Platinum $200 Airline Credit Strategy? [Read message #1 before posting]
Apr 4, 2012, 2:08 pm
#436
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
Welcome to Flyertalk.
The benefit is $200 per account, not per card.
The benefit is $200 per account, not per card.
Apr 18, 2012, 5:58 pm
#437
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
Recommendations for choice of Airline [for $200 fee reimbursement benefit]?
Just got my Amex Platinum card and was wondering which airline has the best reputation/service in your opinion. I'll primarily be flying through DC, Boston and Atlanta most likely with some trips to LAX. I also currently don't have many points accumulated in any specific airline so pretty open. Thanks in advance.
Apr 18, 2012, 11:17 pm
#438
Formerly known as stellertony
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: MEX
Programs: UA Gold, DL Gold, NEXUS, APEC
Posts: 1,146
It's unclear from your post where you are based, which has a major impact on useful advice.
If you're in Washington, US Airways or United would probably be a good call – DCA (Reagan National) is a major focus for US and IAD (Dulles) is a hub for United, and since they are both Star Alliance carriers you can earn miles in either mileage program for both airlines. Delta is obviously the big game in Atlanta, but they're focusing on LaGuardia and no longer provide nonstop service between Boston and DC.
If you're in Washington, US Airways or United would probably be a good call – DCA (Reagan National) is a major focus for US and IAD (Dulles) is a hub for United, and since they are both Star Alliance carriers you can earn miles in either mileage program for both airlines. Delta is obviously the big game in Atlanta, but they're focusing on LaGuardia and no longer provide nonstop service between Boston and DC.
Apr 19, 2012, 1:19 am
#439
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
It is really simple maths.
Ask this yourself - in the last 12 months, which did you fly with the most?
That's your answer.
Ask this yourself - in the last 12 months, which did you fly with the most?
That's your answer.
Apr 19, 2012, 7:29 am
#440
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: CHA/TYS
Programs: The Mac Daddy of Heimlich County (and low-ball status)
Posts: 2,868
that's a pretty horrible solution. i fly DL way more than others, but I would use AA or US as my choice to pay for award, baggage, or other fees. plus, you can purchase e-gift cards at year-end if you haven't reached $200.
Apr 19, 2012, 10:36 am
#441
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: ECP
Programs: DL Diamond
Posts: 1,658
So you can do gift cards on US or AA but NOT DL?
Apr 19, 2012, 1:35 pm
#442
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Columbia, SC
Programs: AA Plat, SPG/Marriot Gold, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Expl
Posts: 2,363
Partially correct - you'd probably get reimbursed, but DL's gift card/cert is terrible. They can only be bought/redeemed at the airport or a ticket office, which also incurs a ticketing fee.
Apr 19, 2012, 2:57 pm
#443
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: ZOA, SFO, HKG
Programs: UA 1K 0.9MM, Marriott Gold, HHonors Gold, Hertz PC, SBux Gold, TSA Pre✓
Posts: 13,811
Remember - what matters is getting the full value of $200.
OP did not specify where he or she is based. So there is no way to determine which one is the best choice. Also - assuming that OP's trip is paid through work, the only thing matter is the $200. Gift card may not be the best solution for OP.
Bottom line - history makes the case.
Apr 19, 2012, 5:54 pm
#444
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 9
thanks for all the responses, I ended up going with the UA/CO gift card in hope of getting them refunded.
Apr 22, 2012, 11:38 am
#445
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location:
Posts: 385
Anyone have any success with Hawaiian Airlines gift cards? I'd like to try it but don't want to risk burning it.
May 16, 2012, 5:58 pm
#446
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Gold, Avis President's Club
Posts: 110
Lounge Access using $200 Amex Credit
Have layover in Nice France next month and was trying to use my wife's Amex credit to get my kids in Air France/Skyteam/Priority Pass lounge in T2--is there any way this can be done? Thanks.
May 17, 2012, 9:23 am
#447
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
There are two Priority Pass lounges in Terminal 2, but the Priority Pass membership will only cover the cardholder's admission and American Express would not reimburse the cost of entering those lounges because they are not operated by an airline. (Is your wife travelling?)
Which airlines will you be flying, and do you hold status on any airline in the same alliance?
Which airlines will you be flying, and do you hold status on any airline in the same alliance?
Airport: Nice - Côte D Azur, Terminal 2
Lounge: Salon Du Cap D'antibes
Location: Airside - after Passport Control, proceed to the 1st Floor of the International Area. The Lounge is located on the right hand side after 'Bar du Monde'.
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 21:30 daily.
Conditions: Non-Schengen (T2) flights only - Children under 3 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
Lounge: Salon Du Cap D'antibes
Location: Airside - after Passport Control, proceed to the 1st Floor of the International Area. The Lounge is located on the right hand side after 'Bar du Monde'.
Opening Hours: 08:00 - 21:30 daily.
Conditions: Non-Schengen (T2) flights only - Children under 3 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
Airport: Nice - Côte D Azur, Terminal 2
Lounge: Salon Du Cap Ferrat
Location: Airside - after Security Checks, located on the left hand side near the 'Saveurs de Provence' Shop.
Opening Hours: 05:50 - 21:30 daily.
Conditions: Schengen (T2) flights only - Children under 3 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
Lounge: Salon Du Cap Ferrat
Location: Airside - after Security Checks, located on the left hand side near the 'Saveurs de Provence' Shop.
Opening Hours: 05:50 - 21:30 daily.
Conditions: Schengen (T2) flights only - Children under 3 years are admitted free - Non-smoking.
May 17, 2012, 8:02 pm
#448
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: DL, AS, Marriott, Hyatt, National
Posts: 862
http://exploreplatinum.americanexpre...enefits/Travel
May 18, 2012, 7:49 am
#449
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Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,953
May 18, 2012, 8:59 pm
#450
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 44
Didn't want to make a new thread so I thought I'd post here.
Going to be doing some domestic and a bit of international (London / Paris) travel for fun in the next few months from BOS. I'd like to take advantage of the credit while I can still apply it to gift certificates. Any suggestions on the carrier to pick that I can purchase gift certificats from?
Going to be doing some domestic and a bit of international (London / Paris) travel for fun in the next few months from BOS. I'd like to take advantage of the credit while I can still apply it to gift certificates. Any suggestions on the carrier to pick that I can purchase gift certificats from?