Experience Luxury with American Express Platinum Travel Benefits

Author

Reads 454

Executive man in a private jet making a call, representing business travel and luxury lifestyle.
Credit: pexels.com, Executive man in a private jet making a call, representing business travel and luxury lifestyle.

Experience luxury with American Express Platinum travel benefits. With a focus on premium experiences, this card offers a range of perks to make your travels more enjoyable.

You'll enjoy access to over 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, including the exclusive Centurion Lounge, where you can relax and recharge before your flight. This is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.

The American Express Platinum card also offers a $200 airline fee credit, which can be used to offset the cost of checked bags, change fees, and other airline-related expenses. This can be a huge money-saver for frequent travelers.

Main Benefits

The American Express Platinum card offers a wide range of travel benefits that can enhance your travel experience. You can earn 5 points for every dollar spent on hotels and flights booked through American Express Travel.

One of the standout benefits is the ability to earn points that can be redeemed for vacation bookings through Amex Travel, with a rate of $100 for every 10,000 points. This means you can get a great value from your points.

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Platinum: 8 Hidden Benefits

The card also offers a variety of airport lounge access options, including The Centurion Lounges, The International American Express Lounges, Priority Pass Lounges, Escape Lounges, Delta Sky Club, and Plaza Premium. You'll have access to many lounges, making your travel experience more comfortable.

The card also comes with a 24/7 travel concierge service to help with bookings, recommendations, and special requests. This service can be a huge time-saver and can help you plan a more memorable trip.

Here are some of the key travel benefits of the American Express Platinum card:

These benefits can help make your travel experience more enjoyable and convenient. The card's annual fee of $695 may seem steep, but the benefits can add up to a lot of value.

Airport and Lounge Access

Airport and lounge access is one of the most valuable benefits of the American Express Platinum card. With this card, you can access over 1,400 airport lounges across 140 countries. The Global Lounge Collection offers more lounge access than any other card program out there.

Group of professionals collaborating in a modern office lounge area, engaging in team discussions.
Credit: pexels.com, Group of professionals collaborating in a modern office lounge area, engaging in team discussions.

As a Platinum card member, you can unwind in luxurious airport lounges like Priority Pass, Amex's Centurion Lounges, Delta Sky Club lounges, Airspace Lounges, and Lufthansa lounges. Priority Pass membership also allows you to bring one guest for free, though additional guests will incur a charge.

You can access Centurion Lounges with your Platinum card, a government ID, and a confirmed boarding pass for a flight within three hours. However, effective February 1st, 2023, only the cardholder will have free access, and guests will be charged $50 per adult and $30 per child.

Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner also offers access to cardmembers and two guests, who must present their Platinum Card, government-issued ID, and same-day boarding pass. Delta Sky Club lounges are only accessible to the cardmember, who must show their Platinum card and a same-day ticket for a Delta-operated flight or a Delta-marketed flight operated by WestJet.

Here's a breakdown of the lounge access rules for the Global Lounge Collection:

With Priority Pass, you can access over 1,300 lounges in more than 600 cities across 148 countries, regardless of airline or class of travel.

Hotel and Accommodation

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Platinum's Fine Hotels and Resorts BEGINNER Guide to MAXIMIZE Value | AVOID My Beginner Mistake

The American Express Platinum Card offers a range of hotel and accommodation benefits that can save you money and enhance your travel experience. One of the most significant benefits is the Hotel Credit, which provides up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel.

To be eligible for the Hotel Credit, you must be a Basic Card Member on a U.S. Consumer Platinum Card Account, and you must book your stay through American Express Travel using your personal Platinum Card. The credit will be applied as a statement credit after your booking is made, and it can take some poking around to find good hotel options that can be almost completely offset by the $200 credit.

Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings offer a range of benefits, including daily breakfast for two, a $100 Experience Credit, guaranteed 4pm check-out, 12pm check-in, room upgrade, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The Hotel Collection benefits include noon check-in, late check-out, and a $100 credit that can be applied to eligible charges up to $100.

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit & FHR Benefits (How to MAXIMIZE These Rewards)

Here's a quick rundown of the hotel benefits:

  • Fine Hotels + Resorts: daily breakfast, $100 Experience Credit, guaranteed 4pm check-out, 12pm check-in, room upgrade, and complimentary Wi-Fi
  • The Hotel Collection: noon check-in, late check-out, and $100 credit that can be applied to eligible charges up to $100

As a Platinum Card Member, you can also enjoy Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status without meeting any stay requirements. This means you can enjoy perks like 25% more Marriott Bonvoy points, priority late checkout, and enhanced room upgrades when available.

$200 Hotel Credit

The $200 Hotel Credit is a fantastic perk for American Express Platinum Card Members. You can earn up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel.

