American Express Travel Agent: A Comprehensive Travel Guide

American Express has been a trusted name in the travel industry for decades. They offer a comprehensive travel guide through their travel agent service, which provides expert advice and planning for your next trip.

Their travel agents are available around the clock to assist with booking flights, hotels, and other travel arrangements. They can also offer personalized recommendations based on your preferences and budget.

American Express has a vast network of travel partners, ensuring that you have access to exclusive deals and discounts. This can result in significant savings on your travel expenses.

Whether you're planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-haul international trip, American Express travel agents are there to help you every step of the way.

You can book flights through American Express Travel Online either online or over the phone, and you can choose from roundtrip, one-way, or multiple destination flights.

If you need to change or cancel a booking, American Express Travel will honor the policies of your travel provider, but you may still be charged a fee.

To pay for your flight online, you can use your American Express Card, and you may be eligible to split the cost into monthly installments with the Plan It feature.

You can't split your payment between two or more credit cards, and payments may take up to 48 hours to be reflected on your account.

American Express Travel offers a feature called Pay with Points, which allows you to redeem points for travel bookings. You must redeem at least 5,000 points to use this feature, and points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent per point for flights or Fine Hotels & Resorts reservations.

Here are some key fees to keep in mind when using American Express Travel:

You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, and cruises on the American Express Travel portal.

The flight booking process is similar to other popular sites like Kayak and Orbitz. You'll find a search box where you can enter your departure and destination cities.

To find flights, visit the American Express Travel webpage and use the search box to enter your departure and destination cities. You can also choose an entire city, such as New York, which has multiple airports.

You can customize your booking by selecting your preferred class and the number of travelers, and choosing between one-way and round-trip flights. You'll see the price listed in dollars and the number of Amex Membership Rewards points during the booking process.

Delta Air Lines is a featured airline in the Amex Travel portal. Sometimes, Delta flights appear at the top of your results, listed as "recommended", but this doesn't mean those flights are always the cheapest.

You can book hotels through American Express Travel with a Gold, Platinum, or Centurion card. As with other travel portals, you can input your destination, dates, number of rooms, and number of guests.

You can also book rental cars and cruises on the Amex Travel portal. Reserving a car is relatively simple, and you can search for cruises by destination, cruise lines, and month for travel.

To pay for your flight online with American Express Travel, you can use your American Express card or redeem points. You may be eligible to split up the cost of your flight into monthly installments for a fixed fee with the Plan It feature on your Card.

You can pay for your flight booking online using your American Express Card. You may be eligible to split up the cost of your flight into monthly installments for a fixed fee with the Plan It feature on your Card.

Here are some key things to know before paying for a flight online:

So, you've made your booking and paid for your trip. Now it's time to return home.

You can cancel or change your booking up to 24 hours before your scheduled departure time without incurring any charges.

If you need to cancel your booking, you can do so online or by contacting our customer service team.

You'll receive a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking, but if you cancel later, you might be eligible for a partial refund.

If you've already checked in and need to make changes to your booking, you can do so online or at the airport.

You can redeem your airline credits online, but only if the self-service option is available to you. Log in to AmexTravel.com to see if this option is available.

If you're not sure about the rules, check your flight change or cancellation confirmation email to verify the details of your airline credit. This will ensure you have the correct information before redeeming.

Airline rules and restrictions vary, so it's essential to check individual airline policies. Some airlines may have penalties or different calculation methods for airfare.

You can't transfer your airline tickets to another traveler, and each airline credit must be booked in the name of the traveler on the original ticket. This includes multiple travelers on a single itinerary.

Here are some key airline credit rules to keep in mind:

Remember, airline-imposed change fees and any difference in airfare may apply when using an eTicket Flight Credit. It's your responsibility to review the airline's terms and conditions before redeeming.

You can view your eTicket Flight Credit by logging in to AmexTravel.com, where the value displayed reflects the original value of the credit. If you've used part of the ticket already, the remaining amount will be less than what's displayed.

To manage your credits, you can check your flight change or cancellation confirmation email to verify the details of your airline credit, such as traveler name and amount before redeeming. Make sure to review airline rules and restrictions, as they may differ from airline to airline.

You can only apply one eTicket Flight Credit per traveler to each redemption, including multiple travelers on a single itinerary. If you have an eTicket Flight Credit issued to an infant, you'll need to contact American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977 for assistance.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when managing your eTicket Flight Credits:

Travel insurance and protections can be a bit confusing, but I've got the lowdown.

You can add optional trip protections to your flight booking, like Trip Cancel Guard and Gold Travel Protector.

Trip Cancel Guard provides up to 75% reimbursement of flight costs if you cancel for any reason, as long as you cancel at least two full calendar days before your trip departure date.

Gold Travel Protector, on the other hand, offers up to 100% reimbursement of flight or flight plus hotel costs for specified covered reasons.

You can only purchase Gold Travel Protector and/or Trip Cancel Guard at the time of an eligible booking through AmexTravel.com.

