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American Express Travel: Your Guide to Booking Flights, Hotels, Car Rentals, & Cruises

Jarrod West

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Keri Stooksbury

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What Is AmexTravel.com?

Fees for using the portal, searching for flights, insider fares, the hotel collection, american express fine hotels and resorts, standard hotel booking, searching for packages, compare flights+hotel to booking separately, searching for cruises, special offers, cruise privileges program, amextravel.com insiders, final thoughts.

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American Express is best known as a credit card issuer, but the company also offers other products and services, including travel booking and planning using AmexTravel.com.

While AmexTravel.com is available for anyone (not just cardmembers), holding an Amex card can definitely help you get extra value when using the program.

Here’s a look at what AmexTravel.com is, what services it provides, what the cost to use, the best ways to use it, and when it’s worth using!

At its most basic, AmexTravel.com is an online travel booking portal (or “online travel agency”) just like Expedia , Kayak , and Orbitz .

You can use it to book a whole trip or just a flight, hotel (or flight + hotel packages), rental cars, or even cruises. If you’d like extra assistance from a customer service agent, you can book by phone as well.

Flights booked through the portal can be subject to small fees. However, sometimes the benefits can make these fees worth it, and they’re waived for holders of the Platinum Card ® from American Express .

There are also a few “sub-categories” that fall under the AmexTravel.com umbrella, including the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts .

Why Should You Use AmexTravel.com?

The main reason to book with AmexTravel.com is the incredible customer service . If you run into any problems during your trip (like delays, cancellations, over-bookings, etc.), you can connect with a live travel agent by phone 24/7 who will work with you to find a solution.

Additionally, 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.

Hot Tip:  If you use your Amex Platinum card , you can earn 5x Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or with AmexTravel.com. 

Anytime you book a flight through AmexTravel.com (either on its own or as part of a package), you’ll pay a fee of $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights .

These fees are waived if you have the Amex Platinum card and are logged into your account.

If you choose to book a flight by phone rather than online, there’s an added $39 phone service fee .

If you make changes to your flight, there’s a $39 reissue fee in addition to whatever fee the airline charges. This only applies to advance changes, not changes due to problems like canceled flights .

Below, we’ll take a look at how to use AmexTravel.com to book flights, hotels, vacation packages, rental cars, and cruises.

Booking Flights With AmexTravel.com

Searching for flights with AmexTravel.com is similar to other online travel agencies. You can search by city or by specific airport, select your departure and return dates, and click whether you want to search for lower fares within 3 days of your chosen dates.

On the results page, American Express lists the most relevant Delta result at the top highlighted as a “featured airline.” The featured airline is followed by the lowest available fares.

When you scroll down, you can use the controls on the left sidebar to filter the results by the number of stops, departure/arrival times, airline, or even specific flight number.

By default, flights are displayed in price order starting with the lowest, except for a featured Delta flight at the top (when available). At the top of the search window above the results, all available airlines are shown, as well as the lowest available price with each airline.

Depending on your search, you may see a blue tab labeled “Insider Fares Available” above some of the airlines listed at the top of the search window.

These are discounted fares, and they only apply if you pay for the entire flight with Membership Rewards rather than cash. Note that cash prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

If you’re logged in and have enough Membership Rewards points to cover the entire flight, you will be able to see these discounted fares.

For example, in the below search, you’ll see an example of an Insider Fare available for purchase. The Insider Fare offered a slight discount rather than just matching the cash price in points with each point worth 1 cent (more on that below).

The difference can be fairly minimal. In the JFK-ATL example above, the discount was from 25,259 Membership Rewards points to 24,120 — changing the value from 1 cent per point to about 1.05 cents per point .

Amextravel.com charges a fee to book, but they bundle this into the displayed price. The fee is $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket. These fees are waived as a benefit of the Amex Platinum card , just make sure you’re logged into your Amex account when booking.

Hot Tip: AmexTravel.com now offers Trip Cancel Guard coverage that you can add when purchasing flights via AmexTravel.com whether paying with an American Express card, with Membership Rewards points using the Pay With Points option, or a combination of both. It provides for reimbursement of up to 75% of the cost of the non-refundable prepaid flight expense, penalty and change fees caused by the cancellation, or the amount of any expired vouchers/flight credits received for the canceled flight. Coverage is applicable when your flight is canceled for any reason and is valid until 2 full calendar days prior to your trip’s originally scheduled departure date.

When searching several different flights across different online travel agents, we found similar results to the below example each time.

To compare prices, we searched multiple online travel agents and portals using the same search parameters: departing John F. Kennedy-New York (JFK), arriving at London-Heathrow International (LHR), round-trip, 1 traveler, economy, and nonstop on specific dates.

We selected the lowest-priced nonstop flight available through AmexTravel.com: a Finnair flight operated by Oneworld partner , American Airlines.

When searching on AmexTravel.com, the flight was $595.86. This breaks down to $133 in base fare and $462.86 of government, airline, and American Express-imposed fees.

We received the same search results when we replicated this search on Finnair’s U.S. website, Kayak, and Orbitz.

In a second search, we looked for a domestic round-trip from Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) to Los Angeles International (LAX) on the same dates. This flight was priced at $199.40. Keep in mind, you would usually see this rate plus the $6.99 Amex booking fee, but again, this is waived for Amex Platinum cardholders.

When cross-referencing this itinerary on Delta’s website, we found the same price listed for a regular economy fare of $199.40. However, there was a basic economy option that was a bit cheaper, which was not available through AmexTravel.com.

Other online travel portals, including Orbitz and Kayak , listed the same price.

This means, if you’re already set on the specific itinerary you want to fly, booking through AmexTravel.com can often cost the same as booking directly with the airline, or through a third party . This assumes you receive waived booking fees for being an Amex Platinum cardholder.

However, what if you’re just looking for the cheapest flight on a particular day? If you do a general search for a route on set dates, will AmexTravel.com find the same rates as other portals? In our experience, the answer is no.

In our example search, here are the lowest available regular economy non-stop flights we could find between New York (any airport) and London (any airport) when searching the same set of dates on a few different websites (sorted by price ascending):

*Including a $10.99 AmexTravel.com booking fee.

The reason for these results is likely due to the fact that the Amex portal doesn’t include some low-cost carriers like Norwegian, so travel portals that do will often win on price.

Even excluding the low-cost carriers, though, other portals like Expedia and Orbitz were able to offer lower fares by about $15.

That said, AmexTravel.com was able to find about the same fares you would find when booking directly with an airline.

Hot Tip: If you hold The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express you can get a 35% rebate on select flights when you pay with points through AmexTravel.com.

AmexTravel.com Hotel Programs

There are actually 3 programs offered for booking hotels:

• Fine Hotels and Resorts
• AmexTravel.com booking (standard)

What Is The Hotel Collection?

