Originally Posted by
sp4294
AMEX AE Plat is pretty good deal for MLL or AMEX lounge access, if you like Fairmonts, can tolerate their idiotic companion award and want to continue to collect AE points. Otherwise, if you go to the US and want more lounge choices, I'd get the regular Plat, but that is $699 now.
The net cost for the regular Amex Plat is only $499 because you get $200 back in travel credit.
The 35K E only gives you domestic and transborder MLL access. Not if you're flying international, e.g., YYZ-LHR. You will not be able to use the MLL at YYZ and LHR. You also cannot use any *A lounge.
I think overall, the regular Amex Plat is a much better deal. The Amex points are convertable to cash at 1,000 pts. to $10 that you can use to buy air tickets. Effectively a 1% rebate. A lot more flexible than trying to redeem from Aeroplan. You can choose any airline and any fare type.