Positive Change to the AMEX Platinum Cards!

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Have an AMEX Platinum card?  AMEX has updated one of the cards’ little-used perks and made it much more useful!

Via View From the Wing, AMEX has expanded their International Airline Program.  And most folks will benefit from these changes!  Especially if you can find a good deal on Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets.

AMEX Platinum International Airline Program
With AMEX’s Updated International Airline Program, You Can Get a Discount on ANY Business Class Ticket if You’re Flying With Delta or Another Participating Airline

Here’s more about the details of the changes to AMEX’s International Airline Program.  And what it means for you!

Updates to the AMEX International Airline Program

Link:   AMEX International Airline Program

Link:   The Platinum Card® from American Express

Link:   The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz

Link:   The Business Platinum® Card from American Express

In the past, folks with an AMEX Platinum card, like The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Mercedes-Benz, The Business Platinum® Card from American Express could get 2-for-1 full fare Business or First Class tickets through AMEX’s International Airline Program.

But it usually wasn’t the best deal, because those full fare tickets cost often twice as much as regular discount fares.

But now, instead of the 2-for-1 deal, cardholders will get a discount on ANY Premium Economy, Business, or First Class ticket on participating airlines.  Like Delta, British Airways, Emirates, Air France, and more!

AMEX Platinum International Airline Program
There Are 18 Participating Airlines in American Express’ International Airline Program

Here are the terms:

  • AMEX Platinum (personal and small business) or Centurion cardmembers are eligible
  • The discount is valid for up to 8 tickets, but the amount of the discount varies
  • There’s a $39 fee per ticket, because you have to call American Express to book
  • Travel must originate from a US gateway (and certain Canadian gateways)
  • One-way flights are permitted on certain airlines
  • You must pay with your trip in full with your AMEX Platinum card

To make a reservation, folks with the AMEX Platinum card can call 800-525-3355.  And folks with the AMEX Business Platinum card can call 800-553-9497.

Plus, if you use your AMEX Membership Rewards points to Pay With Points to offset all or part of the cost of your ticket, you’ll also get a rebate!

Is This a Good Deal?

If you can find a fare sale on Premium Economy, Business, or First Class tickets, using this perk could definitely be worth it!

Plus, it never hurts to compare prices to make sure you’re getting the best deal.  So if you find a qualifying ticket that fits your travel plans, I’d suggest calling American Express to see what type of discount you can get.

A commenter on FlyerTalk reported a savings of ~$500 on a Business Class ticket between Seattle and London!

If you want to know more about these cards, you can check out my review of the AMEX Platinum Business card here.  And read more about the personal AMEX Platinum card here.

Bottom Line

With American Express’ updated International Airline Program, folks with the personal or small business AMEX Platinum card can get a discount on ANY Premium Economy, Business, or First Class ticket on participating airlines.  Including Delta, British Airways, Emirates, Air France, and more!

The discount varies, but it’s good for up to 8 tickets.  So if you find a qualifying ticket that fits your travel plans, it’s worth calling American Express to compare prices.  And to make sure you’re getting the best deal!

Do you plan on taking advantage of this new perk?  Let me know in the comments!

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