The Hotel Collection is a program through AmexTravel.com only available to holders of certain cards:

• The American Express ® Gold Card and the American Express ® Business Gold Card

The Amex Platinum card and the Business Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Centurion card

Perks of The Hotel Collection

When you book a hotel through The Hotel Collection, you get certain perks including:

• Room upgrade at check-in (if available)
• Up to a $100 hotel credit for on-site amenities like the restaurant, bar, room service, or spa
• Ability to use Pay With Points on prepaid reservations
• 3x Membership Rewards points for Amex Gold cardholders on prepaid bookings
• 5x Membership Rewards points for Amex Platinum cardholders on prepaid reservations
• Up to $200 credit each year towards prepaid hotel reservations with either The Hotel Collection (2-night stay) or Fine Hotels and Resorts with select credit cards

Usually, American Express guarantees that any hotel booked through AmexTravel.com will have the lowest publicly-available rates (prepaid rates only), but this rule does not apply to bookings through The Hotel Collection per the terms & conditions . Be certain to check multiple booking options to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Rooms have to be booked through AmexTravel.com. That means that if you book directly through the hotel or another service, you won’t get the perks, even if the hotel is a part of The Hotel Collection and you pay for the stay with your American Express card.

Further, you must stay a minimum of 2 nights , and you cannot book consecutive stays within 24 hours of each other.

The good news is that these benefits are available for up to 3 rooms per stay . So if you book 3 rooms for family members, you’ll get a total hotel service credit of up to $300.

Hotel Points and Elite Benefits

Typically, you won’t earn points through a hotel loyalty program if you book through a third party, and this includes the AmexTravel.com portal.

Further, you won’t get any elite benefits that you might otherwise be entitled to if you have status with that hotel chain.

Bottom Line:  The Hotel Collection is potentially useful if you’re planning to pay with your eligible Membership Rewards-earning card. This comes at the expense of hotel-specific elite benefits, including points and elite credits in any hotel loyalty program.

What Is the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program?

AmexTravel.com runs a second hotel program called Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR). It can be a little bit confusing since it sounds like it would overlap with the Hotel Collection, but that’s not the case.

The Fine Hotels and Resorts program is exclusive to Amex Platinum cardholders (personal or business) , as well as those with the invitation-only Centurion Card .

FHR includes different hotels and resorts than The Hotel Collection, with minimal overlap. The FHR collection tends to be more geared toward leisure travelers who wish to book stays at higher-end properties.

Perks of Fine Hotels and Resorts

Booking hotels through the Fine Hotels and Resorts collection entitles you to a handful of potentially valuable perks, including:

• Early noon check-in (when available)
• Room upgrade on arrival (when available)
• Daily breakfast for 2 people
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• A unique amenity valued at $100 or more; examples include a property credit, dining credit, spa credit, or similar amenity

Unlike The Hotel Collection, rooms booked through Fine Hotels and Resorts are not all prepaid. In fact, most are standard rates that you’ll pay for at the end of your stay when you check out. In comparing several properties, including the Park Hyatt in Chicago, we found rates identical to the non-prepaid rates when booking directly through the hotel.

However, keep in mind that the hotel may directly offer prepaid and early-purchase options which may be much cheaper, though you won’t benefit from the Fine Hotels and Resorts perks.

There are fewer terms with Fine Hotels and Resorts than with The Hotel Collection. You must book through AmexTravel.com/FHR to receive the benefits .

As with The Hotel Collection, 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. Other terms vary by property.

Good news here! Unlike stays booked through The Hotel Collection, stays through American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts count as “qualifying rates” for hotel loyalty programs. That means if you’re staying at a hotel that’s part of a loyalty program, you’ll be able to earn points and receive the relevant benefits if you hold elite status.

Hot Tip: Want to know about the differences between these programs? Dig into our dedicated guide on the differences between the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts .

Searching Hotels

Searching for hotels at AmexTravel.com works more or less the same as with flights. You enter your city, dates, number of rooms, and guests. You can check a box to have properties from The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts displayed at the top.

Of course, if you’re interested in booking through either of those programs, you could also just book on their dedicated pages.

By default, search results are ranked by “recommended,” which seems to be decided by an algorithm factoring in price, location, and reviews.

Terms vary by the specific hotel and rate you book, so make sure to read the fine print.

The site can be a bit confusing when trying to compare prices since American Express doesn’t include all taxes and fees in the price displayed (while some hotel websites do).

For example, we searched for a 4-night stay at the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill. American Express quoted an average of $337/night, which should make the total stay around $1,348. When you go to book, though, the total with fees is $1,625.

While it initially looks more expensive to book directly with Hyatt (where the cost is quoted at $404/night), that price includes all taxes and fees , so you’ll actually pay $1,611, or $14 less.

Our search for the Marriott Regent Park yielded similar results. It’s listed at $233/night in the search function, which implies the total to be $932.

In reality, once you click through, the total is $1,120. Booking directly with Marriott, rates are listed at $261/night, but that includes taxes and fees — for a total prepaid rate of $1,080.

For the 2 hotels in question, here’s how total prices compared through different portals (sorted by price ascending):

In both tickets, AmexTravel.com was within a few dollars of the other online travel agencies, which were all more expensive than booking directly through the hotel’s website.

Similar to The Hotel Collection, rates booked through AmexTravel.com aren’t eligible for elite benefits or hotel loyalty points.

Bottom Line:  Like most other online travel portals and agencies, prices can vary between AmexTravel.com and the hotel’s direct booking channel. You won’t get elite benefits or hotel points, so it might be worth booking directly if those are valuable to you. 

Flights+Hotel Packages

Like with many online travel portals and even airline websites, you can book packages that include flights and hotels through AmexTravel.com. Usually, the point of booking these packages is to get a discount, 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 just like when searching for a standard hotel.

Terms vary by the specific package you book, so make sure to read the fine print !

As with standalone flight reservations, AmexTravel.com charges a fee to book Flights+Hotel packages: $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket .

Again, these fees are waived for holders of the Amex Platinum card  or the Centurion card.

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

Once you select the hotel, you can customize your flight. The total price changes based on which flight you select.

In a sample search, we chose the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill, and picked the cheapest nonstop flight: British Airways flight, which was Newark Liberty International (EWR) to LHR and London-Gatwick (LGW) to JFK. The package came to $1,446 per person, or $2,892 total.

Annoyingly, AmexTravel.com doesn’t show a breakdown of hotel and airfare costs and fees; instead, it just displays a total per person.

For comparison, you can search the flight and hotels separately. We tried searching for the flight first on the same day.

We found Finnair flights operated by American Airlines for $660 per person — an option that wasn’t offered as part of the package (although with the booking fee, the flights should have been $671). When we filtered the search to British Airways only, it showed a ton of options for $671.

Searching hotels next, we again chose the Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill’s lowest prepaid rate. It was listed as $337 per night for 1 room (plus taxes and fees), for a total of $2,031. For the 2 flights and the hotel, that comes to a total of $3,351, or $1,675.50 per person.

In this case, booking the trip as a package saves almost $460, even though the search results page didn’t highlight any savings specifically.

The main downside to booking a package is that you have less flexibility. Say you want to change hotels for part of the trip or maybe stay with a friend for the last few days. This isn’t an option because you must book a single hotel for the entire time between your flights. It can also make solutions harder to find if there are any problems — although the AmexTravel.com customer support should make up for that.

