As a frequent traveler, I can attest that having access to exclusive perks can make all the difference in making your journey smoother and more enjoyable. With the International Airline Program Platinum Card Benefit, you can unlock a range of benefits that will take your travel experience to the next level.
One of the standout perks is the ability to earn double miles on all your flights, which can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, or other rewards. This means you can rack up miles quickly and use them to book a free flight to your dream destination.
Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, having a dedicated concierge service at your beck and call can be a game-changer. With the Platinum Card Benefit, you'll have access to a dedicated team that can help you with everything from booking flights and hotels to arranging special requests and surprises.
You'll also enjoy priority check-in and boarding, which can save you time and stress at the airport. Imagine being able to skip the long lines and get settled on your flight before anyone else - it's a small perk, but it makes a big difference in the grand scheme of things.
How to Use
You can book a flight through the International Airline Program on AmexTravel.com, making it more efficient and cheaper than booking over the phone.
The program has eliminated the $39 phone booking fee that was previously required. This is a big win for users.
To book a flight, simply go to AmexTravel.com and follow the usual booking process.
You can add up to three authorized users for $175 each, who will receive most of the perks, including Centurion Lounge access and Priority Pass.
Authorized users also get Global Entry credits, making this a valuable benefit.
You can add up to 99 Gold Card authorized users for free, which is a nice perk.
My strategy for using the International Airline Program is to browse Google Flights for good paid first and business class fares, and then check Amex Travel to see if there are any discounts available.
If there are discounts, it's a no-brainer to book through the program to earn 5x points on the purchase and get great travel coverage.
For Amex Business Platinum Card holders, using the Pay With Points feature can make sense, as each point can get you 1.54 cents toward the cost of a premium cabin airfare purchase.
Benefits and Perks
With the Amex International Airline Program, you can earn 5x points on Amex International Airline Program tickets when you pay with the Amex Personal Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card.
You can also redeem American Express Membership Rewards points for your ticket, but this isn't generally recommended since Amex only offers 1 cent per point, which is below the average value of an Amex point.
The Business Platinum Card offers a 35% rebate when redeeming Amex points on eligible flights, making the value of each point 1.54 cents. This is especially useful for earning elite status with an airline while keeping out-of-pocket costs low.
The Amex Platinum Card offers 5X on airfare purchased directly with airlines, earning you 8.75% in addition to the miles you'll earn on your flight.
You can also get a discount on any Premium Economy, Business, or First Class ticket on participating airlines like Delta, British Airways, Emirates, Air France, and more with the Amex Platinum Card.
5x Points on Tickets
If you're an Amex Platinum cardholder, you can earn a whopping 5x points on airfare purchased directly with airlines. This is a huge bonus category that can help you rack up Membership Rewards points quickly.
The 5x points on airfare is in addition to the miles you'll earn on your flight via the airline. Using a valuation of 1.75 cents per point, 5x points comes out to 8.75% return on your airfare purchases.
This benefit is available on the Amex Platinum Card, which earns 5X on airfare purchased directly with airlines. It's a great way to earn points if you're a frequent flyer.
Here's a comparison of the 5x points on airfare with the 1 cent per point value when redeeming Amex points for a ticket:
Note that the 5x points on airfare is a much better deal than redeeming points for a ticket.
Centurion Lounges
The Centurion Lounges are a fantastic perk of the American Express Platinum card. You'll get access to these luxurious lounges, which are some of the nicest in the US.
With your Platinum card, you can bring up to two guests into these lounges with you. Inside, you'll find specialty cocktails, hot food, shower facilities, and free Wi-Fi.
Some Centurion Lounges even have a spa, because why not? You can relax and unwind in style.
While they're not quite as good as some of the premier business class and first class lounges, they're a huge step up from domestic carrier lounges.
Here are the locations where you can find Centurion Lounges:
- Charlotte Douglas International (CLT)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
- Intercontinental Houston Airport (IAH)
- Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS)
- London Heathrow (LHR) [coming soon]
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Miami International Airport (MIA)
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)
- New York’s LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
- Philadelphia International Airport (PHL)
- Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX)
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
International Centurion Lounges are also available across the globe, but be aware that they may not offer the same level of amenities and services as standard Centurion Lounges.
Priority Pass Lounges
Priority Pass lounges can be a real game-changer for travelers, especially after a long flight. You and up to two guests get access to over 1,000 lounges worldwide with the Platinum Card.