To be eligible, you must make a new booking using your eligible Card through American Express Travel on or after July 1st, 2021, that is prepaid for a qualifying stay at an available, participating Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property.

Bookings of The Hotel Collection require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights, and eligible bookings must be processed before December 31st, 11:59PM Central Time, each calendar year to be eligible for statement credits within that year.

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit & FHR | What to Expect & How to Use

Here are the eligible Card types for the $200 Hotel Credit:

  • American Express Platinum Card
  • American Express Corporate Platinum Card

Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings may be made only by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum and Additional Platinum Card Members. The Hotel Collection bookings may be made by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic and Additional Platinum Card Members and Companion Platinum Card Members on the Platinum Card Account.

Delta SkyMiles Platinum Card Members are not eligible for the benefit.

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status

Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status is a great perk for Platinum Card Members. You can upgrade to this status without meeting any stay requirements, which is a huge advantage.

With Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status, you'll enjoy 25% more Marriott Bonvoy points. This can add up quickly, especially if you're a frequent traveler.

You'll also get priority late checkout, which means you can stay in your room for longer. This is a great bonus, especially if you're not ready to leave your room yet.

Additionally, you'll get enhanced room upgrades when available. This means you might get a better room than you originally booked, which can be a nice surprise.

Here are some specific benefits of Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status:

  • 25% more Marriott Bonvoy points
  • Priority late checkout
  • Enhanced room upgrades when available

Luxury Rail

Credit: youtube.com, 4 Nights on Scotland's Most Luxurious Train (Royal Scotsman Whisky Train)

If you're looking for a luxurious way to travel, consider taking a luxury rail journey. You can enjoy a pre or post departure fine dining experience up to US$100 per person when you book any overnight journey.

Some luxury rail options offer fine dining experiences, allowing you to indulge in high-end cuisine before or after your journey.

Travel Protections

The American Express Platinum card offers a range of travel protections that can give you peace of mind when planning your next trip. These protections include trip delay insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance.

With trip delay insurance, you can file up to two claims in a consecutive 12-month period up to $500 per claim for reasonable reimbursable expenses, including lodging, meals, toiletries, medications, and other personal items. Eligible reasons for trip delay include inclement weather, terrorist action or hijacking, a common carrier's equipment failure, or lost or stolen passports or travel documents.

Credit: youtube.com, American Express Platinum Card Travel Protections Explained!!!

You can also rely on the card's trip cancellation and interruption insurance, which provides $10,000 in coverage per trip up to $20,000 per 12 consecutive months. This coverage is secondary to any other coverage you may have, and eligible reasons for cancellation or interruption include injury or sickness of the traveler, traveling companion, or family member, inclement weather, and more.

Here are some eligible reasons for trip cancellation and interruption insurance:

  • Injury or sickness of the traveler, traveling companion, or family member of the traveler or traveling companion;
  • Inclement weather;
  • Change in military orders for the traveler or spouse of traveler;
  • Terrorist action or hijacking;
  • A call to jury duty or court subpoena which cannot be postponed or waived;
  • The traveler or traveling companion’s home is uninhabitable; or
  • Quarantine imposed by a physician for health reasons.

Protection

Protection is a top priority for travelers, and the Amex Platinum card has got you covered. With its extensive travel insurance benefits, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you're protected against unexpected setbacks.

Trip Delay Insurance provides reimbursement for reasonable expenses if your travel is delayed by at least six hours for a covered reason. This can include lodging, meals, toiletries, medications, and other personal items.

If you're delayed due to inclement weather, terrorist action, or a common carrier's equipment failure, you may be eligible for up to $500 per claim. The claim process must be started within 60 days of the covered loss.

Credit: youtube.com, Travel Insurance And Trip Protection Explained - Should You Buy It?

The Amex Platinum card also offers Trip Cancelation and Interruption Insurance, providing $10,000 in coverage per trip up to $20,000 per 12 consecutive months. This coverage is secondary to any other coverage you may have.

Eligible reasons for trip cancelation or interruption include injury or sickness of the traveler or traveling companion, inclement weather, or terrorist action. However, pre-existing conditions, injuries under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and declared or undeclared war are not covered.

Here are some key details about the Amex Platinum's protection benefits:

The Amex Platinum card also offers extended warranty on products you buy, with one year of coverage, and 90 days of purchase protection for lost, stolen, or damaged purchases.

Credits and Protections Have Limitations

The Amex Platinum card offers a range of travel protections, but it's essential to understand their limitations. The airline fee credit, for instance, only applies to one selected airline each year and even then only to specific fees on that airline.