Bottom Line:  If you’re using AmexTravel.com and your plans allow for the lack of flexibility, you might be able to save a lot of money with a package. Just make sure to compare the listed price to booking everything separately. Note that you can’t book a package retroactively: you have to book the flights and hotel at the same time. 

Rental Cars

AmexTravel.com also offers a rental car booking service. You can make reservations from rental stations at airports and elsewhere.

To search for rental cars, simply enter an airport or city . You can also click a button to search near a specific address.

Results are shown in a handy grid format, with each column showing a different rental company, and each row displaying the pricing for a different category of car (economy, compact, midsize, and so on).

Bookings of up to 4 days are charged a daily rate, while bookings 5-7 days are charged on a weekly basis. There are specific rates for weekends and weekdays, as well as monthly options, with specific details varying by the rental agency.

In several sample searches, prices were generally consistent with other online travel agencies — though sometimes lower by $1-$2/day. Prices were identical to booking with the rental company directly.

Bottom Line:  Renting a car through AmexTravel.com doesn’t get you any benefits above what you’d receive for paying with your credit card, such as the collision damage waiver for paying with your Amex Platinum card. However, the convenient search page makes it a great option for comparing multiple prices at once. 

AmexTravel.com also offers tools to book cruises . In addition to letting you search for cruises all over the world, AmexTravel.com periodically highlights special offers on cruises, usually in the form of credits to use onboard.

To search for cruises, you need to enter the region you want to travel in, the cruise line(s) you want to travel with (or search all available lines), the month you’re planning the trip for, and the approximate length of the cruise you want.

Results are shown in order, from the lowest-priced option to the highest . Note that this is based on the lowest available rate; hovering over any result will show all available cabin types and the corresponding prices.

Under each result, the information shown includes the port of departure/return, date of departure, and ports visited.

Hot Tip:  Wondering what to pack for your time at sea? Check out our ultimate cruise-based packing list  — it’s printable and complete with tons of tips and advice!

Cruise rates booked through AmexTravel.com were within $1-2 of rates found on other online travel agents and websites . We found identical prices on the various cruise company websites — though each online travel portal and cruise line offers different promotions, so it might be worth comparing them.

For example, during a sample search for a weeklong Caribbean cruise in December, we found that Royal Caribbean was offering a $50 onboard credit if you booked directly.

On the search results page, you might notice a tab labeled “Special Offers.” Those offers are generally onboard credits, but can also include discounts or other special features. If you aren’t committed to a specific cruise line, these are often worth exploring.

Those with the Amex Platinum card have special access to the Cruise Privileges Program . Like the Fine Hotels and Resorts program, this is only available on specific cruises, although it’s more limited than FHR.

It includes onboard credit (often higher than otherwise offered) and a special onboard amenity, like complimentary dinner for 2 or a bottle of premium champagne.

Bottom Line: It can be worth booking a cruise through AmexTravel.com, especially if there are special offers. Make sure to compare different booking sites , though, as some may have better or exclusive promotions.

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

AmexTravel.com can be a very useful tool when booking flights, hotels, vacation packages, cruises, or rental cars. In many cases, it may not offer the best rate options , but it’s worth comparing to other booking sites and airlines or hotels directly.

If you have an American Express card that offers access to the Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels and Resorts, the perks can be very worthwhile.

Additionally, the extra Membership Rewards points you earn by booking through AmexTravel.com can be valuable, as long as the price is right.

Aside from the Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels and Resorts, the real value of AmexTravel.com is in the customer service provided. Booking a trip on your own is easy — dealing with problems when they arise can be less so!

If you book through AmexTravel.com, you’ll have easy access to someone who can help you get on a new flight, find a new hotel, or manage whatever other issues come up day or night. So if you’re looking to have that extra support, then AmexTravel.com might be a great choice for you!

The information regarding the Centurion ® Card from American Express was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Business Gold Card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What is american express travel.

AmexTravel.com is an O nline  T ravel  A gency (OTA), just like Orbitz , Kayak , or Expedia . You can book flights, hotels, rental cars, or cruises through AmexTravel.com.

Do I need an American Express card to use Amex Travel services?

Whether or not you have an American Express card, you can book flights, hotels, rental cars, or cruises through AmexTravel.com. If you do have an Amex card, you might be eligible for certain perks or rewards.

Does American Express Travel cost anything?

If you book a flight through AmexTravel.com, there’s a small fee ($6.99 for domestic flights, $10.99 for international) that fee is waived for Amex Platinum, Amex Business Platinum, and Centurion cardmembers. Other services, like hotels and cruises, do not have fees.

Why should I book with American Express Travel?

AmexTravel.com has very helpful customer service resources. If you have any problems with your trip (like a canceled flight), you can call an agent who can help solve the issue.

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About Jarrod West

Boasting a portfolio of over 20 cards, Jarrod has been an expert in the points and miles space for over 6 years. He earns and redeems over 1 million points per year and his work has been featured in outlets like The New York Times.

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Table of Contents

Who can use the American Express Travel portal?

Benefits of booking travel on amex travel, how to book travel in the portal, is travel insurance included when booking through amex travel, downsides of booking via amex travel, final thoughts on the amex travel portal.

The American Express Travel portal is similar to many other online booking sites in that it allows you to purchase flights, hotels and other travel reservations. The main difference is that only those who hold an American Express card can use it.

Certain cards come with additional perks for booking in the portal. For instance, some AmEx cards allow travelers to earn extra points for bookings, receive a 35% points rebate, pay for a portion of the reservation with points, get room upgrades and more. Terms apply.

Here's a look at what the AmEx Travel portal offers and how to use it to maximize your benefits.

American Express Travel flights, hotels and other reservations are available for American Express cardholders. Depending on which American Express card you have, you may earn additional points on your reservation or unlock additional features. Terms apply.

For example, The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders earn 5x points on flights booked directly with an airline or through AmEx Travel and 5x points on prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. They also have access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection through the travel portal. Additionally, American Express® Gold Card and The Platinum Card® from American Express cardholders can book room reservations with The Hotel Collection . Terms apply.

Here are eight reasons why booking with AmEx travel could be a good idea.

1. Earn up to 5x points

When you book flight through the AmEx Travel portal, your credit card may earn additional points for the purchase. In addition, prepaid hotel reservations through the AmEx travel portal also earn extra points. These are a few of the cards that offer a bonus when making reservations through AmEx travel:

on American Express' website

• 5 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel, on up to $500,000 spent per year.

• 5 points per $1 on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.

• 1 point per $1 on other eligible purchases.

Terms apply.

• 4 points per $1 at restaurant plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.

• 4 points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 in purchases per year).

• 3 points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.

• 3 points per $1 on eligible travel purchases.

• 3 points per $1 on restaurants worldwide.

• 1 point per $1 on other purchases.

• 2 points per $1 on the first $50,000 in purchases each calendar year.

• 1 point per $1 on purchases above $50,000 in a calendar year.

