Originally Posted by
Bartolo
I don’t use their travel service because I always find it more expensive. For example, upcoming res at a Hilton branded hotel in New York state. Amex quoting double for same room. Even applying my annual travel credit, the room would be considerably more.
My read exactly. I'd sometimes pay an extra $20-30 for 10x points, but generally loathe the idea of turning dollars into points.
Originally Posted by
Wyfind
I think the general consensus is that it's best to book flights directly with the airline, especially if you have status or want protection during IROPS.
It's not necessarily more expensive to book airfare on Amex Travel than directly with the airline. I believe Amex Travel doesn't charge or waives booking fees for Platinum and Centurion cardholders. People who see different prices between the two often aren't making apples-to-apples comparisons between fare classes or might be comparing a basic economy and a non-basic economy or non-restricted fare on Amex Travel (or another online booking portal).
Plus, Amex Travel has a discount for international premium airfares (first, business, premium economy) with participating airlines, which could be cheaper than booking direct. (See:
USA International Airline Program (IAP) relaunched as discount benefit (2017).)
Good to know. Not sure what I was looking at before, but am now seeing alignment on a J fare with AA from LAX-JFK in August. Looks like a few bucks savings even on DL J on the same route, which is pretty cool. I'm usually booking with AA but might explore this further when booking DL.
Originally Posted by
goodeats21
If you are purchasing premium cabin flights, the IAP program that
Wyfind posted about above can be a great benefit.
I have saved enough money on just 1 purchase to recoup the AF, and made several others that were significant cost savings. This is real savings, as compared with both direct bookings with that airline as well as google flights, etc.
It also sometimes has reasonable one-way fares when other options are much more expensive.
I was skeptical that this was a true cost saving possibility, but have been impressed.
Interesting - I searched one-way IST - RNO, a route I fly not uncommonly on QR and see about $100 savings through AmEx on a J fare. As a OW Emerald, probably not enough to pull me away from booking direct with a OW carrier, but would consider doing so in another loyalty ecosystem or at a certain savings threshold.
Originally Posted by
Kacee
OTOH, 5x MR points for booking through the airline is one of the best benefits offered by any credit card.
This is indeed why I'm here!