Many Priority Pass lounges within the US are a bit unremarkable, often smaller and lacking in amenities. I've found that spending time in these lounges is still better than waiting outside by the gates, but they don't always impress.
However, international lounges are a different story. I've had the pleasure of visiting some fantastic lounges, with plenty of space, delicious food and drink options, and interesting atmospheres.
One thing to note is that Platinum Card holders don't get access to Priority Pass restaurants, which can be a bummer if you're looking to grab a bite. Other cards, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a credit for dining at Priority Pass restaurants, but that's not the case with the Platinum Card.
Additional Lounges
The Platinum Card offers a variety of lounge access options beyond the Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges.
You'll also get access to Airspace lounges, which are a great option for those flying domestic.
Escape Lounges are another option, although I couldn't find much information on what to expect from these lounges.
If you're traveling to Germany, you'll get access to Select Lufthansa lounges at Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA) airports.
Additionally, you'll have access to Eurostar Business Premier Lounges in London, Paris, Brussels, and Ebbsfleet International.
When flying Virgin Australia, you'll get access to their lounges.
The Centurion Suite at the Staples Center is another lounge option, although it's only open for sporting events and doesn't offer complimentary food or drinks.
Lastly, you'll get access to Universal Studios lounges in Orlando and Hollywood.
Luggage Protection
Luggage Protection is a vital benefit that can save you from financial stress in case of lost or damaged luggage. You can expect to receive up to $3,000 for the replacement cost of a carry-on bag.
If you check a bag, the coverage is slightly lower, up to $2,000. This is still a significant amount that can help you replace your belongings.
Here's a breakdown of the luggage protection benefits:
Credits and Discounts
The Amex International Airline Program offers a range of credits and discounts that can help you save money on your flights.
The Amex Platinum card comes with a $200 airline credit that can be used on various types of purchases, including checked baggage fees, itinerary change fees, and airport lounge day passes. You can use this credit on qualifying airlines such as Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and more.
You can also save money on your flights by using the International Airline Program. According to the article, you can save an average of $150 on premium economy tickets, $300 on business class tickets, and $600 on first class tickets. However, the actual savings can vary depending on the ticket you're booking.
Here's a breakdown of the average savings you can expect:
- Premium economy tickets: $150
- Business class tickets: $300
- First class tickets: $600
Keep in mind that these are just averages, and the actual savings can be much higher or lower depending on the ticket you're booking. It's always a good idea to shop around and compare prices to find the best deal.
The International Airline Program also offers a 35% rebate on Amex points redeemed for eligible flights, which can be a great way to maximize your points. For example, if you redeem 100,820 points for a first class ticket, you'll receive 35,287 points back, giving you a value of 1.54 cents per point.
Cardholder Benefits
The Platinum Card offers a range of benefits that make it a valuable tool for frequent travelers. You can add up to three authorized users for only $175, who will receive most of the perks, including Centurion Lounge access and Priority Pass.
Authorized users also get Global Entry credits, which can be a huge time-saver when traveling internationally. You can add up to 99 Gold Card authorized users for free.
The card also comes with an annual $200 airline credit, which can be used on various types of purchases, such as checked baggage fees, itinerary change fees, and airport lounge day passes. You can utilize this credit on qualifying airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and more.
Here's a list of qualifying airlines for the $200 airline credit:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Airlines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
This credit can help offset the high annual fee of $695, making the card more affordable for frequent travelers.
Trip Cancellation
The Platinum Card offers trip cancellation protection up to $10,000 per trip, or $20,000 per year.
This level of protection is a lifesaver for unexpected events that may force you to cancel your trip, leaving you with non-refundable expenses like airfare, hotels, and tours.
Unfortunately, the Platinum Card doesn't include benefits like baggage delay, so you'll need to purchase travel insurance separately to get these benefits.
Authorized Users
Adding authorized users to your card can be a great way to share benefits with others. You can add up to 99 Gold Card authorized users for free.
One of the best perks is that authorized users get most of the benefits like Centurion Lounge access and Priority Pass. They also get Global Entry credits.
The Platinum Card allows you to add up to three authorized users for a fee of $175. This can be worth it if they'll be using the perks regularly.
Credit Score and Income Requirements
To enjoy all the premium benefits, you'll need a good credit score.
Luckily, there are no strict cut-offs for eligibility.
