American Express Travel Airlines: Expert Guide to Airline Credits and Rewards

American Express Travel Airlines offers a comprehensive rewards program that allows you to earn points and credits on flights with participating airlines. With over 500 airline partners, you can earn and redeem points across the globe.

By booking flights through American Express Travel, you can earn airline credits that can be used towards future flights. These credits are valued at 1 cent per point, making them a valuable asset for frequent travelers.

Some of the participating airlines include Delta, American Airlines, and United, among others. You can also earn points on hotel stays and car rentals through American Express Travel.

If you're an American Express Travel customer, you may have received an eTicket Flight Credit after a flight cancellation or change. This credit can be used for future travel, but there are some rules and restrictions to keep in mind.

You can view your eTicket Flight Credit by logging into AmexTravel.com, and the value displayed reflects the original value of the credit.

To redeem your eTicket Flight Credit, you'll need to contact American Express Travel for assistance, as not all airlines allow online redemption. If you originally purchased your ticket through AmexTravel.com, you may be able to redeem your credit online if the airline allows it.

eTicket Flight Credits can only be redeemed with the same airline from the original booking, and fare rules will vary by airline. Some airlines may require travel to depart from the same country as on your original ticket.

You can only use one eTicket Flight Credit per traveler per redemption, and eTicket Flight Credits cannot be transferred to another individual. If you have multiple eTicket Flight Credits, you may be able to combine them with a Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO) for future travel.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when using your eTicket Flight Credit:

• Only one eTicket Flight Credit per traveler can be applied to each redemption.

• eTicket Flight Credits can only be redeemed with the same airline from the original booking.

• Fare rules will vary by airline, and some airlines may require travel to depart from the same country as on your original ticket.

• eTicket Flight Credits cannot be transferred to another individual.

• eTicket Flight Credits that were issued to an infant are not available for use online and can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel.

It's also worth noting that airline rules and restrictions, such as penalties and the calculation and treatment of any difference in airfare, may differ from airline to airline. Be sure to check individual airline policies before redeeming your eTicket Flight Credit.

You can redeem your airline credit online if the airline allows it and you originally purchased your ticket through AmexTravel.com. If not, you'll need to call American Express Travel for assistance.

eTicket Flight Credits can only be redeemed with the same airline from the original booking, and fare rules will vary by airline. In some cases, travel must depart from the same country as on your original ticket.

To view your eTicket Flight Credit, log in to AmexTravel.com. The value displayed reflects the original value of the credit, and if you've used part of the ticket already, the remaining amount will be less than what's displayed.

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

If you have an eTicket Flight Credit, you can redeem it online if the airline allows online redemption. However, some airlines may not allow online redemption, so it's always a good idea to check.

To redeem your credit online, log in to AmexTravel.com to see if the self-service option is available to you. If it is, follow the online redemption instructions.

You can only redeem your eTicket Flight Credit with the same airline from the original booking. Fare rules will vary by airline, and in some instances, travel must depart from the same country as on your original ticket.

eTicket Flight Credits cannot be applied to ancillary services such as baggage fees and upgrades. If you want to change your country of origin on your eTicket Flight Credit, you'll need to call American Express Travel for assistance.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when redeeming your airline credit online:

If you have a flight credit, you'll want to know how to use it wisely. Airlines issue separate credits for each traveler, and the name on the airline credit must match the name on the new booking.

You cannot transfer your flight credit to another traveler, so make sure to keep track of your own credits. Checking your flight change or cancellation confirmation email can help you verify the details of your airline credit, such as traveler name and amount.

Airline rules and restrictions, like penalties and fare differences, may vary from airline to airline. Be sure to check individual airline policies before redeeming your credit. Any airline fees, such as change fees or rebooking fees, are determined by the airline that issued the credit.

The value displayed for your eTicket Flight Credit reflects the original value, but final charges may vary due to differences in airfare, penalties, and change fees. eTicket Flight Credits have an expiration and/or travel-by date, and you must use them according to the specific airline's rules and restrictions.

Here's a quick summary of airline credit rules:

Remember, it's essential to review the terms and conditions of your airline credit before redeeming it. This will help you avoid any unexpected fees or restrictions.

You can transfer Membership Rewards points to participating Frequent Flyer programs in just three steps: linking your account, selecting the amount to transfer, and redeeming with the selected provider.

The number of points required to get rewards varies by airline, flight, class of ticket, and date of travel. So, it's essential to research the specific requirements for your chosen airline.

