem points and earn 20% of those points back every time. When Card members use the Membership Rewards® Pay with Points feature to pay for part or all of their travel including airlines, hotels, cruises and vacation packages, they will get 20% of those points credited back to their account1 to bring them closer to their next trip. For example, if a Card member redeems 30,000 points to pay for an airline ticket, American Express will credit 6,000 points to the Card member’s Membership Rewards account. Notably, the Pay with Points feature allows Card members to purchase any category of ticket, on any airline, at any time, with no blackout dates or restrictions. Rather than trying to redeem mileage rewards points during high-traffic holidays that can come with airline restrictions and blackout dates, American Express offers a liberating point redemption option.
- American Express Travel App3 – Card members now have access to a new complimentary mobile app, valued at $49/year, which acts like a personal travel assistant. The app provides the ultimate trip management experience by bringing together a suite of mobile travel tools available in TripIt Pro to include: an easy way to organize and share travel plans, real time flight updates, and more. The mobile app also provides access to an airport guide, a seat expert and a travel directory of commonly used phone numbers.
“At American Express, we are focused on providing our Card members value, service and access in a world of black-out dates, restrictions and unexpected delays,” said Robin Korn, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Consumer Charge Cards, American Express. “Now more than ever, the Platinum Card truly pays for itself and provides travelers exceptional value every step of the journey – from booking to boarding and beyond.”
Existing Suite of Core Travel Benefits
The new benefits complement the core existing ones that include:
- Airport Lounge Access: The Platinum Card from American Express grants complimentary access into many domestic airport club lounges including American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky ClubTM and our newest partner, US Airways Club. That is $1,400 worth of club memberships each year. In addition to the comfort and privacy this provides, it is especially helpful during winter snow and storm delays as travelers can head straight to the airline lounge for easy and immediate re-booking.
- Fine Hotels & Resorts Program: Card members who stay at one of more than 650 exceptional properties that are a part of the Fine Hotels & Resorts Program will receive a room upgrade (upon availability), daily continental breakfast for two, 4 p.m. late check-out and an additional special amenity worth a minimum of $450 per stay.
- Platinum Travel Service and Platinum Card Concierge: Card members have access to the Platinum Travel Service – 24-hours a day, 365 days a year – to help them plan both business and leisure trips. And the Platinum Card Concierge service can round out the travel experience by helping secure restaurant reservations, tickets to attractions and shows and more.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