If you have multiple booking itineraries for the same trip, you'll need to review each one separately to see if you're eligible for these protections.

If you don't have travel insurance through your American Express card, you can purchase Trip Cancel Guard through Amex Travel.

Trip Cancel Guard works similarly to Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance, allowing you to cancel your trip for any reason and get a refund.

This feature, called Trip Cancel Guard, will get you up to a 75% reimbursement on nonrefundable airfare costs, provided you cancel at least two calendar days out from your departure.

Baggage fees and allowances can be a hassle to figure out, but it's easy to check them. You can view your baggage information by signing in to view your bookings, selecting your itinerary, and selecting the Additional Fees link.

If you don't want to sign in, you can view your baggage information by looking at your flight booking confirmation and selecting the Additional Fees link in the Additional Flight Services section.

Here are some common baggage fees and allowances to keep in mind:

Booking flights through AmexTravel.com comes with some fees, but they're usually bundled into the displayed price. You'll pay $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights, unless you have the Amex Platinum card and are logged into your account.

Portal fees can be a surprise when booking flights through AmexTravel.com.

You'll pay $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights, but these fees are waived if you have the Amex Platinum card and are logged into your account.

Booking a flight by phone rather than online will cost you an extra $39, which is a significant fee to consider.

If you need to make changes to your flight, be prepared for a $39 reissue fee, on top of any fees the airline charges.

It's worth noting that these fees are non-negotiable and will be added to your total bill.

Cancellation Policy is a crucial aspect to consider when booking travel. You may be eligible to cancel your reservation within 24 hours and get a full refund.

The American Express travel portal has a flexible cancellation policy, but it's determined by the airline.

You should refer to the cancellation policy on the itinerary or reach out to customer service with any questions. Terms apply.

Servicing fees can be a significant concern for travelers. There are no American Express Travel servicing fees for customers.

Some credit cards may charge servicing fees, but it's essential to check your specific card's terms.

American Express Servicing fees are a non-issue for customers.

Your baggage fees depend on your airline and the type of fare you booked.

To check your baggage fees and allowances, you can sign in to view your bookings and select your itinerary, then click the Additional Fees link. Alternatively, you can view your flight booking confirmation and select the Additional Fees link in the Additional Flight Services section.

You can view baggage information about your specific fare without signing in by viewing your flight booking confirmation and selecting the Additional Fees link in the Additional Flight Services section.

Checked baggage inclusions and carry-on allowances vary by airline, so it's essential to check your airline's baggage details.

Here's a breakdown of what you can find in your airline's baggage details:

To access your airline's baggage details, select your airline below and log in with your airline confirmation code from your itinerary.

Booking with American Express Travel can be a good idea due to the various benefits and perks it offers. You can earn 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

You can book hotels through The Hotel Collection, Fine Hotels and Resorts, or The Hotel Collection, which offer unique perks and benefits. For example, booking through The Hotel Collection can get you a room upgrade at check-in (if available), up to a $100 hotel credit for on-site amenities, and the ability to use Pay With Points on prepaid reservations.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from booking through these programs:

Some hotels booked through Fine Hotels and Resorts may have identical rates to those booked directly with the hotel, but you'll still get to enjoy the perks and benefits of the program.

Booking travel with American Express can be a great idea, especially with their Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts programs. You can earn 1 point per $1 on other purchases with AmEx travel.

One of the best perks of booking with AmEx is the potential for room upgrades at check-in, available at many hotels through The Hotel Collection. You can also get a $100 on-property credit for qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities.

If you're an AmEx Gold or Platinum cardholder, you'll receive elite status-level perks at over 600 hotels worldwide, including a $100 resort credit and an upgrade upon arrival. In addition, you can use your AmEx Membership Rewards credit card to book and pay for your reservation entirely or partially with your points.

Fine Hotels and Resorts offers a range of benefits, including a room upgrade upon arrival, daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a unique property benefit valued at least $100. Some hotels may also offer additional perks, such as complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from Fine Hotels and Resorts:

It's worth noting that booking through Fine Hotels and Resorts can be a good option if you're looking to earn points and elite benefits through a hotel loyalty program. However, booking through The Hotel Collection may not earn you points or elite benefits.

The Insiders program is a great benefit for travelers who want personalized help with planning their trips. AmexTravel.com offers this feature, which connects you with a travel expert who can create a customized itinerary based on your destination and preferences.

Fees for the Insiders program vary, depending on the location, length of the trip, and details of the itinerary. American Express has several cards that offer this benefit, including The Platinum Card and The Business Platinum Card.

You can book packages that include flights and hotels through AmexTravel.com, which can offer discounts, special perks, or promotions. These packages are usually listed in a recommended order by default, making it easy to find a good deal.

The search window for Flights+Hotels is simple: input airports (or cities), dates, number of travelers, and rooms. Results are listed with a total starting price per person, including all taxes and fees with the cheapest flight option.