To transfer points, you'll need to link your account with the Frequent Flyer program. This will allow you to select the amount of points to transfer and redeem them for rewards.

It's worth noting that you can't transfer Frequent Flyer miles to Membership Rewards points, but you can transfer points the other way around.

Here are the three steps to transfer Membership Rewards points to a Frequent Flyer program:

Additional domestic or international airline fees may apply, so be sure to check with the airline for any extra charges.

You can book a variety of flights with American Express Travel, including roundtrip, one-way, and multiple destination flights.

To change or cancel a booking, you'll need to follow the policies of your travel provider, as American Express Travel will honor those policies.

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

Here are some things to keep in mind when paying for a flight online:

You can combine points and your American Express Card to pay for your flight, but you'll need a minimum of 5,000 points to apply points.

Booking a flight with American Express Travel is relatively straightforward. You can book online or over the phone, and you can choose from roundtrip, one-way, or multiple destination flights.

To book a flight, log on to AmexTravel.com and follow the prompts. You'll choose your departure and arrival destination, dates of travel, number of travelers, and seats (Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class).

You can also add other services to your travel itinerary. If you need to change or cancel a booking, American Express will honor the policies of your travel provider.

There are three types of flights you can book: Roundtrip, One-way, and Multiple destination flights. Roundtrip flights return to the same airport you departed from, One-way flights take you from your starting point to a different returning destination, and Multiple destination flights allow you to visit multiple destinations during your trip.

Here's a quick summary of the different types of flights:

If you booked your travel with American Express Travel and need to change or cancel a booking, you should be aware that American Express will honor the policies of your travel provider.

Changing your flight can be a bit of a hassle, but it's usually possible with some planning and preparation.

If you need to change a flight, you'll typically need to contact the airline directly, especially if you booked your travel with American Express Travel. They'll honor the policies of your travel provider.

Tickets can't be transferred to another passenger, so if you need to change the person on the ticket, it's not possible.

You can, however, upgrade your seat by calling the airline directly.

Rebooked flights must be for the same traveler and on the same airline as the original booking.

Flight credits must also be used for the same traveler and the same airline as the original booking.

Here are some common fees associated with rebooking flights:

Keep in mind that the total cost of your change will depend on your airfare, ticket details, and any applicable penalties or fees.

You can pay for your flight online using your American Express Card, and 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.

To pay for a flight online, you can use your American Express Card to cover the full cost, or you can split the payment into monthly installments with the Plan It feature.

You cannot split your payment between 2 or more credit cards. Payments may take up to 48 hours to be reflected on your account.

You can use Membership Rewards points towards your purchase, and you still need a minimum of 5,000 points to apply points. When you use Pay with Points, the full dollar amount will be charged to your American Express Card and a corresponding credit for the value of points used will be applied to your account in a separate transaction within 48 hours.

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

You can combine points and your Card to pay, by selecting "Use Points + American Express Card" at checkout and applying points to your booking.

Get rewarded when you book flights with AmexTravel.com, where Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members can earn 5X Membership Rewards points or use Membership Rewards Pay with Points to cover all or part of their next flight.

You can earn miles with airlines as you typically would, in addition to earning points with Membership Rewards. Personal Platinum Card Members earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on air purchases per calendar year.

The main reason to book with AmexTravel.com is the incredible customer service, with live travel agents available 24/7 to help with any issues that may arise.

If you hold an Amex credit card that earns Membership Rewards points, you can often earn 2x points or more by using it to pay for travel services booked through AmexTravel.com.

To earn points, use your eligible American Express Card to make purchases, and you'll earn Membership Rewards points for every dollar you spend on qualifying purchases.

Using Pay with Points for your next hotel stay is a great option, but keep in mind that any portion of a charge that you elect to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to earn points.

International travel just got a whole lot more accessible with the American Express Travel International Airline Program. As a Platinum and Business Platinum Card Member, you get exclusive access to lower fares for yourself and up to 7 travel companions.

You can book select First, Business, or Premium Economy class tickets on international itineraries, and qualifying flights will be highlighted by the International Airline Program banner on AmexTravel.com. This is especially good for lower fares on international round trip flights on premium class seats.

Emirates and Delta Air Lines are just a couple of the airlines you can book through this program.

If you're looking to book a hotel through American Express Travel, you'll want to know about the Fine Hotels and Resorts collection. This program offers a range of perks, including early noon check-in, room upgrades, and daily breakfast for two people.