» Learn more: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them

2. Pay for reservations using Pay with Points

With American Express Travel, flights, hotels and more can be paid for with points instead of cash. Members can even choose to pay a portion of the trip with points and the rest with cash. Once your reservations have been booked, the full amount of your trip will be charged to your American Express credit card, and then a credit will be posted for the points redeemed within 48 hours.

You must redeem at least 5,000 points in order to use Pay with Points. Points are redeemed at a value of 1 cent per point when booking flights or making Fine Hotels & Resorts reservations. Other eligible travel receives only 0.7 cents per point. NerdWallet values Membership Rewards points at 2.8 cents per point if you take advantage of transferring to and booking through travel partners, so the redemption rates in the travel portal are significantly below our ideal value.

If you need to cancel your reservation, you'll receive a statement credit on your card for the cash equivalent. Members who would rather have the unused Membership Rewards points returned to their accounts must contact American Express customer service at 800-297-3276. Terms apply.

3. Upgrade flights with points

Eligible flights booked with cash can be upgraded using your American Express Membership Rewards points. You'll receive 1 cent per point credit towards the cost when upgrading a flight with points (which is again below our AmEx point valuation ).

To upgrade your flight with points, select your airline and provide your reservation details in the AmEx travel portal. You will be notified if your flight is eligible or not. If your flight is eligible, you can submit an offer to the airline for the upgrade. The airline will accept or reject your bid between one and five days of your flight's departure and you'll receive a decision via email.

If your upgrade offer is accepted, the points will be deducted from your account. Your statement will show a charge and a credit for the corresponding points.

» Learn more: You can now use AmEx points to bid on flight upgrades

4. Discounted international flights through AmEx IAP

Platinum cardholders have access to discounted flights through International Airline Program (IAP) , which allows members to book first, business and premium economy at a discount on select airlines and routes. Plus, you'll receive 5x Membership Rewards points on the booking when using your The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express to pay for the flight. Terms apply.

There are 25 airlines that participate in this program. You can book refundable and nonrefundable tickets for up to eight passengers through the IAP. Tickets can be paid with your card, points or a combination of the two. You will have to pay a $39 nonrefundable ticketing fee, however the discount received on these tickets should outweigh the fee.

5. Cancel For Any Reason insurance

CFAR is shorthand for an insurance policy that allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever and receive a refund. In May 2022, AmEx launched its own version of CFAR coverage for airfare booked through the travel portal using an AmEx card.

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. You'll need to purchase Trip Cancel Guard coverage at the point of booking and if you cancel, whether through the airline directly or through AmEx Travel, you can request reimbursement online or over the phone.

» Learn more: The guide to Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance

6. 35% points rebate with The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

When The Business Platinum Card® from American Express cardholder book flights using points through the AmEx travel portal, they can receive up to 35% of their points back . The benefit is available on first or business class flights on any airline and all economy flights with their chosen airline. This benefit provides up to 500,000 points back per calendar year.

However, as with all AmEx credits , it's not as straightforward as you may hope. You will have to designate the airline for the 35% rebate and the airline must be the same as the one chosen for the $200 airline incidental credit .

» Learn more: The best travel credit cards right now

7. Fine Hotels & Resorts

The Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. (Photo by Sally French)

Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) is a collection of resorts and benefits available only to Platinum Card members. There are over 2,000 properties worldwide that participate in this program. When making reservations with Fine Hotels & Resorts for one night or more, you'll receive the following benefits:

$200 statement credit provided once per year.

Noon check-in (when available).

Room upgrade upon arrival (when available).

Daily breakfast for two.

Guaranteed 4 pm late checkout.

Complimentary in-room WiFi.

Unique property benefit valued at least $100.

These benefits rival those that many travelers receive when booking directly with hotels to obtain elite status perks. Some locations also offer a last-night free benefit, depending upon when you make your reservation. And some of the best hotels to book using FHR credits offer especially-unique amenities.

For example, many theme park fans consider Loews Portofino Bay Hotel as the best FHR hotel in Orlando . That's because — on top of all the above benefits — guests receive complimentary Universal Express Unlimited ride access, which allows you to skip the lines inside the Universal theme parks .

8. The Hotel Collection

The Loews Sapphire Falls at Universal Orlando falls under The Hotel Collection. (Photo by Sally French)

AmEx Gold and Platinum cardholders receive elite status-level perks at more than 600 hotels worldwide. When you stay for two nights or more, you'll receive a $100 resort credit and an upgrade upon arrival (when available). In addition, you can use your AmEx Membership Rewards credit card to book and pay for your reservation entirely or partially with your points.

While you can book travel over the phone with an agent, it is often quicker and more convenient to make your reservations through the AmEx Travel portal.

Here's how to book travel in the American Express travel portal:

Go to americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/ .

Log in with your username and password.

Select flights, hotels, flight + hotel, cars, or cruises.

Enter your travel dates, cities and other relevant information.

Choose options based on your trip.

Pay with your American Express credit card, points, or a combination.

Since you need an American Express card to make reservations through AmEx travel, you may already hold a card that offers complimentary travel insurance . If you don’t get travel insurance perks through your AmEx card, you can purchase Trip Cancel Guard through when making your booking.

Trip Cancel Guard works similarly to CFAR in that it allows you to cancel your trip for any reason whatsoever and get up to a 75% reimbursement of your travel costs as long as the cancellation is made two full days before your trip.

What is the AmEx Travel cancellation policy?

When you book travel through the American Express travel portal, you may be eligible to cancel your reservation within 24 hours and get a full refund. However, the cancellation policy is determined by the airline.

As such, AmEx instructs travelers to refer to the cancellation policy on the itinerary or reach out to customer service with any questions. Terms apply.

There are many appealing reasons why travelers want to book reservations with the AmEx travel portal. However, there are some downsides as well. These are some of the most common reasons why you shouldn't:

Low value for your points. Redeeming points through the AmEx travel portal yields a value of 1 cent per point or less. That's at least a 50% reduction compared to our value of Membership Rewards points.

Complicated customer service. Resolving flight or hotel reservation issues becomes more complicated when you book through a third party such as AmEx travel. The airline or hotel blames the booking agency and may not immediately resolve the problem in some instances. However, providers have no scapegoat when you book direct.

No hotel elite status benefits or loyalty credits. Most hotels require you to book directly to receive elite status benefits, stay credits or earn points. For travelers looking to take advantage of their elite status or earn status for the next year, booking AmEx travel hotel reservations is not a good idea.

Despite the above policy, hotels booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts allow you to earn elite night credit and earn loyalty perks associated with your elite status level on any hotel reservations — regardless if you book in the portal or not.

The AmEx travel portal offers numerous benefits for all American Express cardholders. If you have a Membership Rewards credit card, you can pay for all or part of eligible travel reservations using your points.

