The Platinum Card from American Express has been going all out to provide travelers with every available luxury. One of the ways that it has increased its value to cardholders has been to provide them with a $200 credit towards many airline fees. While this generous credit goes a long way towards offsetting this card’s $450 annual fee, there are some nuances to its terms that must be understood in order to utilize this benefit.
How To Receive The Fee Credit
First, Platinum cardholders must select an airline with which to apply the fee credit. This can be done by calling American Express or this task can be performed online. Once the selection has been made, it can only be changed once a year, in January. After choosing an airline, cardholders will automatically receive a statement credit for all eligible fees charged to that carrier with their Platinum Card, up to $200 a year.
Which Charges Are Eligible
Unfortunately, it is difficult to quickly discern which charges qualify for the fee credit and which do not. Eligible charges include baggage fees, change fees, phone reservation fees, pet fees, airport lounge passes and annual memberships, seat assignment fees In-flight amenity fees such as beverages, food, and entertainment fees are reimbursable.
Which Charges Are Not Applicable
While seatback entertainment charges do apply, the same is not true of wireless Internet service. This is because, as a general rule, charges that do not directly bill to the airline are not reimbursable. Since most airlines use third party Internet providers, their charges will not count towards cardholder’s fee credits. Other ineligible charges include those made to partner carriers. For example, if one were to purchase a ticket from United Airlines, but charge food on a partner flight operated by US Airways, the charge would not be reimbursed. In the same way, trip insurance and baggage insurance are charged to third parties and are ineligible for reimbursement.
Yet there are also many airline charges that are also not reimbursed. Ticket purchases and award ticket fees do not qualify. While assignment fees for premium seats within the ticketed class of service are reimbursable, any fees to upgrade to a different class are not. Finally, gift card purchases are intelligible.
By learning the details of the Platinum Card’s airline fee credit program, cardholders can fully utilize this unique benefit. Current cardholders can learn more at http://www304.americanexpress.com/getthecard/learn-about/Platinum-Card/25330
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
Related Articles
About the author
Jason Steele is a freelance journalist specializing in personal finance and travel and is recognized as an expert in credit cards. He is a regular contributor to many of the top personal finance sites such as Wise Bread and Money Talks News. His work has been frequently carried on mainstream news outlets such as MSN Money, Yahoo, Finance, and Business insider.
Jason lives in Denver Colorado with his wife and two daughters.
Jason Steele – has written 119 posts.