You can earn points and receive loyalty program benefits with stays booked through Fine Hotels and Resorts, which is a plus. However, be aware that you must book through AmexTravel.com/FHR to receive these benefits.

Hotels booked through Fine Hotels and Resorts are not always prepaid, and in some cases, you may find identical rates by booking directly with the hotel. But if you're looking for perks, booking through Fine Hotels and Resorts is the way to go.

You can also book flights and hotels together through AmexTravel.com, often with discounts or special promotions. This can be a great way to save money or score exclusive perks.

If you have the Amex Platinum card, you'll have access to the Cruise Privileges Program, which offers onboard credit and special amenities like complimentary dinner or champagne. This can be a great way to enhance your cruise experience, especially if you're looking for a special treat.

Here are some key benefits of booking hotels and cruises through American Express Travel:

American Express offers a range of credit cards that can help you earn rewards points and enjoy perks when booking flights through AmexTravel.com.

The Delta SkyMiles Gold American Express Card, for example, earns you 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases.

You can also earn points on prepaid hotel reservations through The Hotel Collection, which offers perks like room upgrades, hotel credits, and 3x or 5x Membership Rewards points on eligible bookings.

Some American Express credit cards, like the Platinum Card, offer free airport lounge access as a benefit, while others, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, offer access to the Delta Sky Club.

Here are some American Express credit cards that offer free airport lounge access:

By choosing the right credit card and booking through AmexTravel.com, you can enjoy exclusive benefits and earn rewards points on your flights and hotel stays.

To check your baggage fees and allowances for your flight, sign in to view your bookings, select your itinerary, and then select the Additional Fees link. This will give you information on checked baggage inclusions, carry-on allowances, additional baggage fees, prohibited items, oversize baggage policies, sport equipment, accessibility availability and access, and more.

The Delta Gold Card offers a first checked bag free on Delta flights, which can save you money on baggage fees. This is a great perk for frequent Delta flyers.

You can also get a $200 Delta flight credit after you charge $10,000 in purchases to your card in a calendar year, which can help offset baggage fees and other flight expenses.

Here are some general baggage fee details for flights:

You can combine your American Express Card with points to pay for your booking, but you need at least 5,000 points to apply points.

To do this, select "Use Points + American Express Card" at checkout and apply points to your booking. The full dollar amount will be charged to your American Express Card, and a corresponding credit for the value of points used will be applied to your account in a separate transaction within 48 hours.

If your payment didn't go through, you can read Troubleshoot declined payments for more information and options.

Splitting payments between two or more credit cards is not allowed, so be sure to have your payment method ready.

Payments may take up to 48 hours to be reflected on your account, so plan accordingly.

Here are some key things to keep in mind when combining your Card with points for payment:

You can use Pay with Points for prepaid car rentals, which is a convenient option for those who want to plan ahead.

Prepaid car rentals are a great way to save money and ensure availability.

For reservations that require payment at time of pick-up, payment is handled directly with the vendor, so you won't be able to use Pay with Points in those cases.

This means you should check the payment requirements for your car rental reservation before booking to see if Pay with Points is an option.

If you're a frequent traveler, having access to airport lounges can be a game-changer. With the right credit card, you can enjoy complimentary lounge access and make your travel experience even more comfortable.

The Platinum Card from American Express offers access to the Amex Global Lounge Collection, which includes 7 airport lounges with more than 1,400 locations in over 140 countries.

Some American Express credit cards offer co-branded lounge access, like the Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, which provides access to the Delta Sky Club.

You can earn Membership Rewards points on your American Express credit card, which can be redeemed for lounge access or other travel perks.

Here are some American Express credit cards that offer free airport lounge access:

These cards can be a great option for frequent travelers who want to enjoy the comforts of airport lounges without the hassle of paying for access.

Fees can be a major headache when booking travel, but some credit cards can help mitigate the costs. AmexTravel.com charges a fee to book, but it's bundled into the displayed price, ranging from $6.99 for domestic tickets to $10.99 for international tickets. These fees are waived for Amex Platinum cardholders.

If you're not an Amex Platinum cardholder, you can still take advantage of other perks, like the ability to add Trip Cancel Guard coverage when booking flights. This coverage provides reimbursement of up to 75% of the cost of non-refundable prepaid flight expenses in case of cancellation.

Some credit cards also offer flexible payment options, like the Plan It feature on American Express cards. With Plan It, you can split the cost of your flight into monthly installments for a fixed fee.