And any portion that you pay with your Membership Rewards card can earn up to 5x points. AmEx Travel also offers two hotel collections that provide additional perks similar to elite status benefits.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

Don't wait on hold: Here’s how to reach airline customer service quickly

There's no denying that travel demand has roared back with a vengeance over the past year. The Transportation Security Administration had its busiest summer ever in 2023, followed soon after by a record-setting holiday travel season . Nov. 26, 2023, the Sunday after Thanksgiving, set a single-day record with 2.9 million passengers screened by the TSA.

Any time you fly, you are also faced with the possibility of delays or cancellations . Last year, on average, about one in five flights were delayed in the U.S., and between 1% and 2% were canceled.

If you are affected by delays and cancellations, you should know the best practices for reaching airline customer service should the need arise. And if you need to reach an agent quickly, you don't want to get stuck in an endless loop of hold music.

You may have reverted to X, formerly known as Twitter, direct messages to reach airlines in the past. However, some airlines — including Air France and KLM — have recently decided to eliminate customer service assistance via the social media platform, instead directing customers to other avenues. If you decide to use X to reach out to an airline, ensure the account is verified — all the major U.S. airlines have a gold check on their X accounts.

Additionally, some scammers will publish fake airline customer service phone numbers online in an attempt to obtain your credit card or flight information.

If you have upcoming travel, now is the time to brush up on bypassing the labyrinth of automated phone menus and reach an actual human to resolve your issue.

General tips for reaching airline customer service

While each system is a bit different, here are some general tips to get help from the airline faster.

Automated phone systems are more prevalent than ever

When asked to select a number for a given option based on the specific request you're calling about, trying to skip these automated menus by saying "agent" (or any other response) can make your call longer.

Instead, slowly and clearly say a general sentence about why you're calling so you can be placed in the proper queue.

When in doubt, say 'existing reservation'

If you tell the automated system that you already have a reservation, you'll sometimes end up at a customer service representative faster than if you had called to make a new reservation.

Politeness and kindness go a long way

Although you're likely frustrated if you're attempting to reach customer service, remember that the phone agent with whom you're speaking likely was not responsible for delaying your flight or the hold time to get through. Imagine yourself on the other side of the phone fielding dozens of calls like yours when a big delay is ravaging the calculated plans of hundreds of irate travelers.

Most of the people calling airline customer service aren't singing the praises of the airline. However, maintaining a level head and being respectful can make a difference in resolving your situation.

Try to avoid calling on the go

You don't want to be approaching the end of a complicated story only to lose the call or have a phone agent miss most of what you're saying. Make sure your connection is solid and your phone battery is charged before calling customer service.

Enter your frequent flyer number if prompted

Being a member of an airline's loyalty program can only help to reach an agent faster. This doesn't apply across the board, but entering (or speaking) your number certainly doesn't hurt if given the chance. Sometimes, those with higher tier status even have a separate phone line to use, so look on your membership card if you have one.

Try calling the local phone number

If you're trying to contact an international airline, consider calling its home phone line.

For example, try calling the French line for Air France or the German line for Lufthansa. Oftentimes, these call centers have an English option and may get you in touch faster than using a U.S. phone number, which may have fewer staff members.

Another pro tip: Call these numbers via Skype to avoid international phone charges if that's an issue.

How to avoid airline customer service scams

The easiest way to avoid airline customer service scams is to follow the advice in this article. These phone numbers are the official numbers found on each airline's website. The way that scammers try to trick you is by publishing fake customer service numbers in Google search results . Never Google the number for an airline and call the first one you see. Visit the airline's official website (or call the customer service number on the back of your card if you have an airline credit card ) to ensure you are calling a legitimate number.

How to contact airline customer service

Next, let's review each major U.S. carrier and how to reach a phone agent quickly. Bookmark this page, as it's an easy one-stop shop for customer service numbers.

American Airlines

Best approach: Live chat with AA online or via mobile app

Alternate approach/phone number: 800-882-8880 for AAdvantage members or 800-433-7300 if you do not have an AAdvantage account

If you've called the system before, AA will recognize your number and ask you directly what your call is about. If not, say your AAdvantage number slowly and clearly to start the call.

After being greeted, say "reservation," then "existing reservation," and then "travel changes." You'll be prompted to give a confirmation number. If you don't have one, say, "I don't have it." You'll then be asked if all flights are in the U.S. After this, you're in the queue to be transferred to an agent.

American is great about giving you an idea of how long your hold time is when it asks if you'd prefer to be called back. If it will still be a long hold, enter your phone number, and an agent will return your call, usually right in the estimated window.

Alternatively, you can live chat with AA via the mobile app or the website. If you're on the computer, head to the contact page and find the chat icon in the bottom right corner.

This app also has an automated system, but we've found that if you choose one of the prompted topics, it will spit out a generic answer. Selecting "I still need help" will put you in the queue for a live agent.

I recently tested the wait times for the chat feature and a phone call to inquire about a flight that AA recently changed without explanation. Here's what I got:

• AA chat: No wait
• Phone: Rather than wait on hold, I opted for the callback option, which said I would receive a call within 16-20 minutes. They called me back in 12 minutes.

The one caution to using the app is that the agents can't take payment information. Depending on what you need, the phone may be your only option.

Alaska Airlines

Best approach: Text "ALASKA" to 82008 or online chat

Alternate approach/phone number: 800-654-5669

When you call, an automated bot will answer the phone. Say, "Change my reservation." You'll then be asked for your confirmation number. You can say, "I don't have it," and you'll be put in line to talk to an agent.

Another option is to text "ALASKA" to 82008, and an agent can help you by messaging or chatting Alaska via its contact page . You'll have to enter your name and Alaska Airlines number when chatting online. You'll immediately be put in the queue for an agent.

I tested all three options for their current wait times:

• By phone: Two minutes
• By text: One minute
• By online chat: One minute

For me, the phone option was the slowest in this test, but just by a minute. So, in this case, all offered very prompt help.

Delta Air Lines

Best approach: Live chat via the mobile app

Alternate approach/phone number: 800-323-2323 for Delta SkyMiles members, 800-221-1212 if you do not have an account

When calling, say "existing reservation." If you've called the number before, it will automatically recognize your account. If not, key in your SkyMiles number. You'll be put in line to speak to an agent by not selecting any of the automated prompts. You'll be given the option to receive a callback instead of waiting on hold.

Alternately, if you head to the Delta app, scroll to the "Contact us" option under "More" on the bottom right corner of the app screen. You can message Delta for quick text communication. You can chat with Delta from the help center page on their website, too.

Here's another quick wait time comparison:

• Text conversation: Less than a minute
• Phone: The wait time given was eight minutes, but I waited.

Both interactions were relatively short, but I would personally recommend the app. TPG editor Clint Henderson was connected to a live agent within three and a half minutes when calling in by phone, but wait times can vary widely.

Best approach/phone number: 800-538-2583

Alternate option: Online chat

On the phone, select option two for reservations and hit two again to signal an existing reservation. You'll automatically be put in a queue and given an estimated wait time.

You can also chat on a mobile device or your desktop browser. Head to the JetBlue "Contact Us" page and scroll to where you see "Chat with us." From there, I selected "Booking questions" and "Fare Types" and then clicked "I still need help." The app quoted me an estimated 10-minute wait time.