The total price changes based on which flight you select, so be sure to customize your flight after selecting your hotel. In a sample search, a package came to $1,446 per person, or $2,892 total, including a British Airways flight and a stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts offers additional perks for Platinum and Centurion cardholders, including room upgrades, daily breakfast for two people, and complimentary Wi-Fi. These perks can add significant value to your hotel stay, and may not cost much more than booking directly with the hotel.

Here are the perks you'll receive with every FHR booking:

The Fine Hotels and Resorts program is a collection of high-end hotels and resorts available exclusively to Amex Platinum cardholders and those with the invitation-only Centurion Card. It offers a range of benefits that rival those of booking directly with hotels to obtain elite status perks.

You can book over 2,000 properties worldwide through the Fine Hotels and Resorts program, which is a significant selection. There are minimal overlaps with The Hotel Collection, making this program a distinct option for luxury travelers.

The benefits of booking through Fine Hotels and Resorts include early noon check-in, room upgrade upon arrival, daily breakfast for two people, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a unique property amenity valued at $100 or more. These perks can add significant value to your stay.

To receive these benefits, you must book through AmexTravel.com/FHR. If you book directly with the hotel or through a different travel agency or portal, you won't be able to claim FHR benefits, even if it's a participating hotel.

Here are the benefits you can expect with every FHR booking, regardless of the length of your stay:

Keep in mind that FHR is considered a separate program from Amex Travel, and you'll need to book these stays through Amex Travel to receive the benefits.

Booking rental cars and cruises on the Amex Travel portal is relatively simple. You'll input your pickup and drop-off times and location.

You can search for cruises on Amex Travel, and the format differs slightly from booking a rental car. You'll see four drop-down menus to choose a destination, filter by cruise lines, select a month for travel, and choose your desired cruise duration.

You can filter your results by cruise duration, departure port, and ship, and sort them by sailing date, value, price, or ship rating. On the final payment page, you can use your card or redeem points, ranging from 1 point to enough to cover the entire cost.

Using points for a cruise will result in a low valuation of 0.7 cents per point, but it can be a money-saving option if you prefer not to spend cash. If you're a Platinum or Centurion cardholder, you're eligible for the Cruise Privileges Program.

Here are the benefits of the Cruise Privileges Program:

Note that the Platinum cardmember must be one of the travelers on the cruise to enjoy these benefits.

If you're looking to book a trip, you can consider packages that include flights and hotels through AmexTravel.com. These packages often come with discounts, special perks, or promotions.

The search window for Flights+Hotels is simple: input airports or cities, dates, number of travelers, and rooms. Results are listed in a recommended order by default.

You can expect to pay a fee to book Flights+Hotel packages: $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket. However, if you're an Amex Platinum card or Centurion card holder, these fees are waived.

A total starting price per person is listed in the results field, including all taxes and fees with the cheapest flight option. American Express also shows how much you're saving with the package, although this is missing for some hotels.

Here's a breakdown of the costs:

For example, a sample search for a trip to London resulted in a package price of $1,446 per person, or $2,892 total. This included a flight from Newark Liberty International to London-Gatwick and a stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill.

American Express offers a range of hotel booking programs through their AmexTravel.com platform. You can choose from three distinct programs, each catering to different needs and preferences.

The Hotel Collection provides perks similar to elite status benefits, making it a great option for those who want to elevate their hotel experience. Fine Hotels and Resorts, on the other hand, is exclusive to Amex Platinum cardholders and Centurion Card members, offering access to higher-end properties.

Here are the three hotel programs offered by AmexTravel.com:

If you're a Membership Rewards credit cardholder, you can pay for all or part of eligible travel reservations using your points, earning up to 5x points on any portion paid with your card.

Searching for packages on AmexTravel.com is a straightforward process. You can input airports or cities, dates, number of travelers, and rooms to get a list of recommended results.

The search window is simple, and results are listed in a recommended order by default. However, terms vary by the specific package you book, so be sure to read the fine print.

You can also customize your flight once you select the hotel, and the total price will change based on which flight you choose. For example, a sample search for a Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill package came to $1,446 per person, or $2,892 total.

If you're flexible with your departure airport, you can choose an entire city, such as New York, which has multiple airports. You can also customize your booking by selecting your preferred class and the number of travelers, and choosing between one-way and round-trip flights.

Delta Air Lines is a featured airline in the Amex Travel portal, but it doesn't mean those flights are always the cheapest. If you have The Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card, you'll see an indicator that a lounge is available if you're flying from an airport with a Centurion Lounge.

To compare prices, it's essential to check the total price, including all taxes and fees. For example, a search for a 4-night stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill quoted an average of $337/night, but the total with fees was $1,625.

Here's a comparison of prices for the same hotel across different portals:

Keep in mind that rates booked through AmexTravel.com aren't eligible for elite benefits or hotel loyalty points. If those are valuable to you, it might be worth booking directly with the hotel's website.