FlyerGoldII

It seems that many people around the world with an AMEX Platinum (or Centurion card) find this a major benefit to justify obtaining and paying for the card fees.

I was just visiting friends and relatives in India. One friend has a Indian AMEX Centurion card - he uses it to upgrade from (?full fare) business class to first class in a variety of airlines -esp Emirates or other Gulf airlines.
There are ? at least 2 dozen airlines as part of the US AMEX Platinum card.

With the Canadian Platinum AMEX card, there are only 2 airlines that one can upgrade from business to first class - Swiss and Ethitad. I am not sure if the Canadian AMEX Centurion card is that much better?

It has a few more airlines where the companion can come for a discount (no more 2 for 1 (full fare) business class or first class tickets - just like the US Platinum card).
I believe the Canadian Centurion card does still? allow 2 for 1 (full fare) business class tickets?

I have not yet figured out the degree of discount offered for an economy, business class, or first class ticket with a few airlines - how much is it?

So put it another way - I have the Canadian AMEX Platinum card - but I have not and do not find any use for the international airline program..
if one wants the Canadian Centurion or Platinum card, solely or predominately for the benefits of the international airline program, is it worth it.


PS- I find the major travel benefit of the Canadian AMEX Platinum card the lounge access - Plaza Premium lounges in Canada (and maybe a few other places in the world), The AMEX Centurion lounges in USA, a few other non-Priority Pass lounges in USA, and Priority Pass lounges in USA and around the world (through my Priority Pass card - as part of the Canadian AMEX Platinum card benefit - this PP card allows the cardholder and one companion access to the lounges free of charge; additional companions are charged US$27). This lounge access is complimentary to the lounge access I get with my Air Canada/Aeroplan Super Elite/Star alliance Gold status).

jarusoba

As a Centurion member, you can take advantage of the INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE PROGRAM1, which offers you discounted companion tickets, complimentary upgrades, or special airfares on some of the world’s finest airlines to destinations around the world.

To make a booking, call Centurion® Travel from Amex Canada Inc. at <redacted> in Canada, or collect at <redacted> from abroad.

Please note with the International Airline Program you must purchase an eligible ticket. Web fares are not applicable. To book, simply call Centurion Travel at <redacted>. Terms and conditions apply.

DISCOUNTED COMPANION TICKETS

Every experience can be better when you share it with a friend or loved one. And Centurion Travel makes it simple. Simply purchase an eligible full-fare ticket in first class or business class and receive a discounted ticket for your companion to travel with you (offer excludes service charges, taxes, and fuel surcharges).This special benefit has been arranged with some of the world’s finest airlines.

Participating airlines:

AIR CANADA2
Applicable Class: Business and Premium Economy and Premium Rouge
NOTE: Limit of three Air Canada International Airline Program tickets per Centurion member account per calendar year.

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES

Applicable Class: Business

BRITISH AIRWAYS
Applicable Class: First and Business

BRUSSELS AIRLINES
Applicable Class: Business

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS

Applicable Class: First, Business and Premium Economy

DELTA AIR LINES*, AIR FRANCE , KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, ALITALIA
Applicable Class: Business and Premium Economy
*Eligible for international flights only. Call Centurion Travel Service for route details.
EXCLUSIVE AIR FRANCE BENEFIT: Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers from departing home city including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver when booking with Air France in Business Class within a 50km radius of the participating airports.
EXCLUSIVE KLM BENEFIT: Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers from departing home city including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton when booking with KLM in Business Class within a 50km radius of the participating airports.

JAPAN AIRLINES
Applicable Class: First and Business

LUFTHANSA
Applicable Class: First and Business

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES
Applicable Class: First and Business

COMPLIMENTARY UPGRADES

Travel in superior comfort and arrive more refreshed. You can enjoy complimentary upgrades from business to first class when travelling to destinations around the world. Simply use your Centurion Card to purchase an eligible ticket in specified classes.


To book, simply call Centurion Travel at <redacted>.

Participating airlines:
British Airways
Etihad Airways
Swiss International Air Lines

SPECIAL AIRFARES

Receive discounted airfares on eligible tickets when you’re flying solo. All you have to do is use your Centurion Card to purchase a full-fare, non-restrictive or an eligible ticket in specified classes. To book, simply call Centurion Travel at <redacted>.

Participating Airlines:

AIR CANADA2
Applicable Class: Business, Premium Economy and Premium Rouge
NOTE: Limit of three Air Canada International Airline Program tickets per Centurion member account per calendar year.

