I called them as well, and they matched the platinum cover. Not that it mattered though...

After this call I spoke to travel about a different issue, and once again the service was way below what I expected. The service I get from Amex corporate travel is much better (still not great though).

Most of my experiences with the concierge service have been pretty weak as well. Only on a few occasions have they managed to get me into restaurants etc, they fail more often than tey succeed. Their knowledge of restaurants, bars etc. outside of London is non-exist. When I've called them up from places like New York to get advice on new and interesting restaurants or bars they've simply used Google. Never have they gotten in touch with a concierge in the US for help, although I have asked them to.

I then asked to speak to the cancellation department who confirmed that a relaunch is due, but it will not happen in 2006 for sure. Neither could they confirm any of the new benefits. With this in mind, I decided to cancel the card, there really isn't anything that justifies charging £650 for a card. I'll take my spend elsewhere.

I decided to not downgrade to plat and also cancelled my BA Amex.

Regarding the relaunch, I think BMI Gold is likely, as I already have *Gold this is pretty useless to me though. I really can't see what they could add to the benefits that would justify the fee. I would be very surprised if the fee doesn't double as well.

So, the only question now is how I'm going to spend the MR points and what card to replace it with. Definitely won't be another amex.

/d