When I called the JetBlue phone line, I was quoted a two-minute wait time for a customer service agent.

• By chat: Five minutes
• By phone: Eight minutes

In this case, I'd probably opt for the phone, though the results may vary when it comes time for you to call in.

Southwest Airlines

Best approach/phone number: 800-435-9792

Alternate option: Live chat via the Southwest app

Call the reservation number listed above, and then select option two, followed by option one or two for domestic and Puerto Rico or international travel. You'll be transferred to an agent or given an estimated hold time.

Alternatively, you can chat via the Southwest app. However, know that the automated chat will not immediately prompt you to speak with a live agent. I entered "agent" into the chat, then chose the "something else" option, and was immediately connected with an agent.

In my experience, calling Southwest yielded a live person within two minutes and 40 seconds, while I was connected with an agent on the chat line immediately after asking to speak with a live agent. Neither had a long wait.

Spirit Airlines

Best approach/phone number: 855-728-3555

When calling Spirit, select option two for changes to an existing reservation. You can then select option two and then option one to be put in the queue for a customer service agent. You may be prompted to chat via your mobile device as an alternative to waiting on hold during the call. When I chose this option, I was quoted a wait time of 20 minutes to chat with an agent.

Unfortunately, Spirit does not estimate a wait time over the phone. Even so, I only waited five and a half minutes before being connected to an agent on my test call.

You can also chat with Spirit on WhatsApp and via the Spirit Airlines contact page . I've found the fastest way to navigate the contact page is the following:

• Select "Change or Cancel My Flight."
• Select "Cancel My Flight."
• Select "Yes, cancel it."
• Select "Not yet!" when asked if that answered your question.
• Select "Speak to a representative" to be transferred to the next available agent.

This online process yielded an estimated 20-minute wait time, but I ended up being logged out of the chat due to inactivity after waiting nearly 45 minutes. By phone, I waited 22 minutes.

United Airlines

Best approach/phone number: 800-421-4655 for United Airlines MileagePlus members, 1-800-864-8331 for non-members Alternate option: Online chat or text "UNITED" to 32050 on your mobile device

If you've called United before, the system should recognize you. All you need to do is say "reservations" and answer a few questions to be automatically put in line to speak to a human. However, the automated system did try repeatedly to keep me from speaking to a real person. The wait time for a phone agent was about two minutes when I called.

You can also chat with United via the customer support page by logging in to your United MileagePlus account, scrolling to the bottom and clicking on "Chat now."

I could chat with a live agent almost immediately after working through a few automatic chat prompts. I waited only two minutes when I called, so both are good options.

Advanced options to reach airline assistance

Download the donotpay app.

This app is helpful in a variety of ways far beyond travel, but it does have a " jump the phone queue and never wait on hold again " feature. The app will direct your request to the right airline and forward the call to you after waiting on hold.

Head to the "Customer Service" section of the app, where it will ask you which company you are having a problem with, and you respond with the airline you want to call.

The app will then ask for a brief description of what you want to talk about and ask if you want the app to have the airline call you instead of waiting on hold. DoNotPay has built a database of priority and VIP customer service numbers for tons of companies.

For legality, if you opt into recording the exchanges, the app automatically plays a message informing both parties they'll be recorded. A human voice detection system hears when a real agent picks up the phone and then rings your phone.

Try a foreign call center

As previously mentioned, dialing a foreign call center is another strategy for reaching agents in a more reasonable amount of time. This requires an app such as Skype, Talkatone, Viber or Google Voice to make the calls affordable.

Common call center numbers that advanced travelers use to get help include Singapore (+65 6823 2095) and Hong Kong (+852 3002 1208) for British Airways, the Japan call center (+81 3 3298 4719) for Etihad Airways, the Australia call center (+61 02 9101 1948 ) for American Airlines and the Japan call center (+81 0570 077733) for Delta.

Remember to add or remove the necessary zeros before the phone number if you're calling from the U.S.

Use the Spanish line

You can also try the foreign language-speaking agents for U.S. airlines, especially if you speak multiple languages. But if you are in a pinch, know these agents will also generally speak English. We don't recommend this as a first step. However, if all else fails and you have the option to push two for Spanish, try that way to get quick help when the English line is hopelessly backed up.

Bottom line

Elite status members of an airline's frequent flyer program usually have access to different phone numbers and can enjoy shorter wait times and potentially better service. Not everyone has elite status, but even elite members may face a lengthy queue during peak times.

Whether you have airline elite status or not, there is usually more than one way to get help from an airline customer service agent. It pays to know of a Plan B or even C if you need help in a hurry and can't otherwise get through.

Related reading:

• Frontier drops customer service calling, but does its online chat work?
• Southwest Airlines customer service woes: From getting refunds to missing bags
• Customers are even more dissatisfied with airlines this year, J.D. Power says

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Amex travel: when it makes sense & how to find the best deals.

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When you think of American Express, charge cards and credit cards probably come to mind. Many people don’t realize that 50+ years before they got into the consumer credit card game, American Express was in the travel agency business dating back to 1915. Today, that service still exists, and it’s called American Express Travel, or Amex Travel for short.

Amex Travel is available to anyone who wants to use it for a nominal fee. But if you have one of the American Express credit cards , the fees are waived, and you get to enjoy a few additional travel perks.

Keep reading to learn the basics of Amex Travel, the costs associated with it, the services it offers, and — most importantly — when using it makes sense.

What is Amex Travel?

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Amex Travel is an OTA, or Online Travel Agency, and you can think of it like the original Expedia or Orbitz. It’s a service that can help you plan and book all sorts of travel, such as flights, hotels and resorts, rental cars, cruises, flight and hotel packages, or even an entire trip package. As mentioned, it’s available for anyone to use, although Amex cardholders can get significantly more value from it.

How to book with Amex Travel

Services can be booked online or by phone. To book online, simply visit the American Express Travel website . Or you can call Amex Travel's customer service toll-free at 800-297-2977. 

Amex Travel fees

There’s a nominal fee to use the service, which is built into the cost of the ticket, whether you book online or call. Just note: If you call to speak with a representative to book your travel, there’s an additional $39 fee.

These fees are waived if you have  The Platinum Card ® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express , or The Centurion ® Card from American Express .

To me, the fees are usually worth it for many people, since you’ll have a knowledgeable American Express representative available 24/7 should something go wrong and you need help to resolve the issue in real time.

Searching for flights with Amex Travel is like using any other online travel site. You can search one-way, round-trip, or multi-city flights. Personally, if I need to connect, I try to find a connection that has an Amex Centurion Lounge. These lounges are among the best, and Platinum and Centurion cardholders get in for free.

You can also do specific city or airport searches (don’t rule out a city search, as a regional airport might offer a better value ), select your departure and return dates, and opt for a three-day search to find the lowest fare.

Once the results populate, you’ll notice Delta flights appear at the top as a “featured airline.” This is because of the partnership between Delta and American Express (which has recently been extended through 2029). Under the featured airline, you’ll see more results, starting with the lowest fares. You can also filter the results by the number of stops, departure/arrival times, specific flight number, and airline.