AIR NEW ZEALAND
Applicable Class: Business, Premium Economy, and Economy

AUSTRIAN AIRLINES
Applicable Class: Business

BRITISH AIRWAYS
Applicable Class: First, Business, World Traveler Plus, and Economy

BRUSSELS AIRLINES
Applicable Class: Business

CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYSApplicable Class: First , Business, and Premium Economy

DELTA AIR LINES*, AIR FRANCE, KLM ROYAL DUTCH AIRLINES, ALITALIA
Applicable Class: Business and Premium Economy
*Eligible for international flights only. Call Centurion Travel Service for route details.
EXCLUSIVE AIR FRANCE BENEFIT: Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers from departing home city including Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver when booking with Air France in Business Class within a 50km radius of the participating airports.
EXCLUSIVE KLM BENEFIT: Complimentary roundtrip airport transfers from departing home city including Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton when booking with KLM in Business Class within a 50km radius of the participating airports.


EMIRATES
Applicable Class: First and Business

ETIHAD AIRWAYS
Applicable Class: First, Business, and Economy

JAPAN AIRLINES
Applicable Class: First, Business, and Premium Economy

LUFTHANSA
Applicable Class: First, Business and Premium Economy

SWISS INTERNATIONAL AIR LINES
Applicable Class: First and Business

WEST JET
Applicable Class: Premium Economy and Economy

Terms and conditions apply.

Find out about savings on single tickets and book your flights using your Centurion Card by calling Centurion Travel from Amex Canada Inc. at <redacted>. Internationally, call collect at <redacted>.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

1. The International Airline Program (the “Program”) offers a discounted companion ticket, complimentary upgrade, special class fare or discounted fare on participating airlines to holders of an eligible Basic and Supplementary American Express Centurion Card as described in your American Express Welcome Brochure or are otherwise identified to you by American Express (“Eligible Cardmember”). In order to take advantage of the Program, the Eligible Cardmember’s account must be active (meaning not cancelled).



I. To receive a discounted companion ticket, the Eligible Cardmember must purchase an eligible ticket in an eligible class - first class, business class or premium economy on a participating airline for an eligible flight originating in and returning to a designated gateway and charge the purchase of such ticket to an Eligible Card. Only select airline(s) offer a discounted companion ticket. Limit of one discounted companion ticket per travelling Eligible Cardmember per booking. Eligible Cardmember must be one of the travellers.

II. To receive a complimentary upgrade to First Class or special discounted fare on participating airline(s), the Eligible Cardmember must purchase a full-fare non-restrictive ticket or an eligible ticket on an eligible flight and class of service originating in and returning to a designated gateway and charge the purchase of the ticket to an Eligible Card. These three offers cannot be combined with each other or with any other offer at any time including the discounted companion ticket offer. Only select airline(s) offer upgrades or special discounted fares. Eligible Cardmember must be one of the travellers.

III. Other restrictions may apply. For additional details including participating airlines and additional terms, conditions and restrictions, and to book travel please visit americanexpress.ca/centurion or call Centurion Travel at <redacted>.

IV. Eligible routes, class of service, code-share arrangements, designated gateways and similar matters relating to travel in the Program are determined by and will vary by airline.

V. The Program is valid for travel purchases booked and/or completed within designated dates. Designated dates are subject to change without notice and are updated based on arrangements with participating airlines from time to time.

VI. All Program bookings and purchases must be made through American Express Travel Services of Amex Canada Inc. in Canada, except as we otherwise permit in our sole discretion. A travel service fee per booking may apply.

VII. The Program is subject to availability on the participating airlines’ eligible flights. Participating airlines may have limited seat allocations and destinations in respect of the Program and may have other terms, conditions, exclusions, restrictions and fees. Eligible class(es) of service are determined by each participating airline.

VIII. Tickets issued for this Program cannot be transferred or endorsed. Full-fare ticket and the associated discounted fare tickets, must be issued at the same time, for the same itinerary, with departure and return on the same flights and in the same class of service. All tickets are subject to all applicable government fees, taxes and charges including airport levies. Once issued, names cannot be changed. Passengers and companions under the Program must travel together.

IX. Tickets must show a confirmed reservation for the entire trip and must be purchased in Canada using an Eligible Card prior to the start of travel. No split currency ticketing is permitted.

X. Prepaid and miscellaneous charge orders (“MCOs”) may not be permitted.

XI. Electronic tickets are mandatory and will be issued whenever the itinerary is e-ticket eligible.

XII. Re-routings, one-way, circle-trip and open-jaw itineraries may not be permitted.

XIII. International Air Transport Association fare construction principles and rules apply. There are limitations on the number of transfers through the international hub(s) of the participating airline. Maximum numbers of transits allowed through international hub(s) may vary and are determined by participating airlines. Sector and side trips may not be allowed. Certain code share flights may not apply.

XIV. Interlining is not permitted unless otherwise stated. Flights on participating airlines cannot be combined under the Program. Flights on non-participating airlines are not eligible for the Program and must be ticketed and priced separately. Canadian domestic fares to and from the designated departure gateways must be ticketed separately and are not included as part of the Program unless otherwise stated.

