This thread is about a companion offer from American Express Publishing.

It appears you are referring to a different program, the Platinum Card International Airline Program, which has been frequently discussed in other threads. It's not accurate to say that the IAP never pays, because it's worthwile when you cannot meet the advance purchase or non-refundable requirements of deeply discounted business class ticket. It's true that this circumstance doesn't apply to most leisure travelers, but not everyone is able to arrange travel 4-6+ weeks in advance.