If you’re logged in, you may see discounted fares if you have enough Membership Rewards to cover the cost of the flight, or you may see an insider fare offering a deeper discount. If you decide to use your Membership Rewards to book a flight, you can expect a value of one cent to 1.05 cents per point. Not necessarily the best value or use of points, but it might make sense, depending on your travel plans. I tend to find the best value when transferring Membership Rewards to one of the many airline partners of American Express .

Amex Travel fees to book flights

American Express charges a flat fee of $6.99 per domestic ticket and $10.99 per international ticket, which are bundled into the price of the flight. These fees are waived for Platinum and Centurion cardholders.

Next up, let’s take a look at flight and hotel packages. Just like other online travel sites, you can book flight and hotel packages through Amex Travel. Besides the incredible service, you can often receive exclusive perks, discounts, and special promotions as well.

The rates you’ll see in the results field will show a total per person, which is inclusive of all taxes and fees with the cheapest flight option appearing first. Once you select a hotel, you can choose a specific flight, and the price will adjust accordingly.

I’ve found that sometimes you can save a few hundred dollars by booking flights and hotels separately, but it takes a little patience and time to compare pricing and options. You also tend to have a bit less flexibility if you book a package deal instead of booking separately, so be sure to read the fine print and consider the limitations before booking a package deal.

Amex Travel fees to book flight and hotel packages

The fee structure is the same as booking a flight reservation, which means $6.99 per domestic ticket or $10.99 per international ticket (bundled into the cost of the flight). Fees for Platinum and Centurion cardholders are waived.

Now let’s get into what I tend to use Amex Travel for the most — hotel searches.

Option #1: Standard booking

To start your search, input the city, dates, number of rooms, and number of guests. The search results will be based on price, reviews, and location and will populate a list of “recommended” at the top of the results.

Amex Travel fees to book hotels

Rates can get a little confusing, as Amex Travel doesn’t include all fees and taxes on the results page (you have to select and click through to see them). I’ve found the pricing to be similar to other online travel sites and almost always a little higher than booking directly with the hotel.

This might make sense for you depending on your needs, such as wanting to book an independent hotel or if you aren’t in the loyalty program. Personally, I prefer taking advantage of a different program offered through Amex Travel called Fine Hotels & Resorts, which I’ll get to in a bit.

Option #2: The Hotel Collection

Using Amex Travel to access The Hotel Collection guarantees the lowest rates when you book a prepaid rate, plus a few premium perks.

The benefits include:

• Room upgrades at check-in (based on availability)
• $100 hotel credit (good for things like dining or the spa)
• Amex Gold Card members earn 2X Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings
• Amex Platinum Card members earn 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid bookings
• Easily redeem your points to reserve prepaid bookings

While standard Amex Travel hotel bookings are available to anyone, The Hotel Collection is only available to cardholders with one of the following cards:

• American Express ® Gold Card
• American Express ® Business Gold Card

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

• The Business Platinum Card ® from American Express
• The Centurion ® Card from American Express

Some potential downsides of The Hotel Collection are that you’ll need to book prepaid rates to get the benefits, you won’t earn hotel loyalty benefits, and there’s a two-night minimum stay policy. On the plus side, you can receive benefits for up to three rooms, which is excellent if you’re traveling with a family or as part of a group.

Option #3: Fine Hotels & Resorts program

By far my favorite part of Amex Travel is the Fine Hotels & Resorts program. While there’s some overlap between this program and The Hotel Collection, the Fine Hotels & Resorts program is designed more for the leisure travel crowd who want higher-end properties and other luxury benefits.

Here are the standout perks:

• Noon check-in (based on availability)
• Room upgrades (based on availability)
• Daily breakfast for two
• Guaranteed 4 pm late check-out
• Complimentary WiFi
• Unique amenity (usually $100 spa or dining credit)
• You can enjoy these perks and earn points/stay credits from hotel loyalty programs (just be sure to add your loyalty number to the reservation)

The Fine Hotels & Resorts program is limited to cardholders who have one of the following cards:

With Fine Hotels & Resorts, you don’t have to prepay to receive the benefits, and I've found the pricing is almost always identical to the rates when booking directly with the hotel (so why not take advantage of all the extra perks?). Cardholders can now also book stays through Fine Hotels & Resorts using Membership Rewards. It may not be the best value (one cent per point redemption) or use of points, but it’s an option to keep in mind.

Searching for a rental car via Amex Travel is as simple as entering an airport, city, or nearby address and then seeing a handful of options instantly come up in the search results.

This can be especially helpful when trying to find the closest car rental in a remote location. I’ve found these rates to be similar and sometimes even a buck or two lower than booking directly with the car rental company.

When you search for a cruise on Amex Travel, the results will be based on the lowest available rate, and if you hover your mouse over the rate, it will show all available cabin types with prices (cruises can be complex with so many cabin options). I’ve found the rates to be nearly identical when booking with Amex Travel as they are when booking directly.

By booking a cruise through Amex Travel, you’ll also receive a special onboard amenity, higher onboard credits, or premium champagne. It’s worth nothing this program is more restricted than Fine Hotels & Resorts and is only available on specific cruises.

1. You value customer service above price

Amex Travel has a track record of providing exemplary customer service. This is especially true if problems arise when you’re traveling. Having 24/7 access to a knowledgeable representative for assistance can give you peace of mind. As the saying goes, “You get what you pay for,” and in my experience, that’s been true with American Express.

2. You’ll earn bonus rewards as an American Express cardholder

American Express cardholders can enjoy all that Amex Travel has to offer without paying any of the fees for using its services. Not only can you snag some serious deals this way, but you can also earn rewards on every dollar spent. It’s a great way to pad your rewards account for your next trip.

3. You’re booking a cruise and want extra onboard perks

If you’re looking into a cruise, doing so through Amex Travel can secure extra perks for when you’re ready to set sail. Be sure to check on the cruise special offers page during your search.

4. You’re looking for luxury hotel perks and service

If your travel style appreciates the finer things, such as complimentary made-fresh breakfast and room upgrades with a view, the Fine Hotels & Resorts program can help you book hotel stays that are sure to please without paying extra for additional perks and service.

5. Price match

Despite its limitations, one great thing when booking a prepaid hotel room is the price-match guarantee. If your reservation details are found at a lower price, Amex Travel will match the price as long as the details line up.

Do I need an American Express card to use Amex Travel services?

You don’t have to have an American Express card to use Amex Travel services. But you will need an American Express card and a bank of Membership Rewards points if you want to pay for your travel using points. If you have an American Express card, you may also be able to take advantage of additional deals and earn more points when making a reservation through the site.

For example, American Express ® Gold Card members would earn 3X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com and have access to all the benefits and perks of the Hotel Collection.

Does American Express Travel have offices?

American Express Travel used to have physical locations where you could visit and make your travel arrangements. The last of these offices closed in 2013, but since then Amex has built partnerships with travel agencies and agents to create a Travel Insiders program. Now, if you’re looking for an office to visit, you can use the Travel Services Locator tool on their website and find a partner agency to help with your trip planning.