Credit: youtube.com, Airline Travel Insurance vs Credit Card Travel Insurance: Which Is Better? | NerdWallet

You'll need to register and select an airline in the Benefits section of your Platinum card's account on the American Express website to trigger the credit. The credit works for charges like checked baggage, seat selection, lounge access, and food and beverage charges in flight or in lounges.

Here's a list of eligible US-based carriers for the airline fee credit:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

The Uber credits, on the other hand, can't be used all at once – they're spread across all 12 months in a year at $15 a pop. This requires you to set reminders and be strategic about how and when you spend.

The Amex Platinum also added cell phone protection in 2021, which is a welcome development. If you pay your monthly cell phone bill with your card and your phone is stolen or damaged, you can be reimbursed for up to $800 per claim, with a $50 deductible, up to 2 claims per 12-month period.

Travel Credits and Rewards

Credit: youtube.com, Amex Platinum Card - 13 Things You MUST DO

The American Express Platinum card offers a range of travel credits and rewards that can help make your next trip even sweeter.

You can enjoy a $450 Travel Credit annually, which can be redeemed for eligible flights, hotels, or car hires. Additionally, you'll receive up to $200 in airline fee credits, which can be used for charges like checked baggage, seat selection, and lounge access.

If you're a frequent traveler, you can also earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. This includes up to $500,000 per calendar year.

One of the most popular travel credits is the $200 Hotel Credit, which can be used for prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel. This credit can be a game-changer for hotel enthusiasts, as it can help offset the cost of a luxurious stay.

Here are some of the airlines eligible for the airline fee credit:

  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • Hawaiian Airlines
  • JetBlue Airways
  • Spirit Airlines
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

You can also earn up to $200 in statement credits for incidental fees charged by your selected airline, as well as up to $100 in statement credits for a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee.

Car and Transportation

A woman with platinum blonde hair lying outdoors, hands on head, exuding a serene vibe.
Credit: pexels.com, A woman with platinum blonde hair lying outdoors, hands on head, exuding a serene vibe.

With American Express Platinum, you'll enjoy elite status with major rental companies like National Car Rental, Avis, and Hertz, giving you car upgrades, assured availability, and fee waivers for extra drivers.

This means you can skip the lines and head straight to your upgraded rental car, where you'll also enjoy member-only discounts and no fees for additional drivers. You'll also be able to enroll in programs like Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and National Emerald Club to receive these benefits.

To take advantage of these perks, you'll need to log into your Amex account and add your Avis, Hertz, or National accounts through the benefits page. This will elevate your status and grant you access to the rental car elite status advantages.

Baggage

If you're a frequent traveler, you know how frustrating it can be to deal with lost or damaged luggage. American Express Platinum's baggage insurance has got you covered, covering damage or loss of carry-on or checked luggage.

Credit: youtube.com, CVG testing driverless luggage vehicle

To be eligible for this coverage, you need to have paid for your travel in full with your Platinum card or booked it via American Express Travel with Membership Rewards points. Bookings with vouchers, gift certificates, or mileage redemptions are not covered.

The coverage applies to the Card Member, their Spouse or Domestic Partner, Dependent Children under the age of 23, and dependent children over 23 with handicaps incurred before the age of 23 that make them dependent on their parents.

$200 Uber Cash

If you're looking to score some free Uber cash, you're in luck. You can earn up to $200 back in statement credits each year for prepaid bookings with American Express Travel using your personal Platinum Card.

Car Rental Privileges

With the American Express Platinum card, you can enjoy car rental privileges that take your travel experience to the next level.

You can acquire elite status with major rental companies like National Car Rental Emerald Club, Avis Preferred, and Hertz Gold Plus Rewards.

Smartphone displaying American Express logo on a laptop for online shopping convenience.
Credit: pexels.com, Smartphone displaying American Express logo on a laptop for online shopping convenience.

This gives you car upgrades, assured availability, and fee waivers for extra drivers. For access to the rental car elite status advantages, log into the Amex card account, then add your Avis, Hertz, or National accounts through the benefits page to elevate your status.

The Platinum cards include secondary car rental insurance that covers up to $75,000 in damage or theft of rental vehicles when the rental is paid for with the Amex Platinum Card.

This insurance offers secondary coverage up to $75,000 for damage or theft of rental vehicles when the rental is paid for with the Amex Platinum Card.

You can also enjoy complimentary status in the Avis Preferred, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards, and/or National Car Rental Emerald Club programs.

Consumer Platinum Card Members, Corporate Platinum Card Members, and Business Platinum Card Members are eligible to receive complimentary status in these programs.

Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum Accounts are also eligible for this benefit.

