FLYaway3x
Oct 13, 09, 7:05 am
Had a great CTS agent, who I still use privately even though Centurion canned her and half of the office she works at. She is really an excellent agent and landed on her feet at a very respected luxury travel group (which usually requires a retainer) with offices in NY and FL. While they can book FHR and Vituoso benefits they cannot book special air since Amex has restricted that "benefit". In the meantime I was reassigned a a new agent, the first was a girl who sounds like she is straight out of highschool and tried to put my wife on two connecting flights to the Maldives -- including one in Sri Lankan Airlines -- all in coach when I asked for a 1 stop in First. She was canned a few weeks later and I was reassigned a moron who barely speaks English.
As I would be working very late last week every night, I stupidly had my assistant book a 3 night stay at the St. Regis NYC (since the Peninsula - my normal hotel was booked) through CTS. I did find out there was a "3rd night free" offer. I was pretty happy with this and the rate I got for a suite (which CTS assured me was in the 3rd night policy). Upon checkin I was surprised there was no acknowledgement of centurion benefits (or an upgrade for a 70% occupied hotel)--but there isn't always one. Yesterday, when checking out, the front desk manager hands me a bill without credits for breakfast, or a 3rd night free. When I mention this, they respond that I was booked under a regular rack rate and need some proof that the rate CTS was supposed to book was booked. I was late for dinner with my wife and had thrown out my reservation and my laptop was in my car. After being kind enough to call CTS and waiting on hold for 10 mins (while I was standing there) they hung up (without speaking to any rep) and took my word for it.
I easily spend over $1mm per year on my AMEX and since 1984 have not had a single late payment. I don't think I am going to renew my card next year if AMEX keeps this crap up.
As I would be working very late last week every night, I stupidly had my assistant book a 3 night stay at the St. Regis NYC (since the Peninsula - my normal hotel was booked) through CTS. I did find out there was a "3rd night free" offer. I was pretty happy with this and the rate I got for a suite (which CTS assured me was in the 3rd night policy). Upon checkin I was surprised there was no acknowledgement of centurion benefits (or an upgrade for a 70% occupied hotel)--but there isn't always one. Yesterday, when checking out, the front desk manager hands me a bill without credits for breakfast, or a 3rd night free. When I mention this, they respond that I was booked under a regular rack rate and need some proof that the rate CTS was supposed to book was booked. I was late for dinner with my wife and had thrown out my reservation and my laptop was in my car. After being kind enough to call CTS and waiting on hold for 10 mins (while I was standing there) they hung up (without speaking to any rep) and took my word for it.
I easily spend over $1mm per year on my AMEX and since 1984 have not had a single late payment. I don't think I am going to renew my card next year if AMEX keeps this crap up.