Just throwing this out there. Do you think Amex is concerned that people are cancelling their Plat card (that is if they are, I am just assuming) now that many of us will have to pay the $699 fee together with the (big) loss of the Marco Polo benefit?

My wife and I both had the card and were paying the $399 fee. For us that was a good deal for what we received. The $699 fee is very steep even taking into consideration the $200 travel credit. We did a mini RTW recently and although the Aeroplan-Star Alliance flights were all in business (so impressed with EVA Air btw) our many inter-Asia flights were mainly economy using Avios. But having Oneworld Sapphire access to lounges and other priority perks was absolutely outstanding, it made our many airports visits so much more pleasant and added to excitement of travelling.

In the end it really was the loss of Marco Polo that made us both cancel our cards.

Are there any other people that that have cancelled or, are contemplating cancelling the Amex Plat card, due to Marco Polo (and the fee)?

And although no one knows what Amex is doing, do you think they are working feverishly trying to get a replacement for Marco Polo (or adding other major benefits) that justify the large fee?

I am very content with my Gold and I am not saying I won’t reapply again as I wouldn't mind another signup bonus but, IMO, providing status in one of the alliances is key, more so now having experienced it.