What is the phone number for American Express Travel?

To book or change a reservation with American Express Travel, call 1-800-297-2977.

Does Amex travel charge a fee to book a flight?

American Express Travel does add fees if you book a flight using its services. If you book through the website, you can expect an additional $6.99 for each domestic ticket and $10.99 for each international ticket. 

If you make a flight or complete a trip reservation by phone, you may be charged a $39 fee per ticket or transaction. Also, if you need to change your flight, Amex may also add a $39 fee to re-issue each ticket. This is in addition to any change fees the airline might charge.

Is Amex travel more expensive?

It’s hard to give a yes or no answer to this question, as rates and deals vary from day-to-day and from one travel booking website to the next. It’s always smart to first shop around to find the range of prices for your travel plans, and then make decisions about what to book.

For American Express cardholders, the company offers a guarantee for the lowest price on prepaid hotel reservations. To get this, you have to file a claim with information showing a lower price for the exact dates and other specifications. If approved, you’ll get a credit for the difference between what you paid and the lower price.

As someone who has searched high and low on every online booking site for many trips, I can confidently say Amex Travel is worth it in many instances — especially if you’re an Amex cardholder.

If you don’t currently have an Amex card, I’d encourage you to compare rates on other booking sites before settling on booking through Amex Travel. While the perks and service are incredible, there are instances where it may not provide the best value or rate options, meaning you could pay less by booking your travels through a different site. Still, if you’re looking to book a trip with a premium support helpline, this service could be a good choice for you.

If you travel often, it may be worth applying for an American Express card so that you can book through Amex Travel. Further, these are some of the best travel credit cards for earning rewards. There are several options, including some with no foreign transaction fees and no annual fees. That way, you can get the Membership Rewards points from your regular spending and use them to save on your travel purchases.

Luxury Travel Benefits

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Current Offer

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 on purchases on your new card in the first 6 months

Rewards Rate

• 5X points per dollar spent on eligible airfare (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and eligible hotel purchases, and 1X points per dollar on all other eligible purchases
• Select your metal card design: classic Platinum Card, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu
• 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amextravel.com (on up to $500,000 per calendar year, after that 1X) and prepaid hotels booked on Amextravel.com
• Access to Centurion and Priority Pass airport lounges
• Select benefits require enrollment.
• High annual fee
• Terms apply

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How can I contact American Express Customer Service?

It’s easy to connect with an American Express Representative by phone. Personal credit card users can access 24/7 support by calling 1-800-528-4800. You can also correspond online with American Express Customer Service representatives 24/7 by logging into your existing account dashboard or through your mobile app and clicking on the “Chat” icon in the bottom corner of your home screen.

American Express’s customer service is noted for its general excellence. Account holders typically report high levels of satisfaction with their customer service experiences. One reason is because American Express offers its customers a variety of ways to get in touch. Customers may connect with representatives by:

• Online Chat
• Social Media

In order to access many of these channels, you must be an American Express account holder. Not yet an American Express account holder? Find out how likely you are to qualify .

Otherwise, read on to learn more about connecting with American Express Customer Service.

How can I get the fastest customer service?

The fastest way to get customer service is to call the phone number connected to your specific account type. American Express customer service makes it easy to connect with live human help by channeling accounting holders to specific customer services departments. So for the most efficient help, your best bet is to check out the American Express directory of numbers.

You’ll find contact numbers for every type of credit card that American Express offers along with hours of availability, options for hearing impaired customers, and alternative automated calling systems if you just wish to make payments over the phone.

American Express offers unique phone numbers for Personal Cards, Corporate Business Accounts (1-800-528-2122), Traveler Rewards Cards (1-800-297-2977) and Membership Rewards Cards (1-800-297-3276). But really, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

The phone numbers listed in the American Express customer services directory include specific departments for small businesses, merchants, and those who use AmEx for their accounts payable solutions. You can also find specific phone numbers for booking cruises, managing personal loans, and much more.

Still shopping around for the right American Express Card? Check out this list of 30 questions you should ask before settling on the right credit card offer for you.

How can I contact American Express customer service online?

You may contact American Express Customer Service online using the “Chat” feature on your American Express website account dashboard. In order to use the Chat feature, you must be an account holder with access to your online account portal. If you already have an American Express card, but you have not yet created an online account, you can register here .

Once you have created an account, you will not only be able to manage payments, request higher credit limits, redeem rewards and and replace lost or stolen cards through your online dashboard, but you will also be able to use the online “Chat” feature to contact 24/7 customer service. Simply locate the “Chat” icon on the bottom of your homepage to initiate a conversation.

How can I connect with American Express Customer Service using my mobile app?

Once you have an American Express account, you’ll want to grab the AmEx mobile app for your smartphone or tablet. The mobile app gives you the power to manage your account, make payments, request credit limit increases, and replace lost or stolen cards all while on the go. And the mobile app also offers direct access to a 24/7 Chat feature. Find the “Chat” icon on the top right corner of your mobile app, click it, and connect with American Express customer service.

How can I connect with American Express on Social Media?

American Express also invites its customers to reach out directly through a number of leading social media channels in order to engage on a variety of topics. Customers may use these channels to engage directly with public facing company representatives.

For instance, American Express has a publicly accessible Facebook page on which customers are free to share their views–both positive and negative–on the company, their experiences as customers, and their views on the company’s policies writ large. A quick scan of comments on the page shows that American Express representatives are highly responsive to customer feedback of all shapes and sizes.

At one time, American Express also operated a Twitter page called Ask AmEx. This page is no longer active, instead directing visitors, “For Amex service, please contact us directly by phone, app or at http://amex.co/contactus .”

And in general, American Express strongly advises its customers to reach on through more private channels to address personal customer service matters. According to its own community service guidelines, “For customer care inquiries specific to your account, please call the number on the back of your Card, chat with us on americanexpress.com or within our mobile app . If you have a Card issue from an American Express Network Partner, please contact your issuer by calling the number on the back of your Card.”

How can I contact American Express Customer Service by mail?

You may contact American Express Customer Service by mail. If this is your preferred form of correspondence, you may send communications, forms, and documents to the following address:

American Express P.O. Box 981535 El Paso, TX 79998-1535

Protect Your Privacy

Before corresponding and transmitting personal information through any of these channels, be sure that you’ve taken all the appropriate steps to protect your privacy, your identity, and your account information. American Express stresses the importance of protecting your privacy, especially when corresponding through its social media channels.

In its Community Guidelines statement , American Express advises account holders to “protect your privacy and don’t share personal information about you, your family, or others on the American Express Facebook page. For example, you should never post your Card number, Social Security Number, phone number, or other non-public personal information about yourself or anyone else.”

While it may seem obvious that you shouldn’t share your Social Security Number on Facebook, there are plenty of far less obvious ways that identity thieves, hackers, and credit card scammers can steal your information. To learn more, and keep yourself safe, check out our list of ten ways you can protect yourself against credit card fraud.

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