Amex Skyguide Executive Privilege Club
Jun 6, 2010, 9:25 am
#106
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,038
Interesting, I just received this offer as well for my HH Amex card. Now it sounds like the lounge access is a bit of a hassle, but you evventually get your money back. Well worth it IMO for some domestic travel where I don't always have lounge access. Maybe I'll give it a shot, $30 is worth the risk.
Jun 21, 2010, 3:07 pm
#107
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SEA
Posts: 70
They do reimburse...
Following the comments from others in this thread, I've been a member of the Skyguide club for about a year now, and I can confirm that they DO reimburse airport lounge visits. I have used certified mail to submit receipts.
Filling out the paperwork is a bit of a pain, and their customer service line can't tell me what the renewal rate is right now (!), but at least they have a live customer service line, and I've always received a prompt and polite response from the phone reps.
If you're thinking about joining, just weigh the time you'll spend submitting receipts with the payoff of the reimbursements. I've found the Skyguide program to be a nice way to get into lounges while traveling alone, but the Amex Platinum or another kind of lounge pass works better if you normally travel with a companion. And, if you travel more than once a month or you don't like filling out paperwork and waiting for rebates, then you may want to look elsewhere.
Filling out the paperwork is a bit of a pain, and their customer service line can't tell me what the renewal rate is right now (!), but at least they have a live customer service line, and I've always received a prompt and polite response from the phone reps.
If you're thinking about joining, just weigh the time you'll spend submitting receipts with the payoff of the reimbursements. I've found the Skyguide program to be a nice way to get into lounges while traveling alone, but the Amex Platinum or another kind of lounge pass works better if you normally travel with a companion. And, if you travel more than once a month or you don't like filling out paperwork and waiting for rebates, then you may want to look elsewhere.
Jun 25, 2010, 5:17 am
#108
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
During my first year @2.99 + 29.99, I was able to use 3 airport lounges/month; after submitting the paperwork, I got reimbursed promptly. After I renewed ($59.95/year), the system changed to 1 lounge/per month, so I cancelled and got a full refund even though I used a few lounges.^
[A round trip, would require count for two accesses, if you used lounges at each end.]
The program also includes health clubs (if you use one), once a month.
If you can live with the new parameters, it is a super deal.
PS: For my first years fee of $33, I got reimbursed for > $500^.
[I sent all documents (after making copies) via regular mail, and had NO problems, except my first mailing to them I addressed it to the attention of Justin Horn, it should have been Justin Hom (on my computer screen rn looked lime m)--so they refused delivery and had the letter returned, I then just cut and pasted the address from the website.]
[A round trip, would require count for two accesses, if you used lounges at each end.]
The program also includes health clubs (if you use one), once a month.
If you can live with the new parameters, it is a super deal.
PS: For my first years fee of $33, I got reimbursed for > $500^.
[I sent all documents (after making copies) via regular mail, and had NO problems, except my first mailing to them I addressed it to the attention of Justin Horn, it should have been Justin Hom (on my computer screen rn looked lime m)--so they refused delivery and had the letter returned, I then just cut and pasted the address from the website.]
Jun 27, 2010, 11:23 am
#109
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,038
During my first year @2.99 + 29.99, I was able to use 3 airport lounges/month; after submitting the paperwork, I got reimbursed promptly. After I renewed ($59.95/year), the system changed to 1 lounge/per month, so I cancelled and got a full refund even though I used a few lounges.^
[A round trip, would require count for two accesses, if you used lounges at each end.]
The program also includes health clubs (if you use one), once a month.
If you can live with the new parameters, it is a super deal.
PS: For my first years fee of $33, I got reimbursed for > $500^.
[I sent all documents (after making copies) via regular mail, and had NO problems, except my first mailing to them I addressed it to the attention of Justin Horn, it should have been Justin Hom (on my computer screen rn looked lime m)--so they refused delivery and had the letter returned, I then just cut and pasted the address from the website.]
[A round trip, would require count for two accesses, if you used lounges at each end.]
The program also includes health clubs (if you use one), once a month.
If you can live with the new parameters, it is a super deal.
PS: For my first years fee of $33, I got reimbursed for > $500^.
[I sent all documents (after making copies) via regular mail, and had NO problems, except my first mailing to them I addressed it to the attention of Justin Horn, it should have been Justin Hom (on my computer screen rn looked lime m)--so they refused delivery and had the letter returned, I then just cut and pasted the address from the website.]
Jun 27, 2010, 11:42 pm
#110
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: jfk area
Programs: AA platinum; 2MM AA, Delta Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 10,291
Aug 9, 2010, 4:27 am
#111
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,676
I received an offer in the mail today. I have a Citi AA AMX and an SPG AMX - neither have had significant activity after reaching the bonus mileage req.
My actual offer says nothing about reimbursed access to lounges, only:
* 2 Free Airline Companion Tickets
* 2 Months Free Membership in Skyguide Executive Privilege Club ($2.99 processing fee then $29 first year and renewing annually at the then current rate ($59.95))
* Concierge Service
* Travel services including negotiated deals with Avis, Hertz, Commonwealth Worldwide and the Luggage Club
* Members-only savings on superior business luggage, golf equipment, gym and ariport lounge access and more
The website (http://www.skyguideclub.com/shopping/partner.aspx?id=48) however does state a daily membership reimbursement but does not say anything about a limit (1/mo or 3/mo). However the website rate (after the two free months) is a "special rate of $199.00". LOL
Seems the information about this program (both mailing and website) is pretty poor.
