Just because you can now apply for it rather than by invitation doesn't make it less of a premium product, I guess its a bit less special but as Richard says if your prepared to pay the fee . . .

I've been an Amex member since 1978 had Gold for years but didn't use it much. A few years ago when the Plat invite arrived I decided to go for it. We decided to hammer it to see if we would get an invite to Centurion, it took nine months (only personal spending). These days we only travel for leisure but I think the benefits far outway the fee, even for Centurion let alone Plat. The free travel insurance alone, if you have a family, must nearly cover the annual Plat fee.

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Bazz
Still Flying