Originally Posted by
dilbertsdaddy
I'm sure there is good feedback somewhere on here but I can't readily spot anything - don't flame me!
I am considering dumping AX Plat and going to Venture X (need PP pass)
Since the 5X points for airline purchases has to be through the portal, wanted to get some feedback:
Search pricing? (for example, AX has the intl airline program which sounds good but deals are few and far between, beyond that I can usually find a better deal searching google flights and then going straight to the carrier, which to me is always preferred.
Other issues with booking through C1? Airlines schedule changes, voluntary changes, getting FF credit, etc.
Of course AX has 5X for airline purchases without restriction but I'm retiring soon and with them kicking us out of the Delta club don't plan to pay their $695
C1 sounds like a good deal as it is effectively $95 for PP after airline credit, but don't see myself getting the sign-on bonus if I can't find a good deal on a business class ticket on the portal.
You can't try out the portal to see if it is any good without an account so any feedback would be appreciated.
I have an immediate need to book a flight on airlink which would get me the $300 credit but don't know if I can book that through C1.
I don't use Amex portal much, so take this with a grain of salt. The couple of times I did use C1 portal for plane tix, it went alright. I didn't encounter any IRROPS nor did I have to change my plans though.
The hotel reservations I made from C1 portal, though, is more problematic. I booked a rate that allegedly included breakfast but when I got to the hotel, hotel showed me their system indicated my rate was room only.
I don't use the Amex portal outside of FHR so I cannot speak if this is also an issue making general hotel reservations on Amex's site.
I personally do not count the $300 credit at full face value; to me it is worth $240 (20% discount). You also get 10k C1 points upon VX renewal, on top of the $300 credit. Also, AU's are free.
You should also consider this: stellar credit+responsible spending are not guarantees to getting approved for C1VX. YMMV. Good luck.