Platinum (USA) refresh 10.6.2016: Personal 5X airfare; Business $0.02 Pay with Points
#46
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: DCA
Posts: 818
TPG is reporting that the Biz Plat will also get an expansion of the MR travel redemption rebate from 30% to 50%:
http://thepointsguy.com/2016/10/amex...um-5x-airfare/
http://thepointsguy.com/2016/10/amex...um-5x-airfare/
#47
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,883
#48
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: LAX/JFK/SFO
Programs: Amex Plat, Hyatt, IHG cards
Posts: 120
I'm not sure that 5x MRs is enough for me to accept the lack of delay insurance. The last ticket I booked on Platinum (to meet minimum spend) was a delay/cancellation/rebooking nightmare.
#50
#51
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend; Moderator: American Express, Capital One, Citi, Chase, Credit Card Programs, Diners Club, Signatures
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,883
American Express does not know how you book, only if the transaction is submitted by an airline. Most (not all) tickets purchased through agencies are billed by the carrier. How do you want to be able to book?
In any event, the pattern of these announcements suggests that American Express is not focused on the churners who pursue signup bonuses or pay for tickets with miles.
In any event, the pattern of these announcements suggests that American Express is not focused on the churners who pursue signup bonuses or pay for tickets with miles.
#53
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: FL
Programs: AA EXP, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Plat, IC Plat Amb, HH Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 1,299
#56
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,628
#57
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: BNA
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Bonvoy Plat, HHonors Diamond, DL Gold
Posts: 383
With all the negative changes and devaluations to loyalty programs and reward credit cards, it is refreshing to see a positive development for the American Express Platinum. The airline spend benefit enhancement give me reason to actually put spend on the card for something; I had little reason before.
It would be better if there is more to be announced than just 5 MR points on airline spend, as the card will stay at home for most everything else. I also hope this new benefit doesn't come with an increased annual fee.
It would be better if there is more to be announced than just 5 MR points on airline spend, as the card will stay at home for most everything else. I also hope this new benefit doesn't come with an increased annual fee.
#58
Moderator: Manufactured Spending
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 6,576
While this is a great benefit for those who pay cash for tickets, I'm struggling to see how it makes sense for Amex. At 5x, even if you value MR at 1 cent each, that's 5% back. There's no way their swipe fees are that high, so this is a loss leader for them. The point of a loss leader is to get people to also buy other products that they can make money on, but I don't think this will increase spending in other categories. People will put their airfare on the card and continue to use other cards for everything else. Perhaps a few people who fly often will sign up for the card specifically for this benefit, but they are likely to cost Amex a lot unless the benefit is capped. I'm just not seeing how this is going to be sustainable.
#59
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 207
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: GE, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 15,486