Originally Posted by
MNSWEEps
5X points ONLY if you booked directly through the airline...
American Express does not know how you book, only if the transaction is submitted by an airline. Most (not all) tickets purchased through agencies are billed by the carrier. How do you want to be able to book?
In any event, the pattern of these announcements suggests that American Express is not focused on the churners who pursue signup bonuses or pay for tickets with miles.