If you have an American Express credit card, you can use it to book prepaid flights, hotels, cruises, rental cars and vacation packages through Amex Travel.
For American Express Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders, you can also use the Amex Travel portal to book The Hotel Collection prepaid rates, which include perks like a complimentary room upgrade. However, these rates aren’t usually eligible for hotel loyalty points and may require upfront payments.
Flights
When you have an American Express card, you get access to a few extra perks when booking travel through Amex Travel. They include a 35% rebate on flights booked through the portal when you pay with points (it’s available for The Business Platinum Card, too).
Amex Travel also has some great award flight search tools that allow you to compare prices from multiple sources. They don’t always have the lowest fares, but they do offer decent rates on Star Alliance partners without fuel surcharges.
In addition, the site lets you bid on upgrades using your points. This can save you up to 35% off your base price on flights with certain airlines, such as Virgin Australia.
Hotels
Hotels can be a great way to use Amex travel. If you have a card that lets you book stays through the Hotel Collection or Fine Hotels and Resorts, you’ll be able to take advantage of perks like early check-in and guaranteed late checkout.
To find available properties, visit the Amex Travel portal and type your destination and dates into a search field. You can also filter results by name, price, star rating and Amex recommendation to narrow down your options.
You can also book stays through the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program using Membership Rewards points. You’ll get less value per point than booking through the Amex Travel portal, but it’s a good option if you’re looking for a nice hotel and don’t mind paying a little extra.
Rental Cars
The right credit card can make a world of difference when you rent a car. Whether you want to save on rental fees, earn points or enjoy elite status, there are many great options out there.
The Platinum Card(r) from American Express is the best option for car hire benefits, offering complimentary premium status with Avis, Hertz and National. These perks include discounts, upgrade options and access to special airport car services.
It also includes collision damage waiver (CDW) and loss damage waiver (LDW) coverage, which covers damage to or theft of a rental car while in your possession. Be sure to read the fine print and pay attention to any timeframes or country exclusions, as these nuances can mean the difference between getting covered and not.
Cruises
American Express offers a travel portal that lets cardholders book cruises, flights, hotels, vacation packages and rental cars. It also provides an easy way to earn Membership Rewards points when booking.
If you have an American Express credit card, it may be worth using this service to book a cruise, especially if there are special offers. However, you should be careful not to rely on it solely to plan your trip.
If you’re an American Express Platinum or Centurion cardholder, you can receive up to $300 in shipboard credits when you book a Cunard cruise. This offer is valid for new CPP bookings of at least five nights.
Travel Insurance
If something unexpected happens while you’re away, travel insurance can provide the relief you need. Depending on your card, you’ll get a range of protections from trip delay and cancellation to emergency medical assistance.
In addition, some cards offer car rental insurance, which reimburses for damage to your rental. You should read the card’s guide to benefits carefully to determine whether or not it offers this coverage.
Amex Basic Travel Insurance is an economy plan that includes moderate coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, as well as post-departure benefits like emergency medical and baggage. It also offers some trip delay coverage, up to $500 per ticket, and is available for trips that are delayed by six hours or more due to a covered reason.
Amex Silver Travel Insurance is similar to the Basic package but offers higher levels of trip cancellation and medical coverage. It also covers global baggage and provides worldwide travel assistance services.