A good solid score is a must for these benefits, and you can read more about the requirements elsewhere.
You'll also need a good income to qualify for these perks.
Strong Welcome Bonus
The Platinum Card comes with a generous welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $5,000 within the first 6 months. This is a great opportunity to earn a substantial number of miles, which can be redeemed for flights, hotel stays, and other travel-related expenses.
Booking a Flight
Booking a flight through the Amex International Airline Program is a straightforward process that can save you a significant amount of money on your ticket.
You can book a ticket by calling Amex Travel or through the Amex Travel website. If you want to book by phone, you can call 1-800-525-3355 if you have the Amex Personal Platinum Card or 1-800-553-9497 if you have the Amex Business Platinum Card.
To book online, go to amextravel.com and log into the account associated with your Amex Platinum card. From there, search for an eligible international itinerary.
The Amex International Airline Program offers discounted fares on international flights, with some results displaying a "cheaper" price after the original cost of the ticket has a line through it. For example, a roundtrip nonstop Air France first class ticket between New York and Paris is discounted by nearly $1,000.
You can also redeem Amex points for one cent each on these discounted tickets. However, the savings won't always be as big, and you should be aware that some tickets may not be the most affordable option available through the program.
To book a flight using the IAP, you'll need to be a cardholder of an eligible Platinum card, which includes The Platinum Card from American Express and The Business Platinum Card from American Express. You can book up to eight passengers on a reservation using the Amex International Airline Program discounts.
If you want to filter exclusively for International Airline Program-eligible flights, you can do so by checking the box on the right-hand side of the search results page.
You'll also earn 5x Membership Rewards points on Amex International Airline Program tickets if you pay for your ticket with the Amex Personal Platinum Card or Amex Business Platinum Card, up to $500,000 on flight purchases per calendar year and then 1x.
Card Value and Worth
The American Express International Airline Program can be a game-changer for travelers, offering savings of up to 20% on flights.
However, it's essential to double-check pricing on other sites, as Amex Travel doesn't always give the best rates. In some cases, the program can save you a ton of money - like a multi-city ticket from Los Angeles to Santiago and then to Bogota, where the program saved over 75% on a business ticket.
The program is particularly useful if you can find a fare sale on Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets, where using the perk could be worth it.
Is American Express Worth It?
American Express can be a game-changer for travelers, especially when it comes to saving on flights. In theory, you can save up to 20% on your flights, but it's essential to double-check pricing on other sites, as Amex Travel doesn't always offer the best rates.
The International Airline Program can save you a ton of money, as seen in a multi-city ticket from Los Angeles to Santiago and then to Bogota, where the Amex program saved more than 75% on a business ticket.
However, it's unlikely that the program is solely responsible for the huge difference in pricing, but it's still incredibly helpful. The same ticket was available for just $1,008 total on Amex Travel, compared to $4,521 on Google Flights.
If you can find a fare sale on Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets, using this perk could definitely be worth it. A commenter on FlyerTalk reported a savings of ~$500 on a Business Class ticket between Seattle and London.
It's always a good idea to compare prices and call American Express to see what type of discount you can get. This way, you can ensure you're getting the best deal for your travel plans.
Bottom Line
The Amex International Airline Program is a benefit that provides discounts on premium cabin flights, but it's not always the best price around.
Eligible Platinum cardholders can use this perk to get discounts on Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets on participating airlines, including Delta, British Airways, Emirates, and Air France.
The discount varies, but it's good for up to 8 tickets, making it worth calling American Express to compare prices.
You can redeem your Amex points towards your flight, making it a valuable consideration whenever booking paid premium cabin tickets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Amex Platinum good for international travel?
The Amex Platinum card is a good option for international travel, but you should be aware that American Express cards may not be as widely accepted abroad as other major credit cards. Consider checking the latest acceptance rates and alternatives before making a decision.
Are flights cheaper with Amex Platinum?
As an Amex Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card Member, you can enjoy lower airfare and earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights. Book through American Express Travel to unlock these exclusive benefits.
Sources
- https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/amex-international-airline-program/
- https://onemileatatime.com/guides/amex-international-airline-program/
- https://awardwallet.com/blog/american-express-international-airline-program/
- https://millionmilesecrets.com/news/amex-platinum-international-airline-program/
- https://www.uponarriving.com/american-express-platinum-benefits/
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