American Express Membership Rewards - Centurion Loses Luster

With the airline mergers pending, and the ability of mist airlines and hotels to comp status -- I don;t see the value of Cneturion unless they add soemthing else.

Anything more pending?

When was the last time you were comped to mid-level elite status on four airlines simultaneously? Tack on lounge access, Platinum status with Starwood and an Intercontinental SCC membership (for starters), and the card does pay for itself.

If and when mergers go through, the value of the card may be reduced. But my US SWU's arrived as expected ten days ago, despite my flying 1000 miles on US last year.

For the time being, it's money well spent.

Lounge access comes with the Platinum card. I was just comped to USAIR Gold...I'm sure I could get comped to ojters if I needed to. I guess Starwood Platinum is the only thing I'd use...not much for $1,000 when as a Starwood Gold I get reasonably good upgrades, and travel mostly alone.

You don't rent cars? You can't use the Avis President's Club? Or the Hertz bennies? Or Hyatt Diamond?

But remember that one of the best Centurion benefits is that Amex will give you far, far better customer service as a Centurion member.

Originally posted by stimpy:
..Amex will give you far, far better customer service as a Centurion member.

I have had zero complaints with Amex Platinum Customer Service.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

This has been discussed many times.

My personal take on it is if you travel a lot, it is worth it.

If you do not travel, it is not.

Car upgrades, hotel upgrades, airline upgrades all add up individually. If you then use the buy 1 get 1 free air program then you are ahead of the game.

Customer service is good as is the Centurion Travel Services group.

I didn't know about Avis President's Club. I have Avis preferred which gets me a one class upgrade, so I usually book a 4 door for $37 and get a premium (Bonneville or LeSabre), when available (about 2/3rds) -- what does the P Club get?

Anyway, I wonder if they are going to do anything to compensate for the loss of TWA & UA?

Regarding Amex customer service problems!:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000388.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000293.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000244.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000208.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000195.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000122.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum69/HTML/000045.html

Needless to say, I am glad your experiences have been better! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

-Offered Centurian and declined it

Yet, as soon as they do IMPROVE, I'm ready to forgive and forget! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

doc,

Thanks for all the links http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif, but they really miss the point that sdix is making. The service level with Centurion really is different. I have had nothing but singular experiences as a Centurion member, and I haven't heard of any of these members badmouthing the Centurion service.

The cost/value debate of having a Centurion card will always remain open, and AMEX may continue to piss of more than a few members with their opaque responses to questions surrounding how one gets the card, but once in, the service is firmly and truly there.

Now in fairness to nologic's original post, it would seem reasonable to conclude that if two of the airlines (TW, US) on which the cardmember currently receives status are merged away, then unless they are replaced, some value was lost.

The real question is what are those two affiliations worth, and my inclination is to say not very much. Like many other FTers, I try to consolidate as much of my travel as possible on one or two preferred carriers. So having gold status on two or three extra carriers that I don't fly isn't really worth anything to me anyway (particularly if their upgrade certs aren't transferable).

[edited to add the last two paragraphs]


[This message has been edited by wigstheone (edited 03-07-2001).]

Here's an example of the great customer service:

While planning my trip to the SuperBowl, I thought I'd enlist the help of CTS in getting me there. Of course, I called on a Sunday, as I only knew that I was going after the Giants took the Vikings to town. The particular agent I called had such an attitude, claiming that I should only call on Sundays for "emergency travel need" and not something that can be booked during the week.

Really POed over this, I called customer service on Monday (how dare I call on a Sunday http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif), and was told that I would receive a call back later in the week. The front-line person on the phone was very apologetic, etc.

On Wednesday, I got a call from none other that Alfred F. Kelly, the director of consumer charge cards. Yada, yada, yada, we're going to credit $500 to your account for this event and give you 10,000 MR points. He also gave me his direct number and email if I have any other problems/questions/concerns.

Needless to say, I was pleased!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

NOLOGIC-
Did you get your comped status based on your Platinum card or for some other reason? Just wondering since I am considering getting the Plat card??? thanks

Comped becuase of American Advantage Platinum.

Nologic, What are you talking about...I have the AA World Platinum card...?

Originally posted by FunnyNYC:
Nologic, What are you talking about...I have the AA World Platinum card...?

I think no logic is talking about AAdvantage Platinum elite status, not a credit card. It is common practice for an airline to offer equivlent status based on status on a competing airline to try to win your business (Except most don't comp top-tier), but if you request it it is almost always a once-in-a-lifetime deal. Centurion status cards with airline isn't a requested comp, so you will get it every year as it is in the program, rather than one time only.