Global Entry/TSA PreCheck

Credit: youtube.com, TSA PreCheck vs. Global Entry (BEGINNER'S GUIDE) | 2024 Travel Tips

Global Entry and TSA PreCheck can be a game-changer for frequent travelers, allowing you to breeze through security and customs with ease.

The Amex Platinum card covers the application fees for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, which can save you time and stress at the airport.

Global Entry speeds up customs processing when returning from abroad, while TSA PreCheck allows for quicker security screenings at domestic airports.

You can use self-service kiosks at border checkpoints when traveling from overseas with Global Entry, avoiding long lineups.

Members receive a statement credit for the Global Entry enrollment fee every 4 years or up to an $85 credit for TSA PreCheck every 4.5 years.

Other Benefits

You'll also enjoy other benefits when you're a Platinum Card holder. The card offers lounge access, so you can relax in style while waiting for your flight.

The Amex Platinum also includes premium private jet access, which is perfect for those who want to travel in luxury. You'll have access to exclusive experiences and events.

Smiling woman in an airport lounge seat, bathed in warm evening light.
Credit: pexels.com, Smiling woman in an airport lounge seat, bathed in warm evening light.

Here are some of the other benefits you can look forward to:

  • Hotel Credit: This benefit can be used towards your hotel stay, helping you save money on your travels.
  • CLEAR Plus Credit: This credit can be used towards CLEAR membership fees, making it easier to get through airport security.
  • Baggage Insurance: This benefit provides protection for your luggage in case it gets lost or damaged during your trip.
  • Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver: This benefit waives the collision damage fee for car rentals, giving you peace of mind while driving abroad.

Benefits of Card

The American Express Platinum card offers a wide range of benefits that can enhance your travel experience. You can earn 5 points for every dollar spent on hotels and flights booked through American Express Travel, and 1 point per dollar spent on other purchases.

One of the most valuable benefits is the ability to redeem points for a variety of purchases, including vacation bookings through Amex Travel. For example, when you book a hotel through Amex Travel, points can be redeemed at a rate of $100 for every 10,000 points, or 0.01 cent per point.

The card also provides 24/7 travel concierge service to assist with bookings, recommendations, and special requests. This can be especially helpful when planning a complex or high-end trip.

New cardmembers earn 80,000 bonus points after making $8,000 in purchases within the first six months of opening the account. These points are worth at least $800 if you redeem them via Amex Travel, but can become much more valuable if you put in the time to research airline transfer partners and find award space.

Credit: youtube.com, 6 Hidden Credit Card Benefits | Take Advantage of THESE!

Here are some of the top travel benefits of the American Express Platinum card:

  • Hotel Credit
  • CLEAR Plus Credit
  • Up to $200 in airline fee credits
  • Lounge access
  • Premium Private Jet Access
  • Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts
  • Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
  • Hilton Honors Gold Status
  • Trip Delay and Cancellation Insurance
  • Car Rental Collision Damage Waiver
  • Baggage Insurance

These benefits can add up quickly, especially for frequent travelers. With up to $200 in airline credits each year, up to $200 in Uber Cash credits annually, up to $100 in annual Saks credits, and an array of excellent transfer partners, this card is ideal for those willing to spend time optimizing its benefits.

Similar Cards

The Amex Platinum has some stiff competition when it comes to high-end travel cards. The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a more flexible bonus earning rate, fetching 3 points for every dollar you spend on all travel and dining.

One notable exception is gas stations, where you'll earn fewer points. The Sapphire Reserve also has a stout list of transfer partners and exceptional customer service.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is another competitor with a lower $395 annual fee. This is offset by an annual $300 Capital One Travel credit and an annual 10,000-mile bonus.

Serene marina with yachts at sunset, perfect for luxury travel and relaxation.
Credit: pexels.com, Serene marina with yachts at sunset, perfect for luxury travel and relaxation.

Card holders and their authorized users can access Priority Pass, Plaza Premium, and Capital One Lounges. However, the Venture X is a better card for everyday spending, earning 2 miles per dollar on all purchases.

Booking through Capital One Travel gets you 5 miles per dollar on flights and 10 miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars. The Venture X is a great option for those who want flexibility and rewards on everyday purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you skip TSA with Amex Platinum?

Yes, Amex Platinum Card Members can skip TSA lines with Global Entry or TSA PreCheck benefits. Apply and pay with your Platinum Card to enjoy expedited airport security.

Teresa Halvorson

Senior Writer

Teresa Halvorson is a skilled writer with a passion for financial journalism. Her expertise lies in breaking down complex topics into engaging, easy-to-understand content. With a keen eye for detail, Teresa has successfully covered a range of article categories, including currency exchange rates and foreign exchange rates.

Love What You Read? Stay Updated!

Join our community for insights, tips, and more.