The Delta Gold Card is a solid choice for frequent Delta flyers. It offers 50,000 miles after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.

You'll earn 2 miles per $1 on Delta purchases, 2 miles per $1 at restaurants worldwide, and 1 mile per $1 on all other purchases. Plus, you'll get a first checked bag free on Delta flights.

One of the most valuable perks is the 15% discount on Award Travel when you pay with miles through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. You'll also get a $200 Delta flight credit after charging $10,000 in purchases to your card in a calendar year.

Additionally, you'll receive a $50 flight discount for every 5,000 miles redeemed using Pay with Miles on the Delta website. And, you'll get a 20% statement credit for eligible Delta in-flight purchases.

Here are the key benefits of the Delta Gold Card at a glance:

Amex Travel offers three hotel programs for booking: The Hotel Collection, Fine Hotels and Resorts, and the standard AmexTravel.com booking option.

You can earn Membership Rewards Points for travel purchases made through Amex Travel, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals, among other things.

These points can also be transferred to airline partners, providing even more flexibility for your travel plans.

To book flights through Amex Travel, you'll need to login to AmexTravel.com and search for flights with your preferred destination and dates of travel.

The Fine Hotels and Resorts program, or FHR, is exclusive to Amex Platinum cardholders and those with the invitation-only Centurion Card.

FHR is a separate program from The Hotel Collection, with minimal overlap between the two.

The FHR collection tends to be more geared toward leisure travelers who wish to book stays at higher-end properties.

Amex Travel.com offers three hotel programs for booking: The Hotel Collection, Fine Hotels and Resorts, and AmexTravel.com booking (standard).

You can earn rewards points for travel purchases made through Amex Travel, as well as redeem them for flights, hotel stays, and car rentals.

Amex Travel provides exclusive deals and offers for card members, but the specific benefits may vary depending on your American Express card.

The Hotel Collection offers a range of hotels, but the exact selection isn't specified in the article.

Fine Hotels and Resorts offer special benefits, but the exact details aren't provided.

Recommended Flights offer lower fares on select routes through North America on Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines for Platinum and Business Platinum Card Members.

To book Recommended Flights, log in to AmexTravel.com and search for flights with your preferred destination and dates of travel.

Qualifying flights will be highlighted by the Recommended Flights banner.

Multiple destination flights allow you to visit multiple destinations during your trip.

Average value based on Fine Hotels + Resorts bookings in 2020 for stays of two nights is not specified.

Actual value will vary based on property, room rate, upgrade availability, and use of benefits.

Here are the three hotel programs offered by Amex Travel.com:

Troubleshooting issues with eTicket Flight Credits can be frustrating, but there are some things to keep in mind.

If you don't see your eTicket Flight Credit on Amex Travel, check with the airline for expiration and/or travel-by dates, as expired credits won't be displayed.

eTicket Flight Credits can take up to 24 hours to appear after any changes, so be patient and give it some time.

If a Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO) is issued, airline rules and restrictions will apply, and not all flights or fares allow for MCOs.

You can use an American Express Card or any other valid credit card if there are additional costs greater than the eTicket Flight Credit.

To redeem an MCO, you'll need to call American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977, as MCOs cannot be redeemed online.

Here are some key things to know about MCOs:

If you're receiving an error message for online redemption, there could be a few reasons behind it. The eTicket Flight Credit must be booked in the name of the traveler on the original ticket, and it cannot be transferred to another individual.

If the error message persists, it's possible that the eTicket Flight Credit was issued to an infant, in which case it can only be redeemed by contacting American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.

You may also be trying to redeem a credit that was not booked online through AmexTravel.com, in which case you'll need to call American Express Travel for assistance.

Here are some common error messages and their possible causes:

In any case, if you're experiencing an error message, it's best to contact American Express Travel for assistance.

If you don't see your eTicket credit on Amex Travel, check with the airline that issued the credit for expiration and/or travel-by dates. eTicket credits can take up to 24 hours to appear after any changes.

You may not see your credit if it has expired. If that's the case, contact the airline to see if it can be redeemed.

In some cases, a Miscellaneous Charge Order (MCO) may be issued, which can be applied to future travel. However, airline rules and restrictions apply, and not all airlines' flights or fares allow for MCOs.

You can't redeem an MCO online. If you need to redeem it, call American Express Travel at 1-800-297-2977.

Here are some possible reasons why you might not see your eTicket credit:

To resolve the issue, try contacting the airline that issued the credit, or call American Express Travel for assistance.