As I sat here an evaluate joining I realized my concern is that I don't want to discover the tickets are unusable and feel like a sucker (even if it is only $29). :P
My actual offer says nothing about reimbursed access to lounges, only:
* 2 Free Airline Companion Tickets
* 2 Months Free Membership in Skyguide Executive Privilege Club ($2.99 processing fee then $29 first year and renewing annually at the then current rate ($59.95))
* Concierge Service
* Travel services including negotiated deals with Avis, Hertz, Commonwealth Worldwide and the Luggage Club
* Members-only savings on superior business luggage, golf equipment, gym and ariport lounge access and more
The website (http://www.skyguideclub.com/shopping/partner.aspx?id=48) however does state a daily membership reimbursement but does not say anything about a limit (1/mo or 3/mo). However the website rate (after the two free months) is a "special rate of $199.00". LOL
Seems the information about this program (both mailing and website) is pretty poor.
As I sat here an evaluate joining I realized my concern is that I don't want to discover the tickets are unusable and feel like a sucker (even if it is only $29). :P
Aug 9, 2010, 4:35 am
#112
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,676
just signed up for the 60 day offer for $1....does anyone have more info on the 2 free companion tickets????i'm pretty sure i won't be able to buy my first ticket at the cheapest available fare but if i don't mind if i end up saving a few bucks....
Aug 9, 2010, 8:16 am
#113
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Aug 10, 2010, 7:18 am
#115
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Indianapolis
Programs: SPG Plat; Delta Silver; US Air: Silver
Posts: 1
Use it all the time
I use the SkyGuide Exec Club all the time. I pay $29.95/year but take advantage of both the Airport Club reimbursement (AA & United only since I have an Amex Plat) and more importantly gym reimbursement. In places like Vegas, it is always $25 - $35 per use and Skyguide will reimburse you up to 2 $25 uses per month. It is a great program, but only if you get it for the ~$30 per year.
Aug 10, 2010, 8:53 am
#116
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Chapel Hill, NC--
Posts: 169
I tried the executive priv club. They do have an AMEX card member rate of $90 a year or similar. I joined for the club/gym, reimbursement... tried it two or three times and never received any reimbursement.
I was never reimbursed for my gym/club visits...after mailing in multiple receipts. I would recommend taking the certified mail approach if you choose to try this thing.
That was the end of that.
I needn't mention the companion ticket...
Buyer beware all the way around on this. AMEX should disassociate themselves with this program.
I was never reimbursed for my gym/club visits...after mailing in multiple receipts. I would recommend taking the certified mail approach if you choose to try this thing.
That was the end of that.
I needn't mention the companion ticket...
Buyer beware all the way around on this. AMEX should disassociate themselves with this program.
Last edited by mia; Aug 10, 2010 at 1:54 pm Reason: Combined two posts after merging threads
Aug 11, 2010, 12:34 am
#117
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: AMEX PLT, AA PPro, Spire AMB
Posts: 1,617
Skyguide has been great so far
1 lounge reimursements a month and 1 gym pass a month...supplements my 24hr fitness membership when I need to go to ultra sport.
just had a minor hiccup when i sent in 2 lounge accesses from the tail end of may and beginning of june.
sent them 3 separate reimbursements in one envelope and they just reimbursed the 20 for the gym. they are trying to fix the 2 lounge reimbursements for $100 total.
So use certified mail FOR SURE, and they will reimburse.
1 lounge reimursements a month and 1 gym pass a month...supplements my 24hr fitness membership when I need to go to ultra sport.
just had a minor hiccup when i sent in 2 lounge accesses from the tail end of may and beginning of june.
sent them 3 separate reimbursements in one envelope and they just reimbursed the 20 for the gym. they are trying to fix the 2 lounge reimbursements for $100 total.
So use certified mail FOR SURE, and they will reimburse.
Oct 4, 2010, 7:21 pm
#118
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
the Fall 2010 issue of Extra, the thin quarterly publication send to Skyguide Executive Privilege Club subscribers, has a piece on page three about the lounge reimbursement program. The language is different than I remember:
Members may receive reimbursement for daily guest passes up to 12 times per calendar year. This is more flexible than the previous one visit per month terminology.
However, they twice use the terminology airline-run airport lounge which would seem to rule out independent lounges, such as those operated by Servisair. Any recent experience submitting claims for visits to lounges not affiliated with an airline?
Members may receive reimbursement for daily guest passes up to 12 times per calendar year. This is more flexible than the previous one visit per month terminology.
However, they twice use the terminology airline-run airport lounge which would seem to rule out independent lounges, such as those operated by Servisair. Any recent experience submitting claims for visits to lounges not affiliated with an airline?
Last edited by mia; Nov 15, 2010 at 6:05 am
Dec 22, 2010, 3:12 pm
#120
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: PHL
Programs: Marriott Lifetime PLT
Posts: 1,229
I used certified mail the first time or two, but became too lazy to go to the post office, so I started sending via regular mail. I have received at least 8 reimbursements for non-certified mail with no issues. It does take several weeks minimum before I receive the check though.
Not saying certified mail is not a good idea... but just sharing my experience.
Not saying certified mail is not a good idea... but just sharing my experience.