That's correct on all fronts.

Avis president's club is a double upgrade and a guaranteed car (even if the local Avis manager has to go and rent one from another agency).

Today at the Hertz counter in SJC without a reservation I showed my Centurion card and they gave me an Excursion for a compact rate. The lady at the counter said that she would run across the parking lot to bring the car over for me. I told her that I expected no less. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Then I told her to lighten up. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

People who never see a centurion card... will they know what that is? Most people heard of gold and platinum cards.. and they are everywhere. Some have credit limits of less than $1000.

Maybe that agent was looking for one herself... my experience is that most sales clerks either don't know what it is or don't care?

I have thought about this a lot.

I only fly AS and UAL and am already top level status on both. I only stay at Hilton and Starwood hotels and am already top level status on both. I only use Hertz and am already Hertz #1 Gold President's Club or whatever its called. I only use the RCC lounge and am already a member of that. I get more than enough free AS Club passes to get me through the year on those very rare occasions when I find myself stuck at ANC.

I am very happy with the level of service I received from all the programs in which I participate, so what useful value would I gain from getting a Centurion card?

I do, however, think I'll get a Sheraton AMEX to buff up my Starwood points.

What would I gai

Punki - how are you booking all those tickets? Are you using a travel agent that charges a $10-$25 fee for booking, as most travel agents seem to be doing now? If so, with Centurion you'd get your own dedicated travel agent and not pay those fees any more, which could easily cover the $1,000 membership fee.

No, BeantownFlyer, I book them all online at 1,000 miles a pop. Last year my online booking bonuses alone accounted for over 70,000 additional miles in my accounts, not to mention the online booking discounts (up to 10%) that from time to time apply. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Punki, it's all about having options.

I like the fact that I have more options now with all the airline memberships. I'm not stuck with UA and BA/AA even though I still fly them most often. But next week I'm flying LAX-MSP and NW is the only direct choice. Due to my Centurion Card I get a free upgrade to 1st on NW (and lots of other airlines) and I don't have to worry about flying through another city on UA or AA. Any business traveler knows a direct flight is always the best choice.

This summer there may be some strikes going on at certain airlines. Since I have status on pretty much every carrier, I won't have any worries when 2 or 3 of them go on strike.

The Avis or Hertz option is a good one too since in some cities Avis is best, in other cities Hertz is best. Of course the hotel options are good too since you never know what hotel you'll need to stay in at a conference.

I am impressed. I've written to Al Kelly a few times and only got a call from some appologetic person in the executive office, and no such compensation.

Originally posted by Tute84:
On Wednesday, I got a call from none other that Alfred F. Kelly, the director of consumer charge cards. Yada, yada, yada, we're going to credit $500 to your account for this event and give you 10,000 MR points. He also gave me his direct number and email if I have any other problems/questions/concerns.

I just sent Mr. Kelly my cut-up Platinum card back! I have been an Amex-Card member for 18 years, the last ten of which Platinum. I milled on average about 45 Thousand a year through that account. Service within Platinum has declined at all levels for several years and I am left with the impression that they really don't care any longer. I had two issues with Amex proper and one with MR (don't even get me started on that one...) and none of them could be resolved within ten (count'em: 10!) months. I couldn't even get a written response as to what the hey was going on. At one point a I cancelled an Optima card I had to see if that'd wake 'em up. It didn't; but six weeks later they doubled the credit limit on that closed account. Go figure. Frankly, if they don't value me as a customer, I don't need them as a company.

Originally posted by MrMillion:
I just sent Mr. Kelly my cut-up Platinum card back! I have been an Amex-Card member for 18 years, the last ten of which Platinum....

MrMillion... Would you kindly email Mr. Kelly's address. It would be nice to be able to send a letter as well..

"I just sent Mr. Kelly my cut-up Platinum card back! I have been an Amex-Card member for 18 years, the last ten of which Platinum. I milled on average about 45 Thousand a year through that account. Service within Platinum has declined at all levels for several years and I am left with the impression that they really don't care any longer. I had two issues with Amex proper and one with MR (don't even get me started on that one...) and none of them could be resolved within ten (count'em: 10!) months. I couldn't even get a written response as to what the hey was going on. At one point a I cancelled an Optima card I had to see if that'd wake 'em up. It didn't; but six weeks later they doubled the credit limit on that closed account. Go figure. Frankly, if they don't value me as a customer, I don't need them as a company.
"

Essentially the same story here! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Such a shame! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Originally posted by DelrayChris:
MrMillion... Would you kindly email Mr. Kelly's address. It would be nice to be able to send a letter as well..