If you're booking a flight, you can add optional trip protections to your booking at AmexTravel.com. These protections can provide reimbursement if you need to cancel your trip.

Trip Cancel Guard is a non-insurance product that offers 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.

You can purchase Trip Cancel Guard or Gold Travel Protector at the time of booking through AmexTravel.com. Gold Travel Protector offers up to 100% reimbursement of flight or flight plus hotel costs for specified covered reasons.

If you have multiple booking itineraries for the same trip, you can only purchase Gold Travel Protector and/or Trip Cancel Guard at the time of an eligible booking through AmexTravel.com.

Gold Travel Protector also provides additional insurance coverage during your trip for unforeseen events such as medical emergencies and travel delays.

Name changes can be tricky, but here's what you need to know. The name on your government-issued photo ID must match your airline ticket traveler name.

Most airlines allow for corrections to misspelling on tickets, and to nicknames, but don't allow name changes to the travelers originally booked. This means if you accidentally booked a ticket for John instead of Jane, you're out of luck.

The airline may process a name change for the airline change fees and difference in fare. This can add up quickly, so it's essential to double-check your booking before finalizing it.

Here are some specific scenarios to consider:

If you received a Schedule Change notice, don't panic. A minor time change or flight number change typically requires no action from you.

If your schedule change indicates a seat change, visit your airline's website to manage seat selection. This is usually a straightforward process.

If the airline cancelled your scheduled flight, contact American Express by calling the number on the back of your Card. They'll help you sort out the issue.

In the event of a major schedule change to your travel itinerary, American Express will notify you via email. You'll have the option to accept the schedule change by selecting 'Manage my Trips'.

If you'd like to discuss the change further, select 'Other Options' and call-in options will be provided.

Here are the steps to follow if you need to change a flight:

American Express Travel is an online travel portal where you can book hotels, flight deals, cruises, and car rentals. It's a great resource for anyone looking to plan a trip.

The website offers incredible customer service, which is a big plus when booking travel. Certain credit cards can earn double points or more for booking through the website, making it a smart move for cardholders.

You can use AmexTravel.com even if you don't have an American Express credit card, but holding an Amex card can definitely help you get extra value when using the program.

Insider Fares can save you points when you pay for flights with Membership Rewards. You'll see a blue tab labeled "Insider Fares Available" above some airlines if you have enough points to cover the entire flight.

These discounted fares only apply if you pay with points, not cash. Cash prices are rounded to the nearest dollar, so the difference can be fairly minimal. For example, a JFK-ATL flight might save you 1,139 points, changing the value from 1 cent per point to about 1.05 cents per point.

To access Insider Fares, log in to AmexTravel.com with a Membership Rewards program-enrolled American Express Card account. You'll need to search for flights using the booking tool to see if Insider Fares are available.

Here are some key benefits of using Insider Fares:

AmexTravel.com also offers a feature called Travel Insiders, which connects you with a travel expert who can help plan an itinerary based on your desired destination. Fees vary based on location, length of the trip, and itinerary details.

If you're looking to book a flight with American Express Travel, you can choose from roundtrip, one-way, or multiple destination flights. You can book these types of flights online or over the phone.

Before booking a flight, it's essential to know the policies of your travel provider, as American Express Travel will honor them if you need to change or cancel a booking. Charter fares may also be available for roundtrip or one-way flights.

As a Platinum and Business Platinum Card Member, you can earn 5X Membership Rewards points or use Membership Rewards Pay with Points to cover all or part of your next flight booked at AmexTravel.com. You can also earn miles with airlines as you typically would.

To book a flight through American Express Travel, log on to AmexTravel.com and follow the prompts. You'll choose your departure and arrival destination, dates of travel, number of travelers, and seats (Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class).

If you want to book your flight with Membership Rewards points, you can do so in three steps: log in to AmexTravel.com, search for a trip, and then apply points to your booking. You'll also have the option to use points + card, which will charge your card for the full dollar amount and apply a corresponding credit for the value of points used.

You can transfer Membership Rewards points to participating partners in three steps: link your account, select the amount to transfer, and redeem with the selected provider. However, you cannot transfer Frequent Flyer miles to Membership Rewards points.

As a Platinum and Business Platinum Card Member, you'll get exclusive access to lower fares for yourself and up to 7 travel companions traveling on your same itinerary when you book select First, Business, or Premium Economy class tickets on international itineraries through the International Airline Program.

Here are the flight benefits you can access with American Express Travel: