Originally Posted by chalf
Would I have used Amex PTS for a similar itinerary originating in the US or UK, when I was not faced with the various Russian booking complexities? Probably not. But when faced with unusual circumstances, it can definitely result in some benefits.
Given the woes you detail in booking a ticket in Russia, I can understand how PTS has provided some benefit to you. From this side of the Atlantic, however, booking arrangements are typically much easier, and everything I've seen suggests that PTS is not competitive. I suppose I'm surprised because I truly thought that AMEX's service would be a little better for Platinum Card holders.