My pleasure:

Alfred F. Kelly, Jr.
General Manager, Consumer Cards
American Express Company
World Financial Center Tower C
200 Vesey St
New York NY 10285

Many, Many Thank you's....

I was offered a Centurion Card but originally declined. I have considered take the offer for the "unlimited spending". Contrary to what I thought, I do seem to have a limit on both my personal Plat (75K) and my corp Gold (100K). As my charges tend to be over 250k per month I welcome the expande limit to be able to log more bonus points. Has anyone else has limt problems with AX and has any had experience with Centurion on high purchase volume. I hate pay cash or use other credit means and loose the bonus pts. I addicted to the perks. St. Barths here we come. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cool.gif

I don't spend $250K per month, but I have tried individual large retail shop purchases (over $10K) which always require a call to Amex for approval. With the Centurion Card it is no longer required, much to the surprise of the shopkeeper. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I have met at least two people with the Centurion card who both assure me they do not spend anywhere near the supposed level required. They have both shown me their cards, so I know they have them. I will also be curious to see what they do with people whose spending is reduced during the current economic downturn. Presumably, some of these cards have been issued to individuals whose spending has been connected with their job. Between layoffs and expense reductions, there has to be some effect.

With the "economic downturn" in mind, has anyone heard talk of a Centurion Card being "univited" -- that is, "revoked" (for lack of spending, or whatever)?

The Centurion card is a service and charge card, not a passport to heaven, nor a membership card to a church or sect.

It's not the policy of Amex, I think, to "revoke" a card due to lack of use.
Only if the customer cannot pay his due..

American Express launched this card because the Platinum card is going to remain an upper product, but not so exclusive as it used to be. The Centurion is now the top product.

The important point to get a Centurion is not what you spend with your existing Platinum, but how many you could spend more with a "better" card with more
services.

Example:
If you already charge all your flight tickets to your Platinum, this would not change with a Centurion (you would not fly more ...)
If you earn millions of $, but never leave your ranch in Texas and never use a credit card, you are not a potential Centurion cardholder.

Once obtained, the card will never be "revoked" !

One of the criteria for getting the card was having spent a lot on your existing Amex account. No doubt, in many instances that spending was business related for a lot of people. Inevitably, in the current economy, there will be some holders whose economic (or employment) situation has changed. In those cases, revocation will be unnecessary. The $1000 annual fee will take care of that.

[This message has been edited by deelmakur (edited 04-13-2001).]

They could also bump up the $1000 if they wanted eliminate some of the new riff raff

Although Amex's carrying cost wouldn't increase as those not spending wouldn't use the services so it's probably a push other than the "prestige" element.

Centurion card... Plat card ..it boils down to service.Much of which Amex is slow and often at times difficult to provide it's customers.

Look for the Centurion to mass marketed in the next couple of years much like the Plat card.

It's difficlut to justify paying 300.00 for poor service.

This point has been discussed very often here.
It's obviously an US problem because most european cardmembers enjoy good service.

Originally posted by sdix:
They could also bump up the $1000 if they wanted eliminate some of the new riff raff..

So who, may I ask, the heck do you think you are? riff raff?

My, my do we have our nose in the air or what? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/confused.gif

(deleted)

[This message has been edited by ahrz (edited 04-15-2001).]

Delraychris.

I my self am hoi poly but since I can't spell it, riff raff will have to do for now.

If you read the thread the question was, is Amex going to kick out those that no longer meet their qualifications. Somebody else suggested it would be self a fullfilling process at $1000.00 My point was bump it up and accelarate the process if thats what amex wanted to do.

Originally posted by sdix:
Delraychris.

I my self am hoi poly but since I can't spell it, riff raff will have to do for now.

If you read the thread the question was, is Amex going to kick out those that no longer meet their qualifications. Somebody else suggested it would be self a fullfilling process at $1000.00 My point was bump it up and accelarate the process if thats what amex wanted to do.

Makes sense now...

Well it wouldn't surprise me if the annual fee for both US Platinum (True Platinum and not the Optima's etc.) and US Centurion was increased shortly. In the UK The Platinum has just gone up £20 (~$30) and the Centurion £100 (~$150).

Thanks,
Richard

Well it wouldn't surprise me if the annual fee for both US Platinum (True Platinum and not the Optima's etc.) and US Centurion was increased shortly. In the UK The Platinum has just gone up £20 (~$30) and the Centurion £100 (~$150).

Thanks,
Richard