XV. Discounted companion tickets have no refund value and may not accrue frequent flyer mileage. Once tickets are issued, changes, cancellations and refunds, as applicable, may be subject to a fee per ticket and will be at the Eligible Cardmember’s expense. Refunds after departure or “no shows” may not be allowed. Refunds are allowed on the full fare ticket only, and must be accompanied by the unused discounted companion ticket. Discounted companion tickets are not refundable and have no refund value, however, if applicable, taxes and fees may be fully refundable. Refunds may be allowed on an eligible discounted fare ticket and an eligible discounted companion fare ticket based on the issuing airline’s fare rules and provided both tickets are refunded at the same time. Where allowed, special class fare tickets and upgrade tickets will be refunded at the original ticket price subject to any applicable fees.

XVI. This Program cannot be combined with any other promotion, travel agent discount, consolidator fares, travel industry and airline employee discounts, child, infant or senior citizen fare, frequent flyer award, group rate, corporate rate, MCOs, or any other promotional offer.

XVII. Ticketing is based on Fare rules of the participating airlines, and the corresponding fare class in which the ticket is booked.

XVIII. We reserve the right to cancel or change the Program in whole or in part or change the terms and conditions of the Program at any time, for any reason and without notice. Participating airlines are subject to change without notice. Under no circumstances will Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates be liable for any loss or damage howsoever incurred as a result of the termination of the Program, the termination of any participating airline or any change in the Program.

XIX. All recourse for any and all liability in connection with full-fare and/or discounted companion tickets, special class fare tickets, discounted fare tickets and/or upgrade tickets issued under the Program, the refusal to issue or honour any such tickets, travel pursuant to any such tickets or the failure of any participating airline or other party to adhere to the terms of the Program is as against the relevant participating airline only. Under no circumstances will Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates be liable for any conduct, action or failure of any participating airline whatsoever, including, without limitation, for any expense, loss, injury (to person or property), damage, delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, missed connection, accident or any other matter whatsoever, however suffered or caused, directly or indirectly in connection with tickets, transportation or other services provided or refused to be provided by any participating airline or other party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates will not be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or exemplary damages of any kind whatsoever arising from or in connection with the Program (whether in contract, tort, strict liability, products liability or otherwise), including, without limitation, lost revenues, loss of profits or loss or interruption of business.

2. The Air Canada International Airline Program is applicable to both Basic and Supplementary Centurion members. Centurion member will be able to use any combination of benefits up to a maximum of three times per calendar year (per account).
3. Both parties must travel on all flight segments together, have been booked on the same itinerary and one traveler must be theCenturion member. Routes eligible for the benefit of 50% discount off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and destinations outside of North America (for clarity, the discount is not applicable on routes within Canada or between Canada and the USA). Routes eligible for the 25% discount off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and destinations on Air Canada’s network. For both benefits, flights can originate in Canada or outside of Canada, but must be purchased in Canada. Flights must be marketed and operated by Air Canada®*/Air Canada Rouge®* /Air Canada Express®* however some exemptions may apply; call Centurion Travel for details. Discounts apply to the base fare only (excluding all taxes and surcharges).
4. Traveller must be the Centurion member. Routes eligible for benefit of 10% off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and Paris, London (Heathrow), Asia, Australia, South America and Mexico City. Flights can originate in Canada or outside of Canada, but must be purchased in Canada. Flights must be marketed and operated by Air Canada®*/Air Canada Rouge®* /Air Canada Express®* however some exemptions may apply; call Centurion Travel for details. The discount applies to the base fare only (excluding all taxes and surcharges).
®*: Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge are registered trademarks of Air Canada, used under license.

.

IV. Eligible routes, class of service, code-share arrangements, designated gateways and similar matters relating to travel in the Program are determined by and will vary by airline.

V. The Program is valid for travel purchases booked and/or completed within designated dates. Designated dates are subject to change without notice and are updated based on arrangements with participating airlines from time to time.

VI. All Program bookings and purchases must be made through American Express Travel Services of Amex Canada Inc. in Canada, except as we otherwise permit in our sole discretion. A travel service fee per booking may apply.

VII. The Program is subject to availability on the participating airlines’ eligible flights. Participating airlines may have limited seat allocations and destinations in respect of the Program and may have other terms, conditions, exclusions, restrictions and fees. Eligible class(es) of service are determined by each participating airline.

VIII. Tickets issued for this Program cannot be transferred or endorsed. Full-fare ticket and the associated discounted fare tickets, must be issued at the same time, for the same itinerary, with departure and return on the same flights and in the same class of service. All tickets are subject to all applicable government fees, taxes and charges including airport levies. Once issued, names cannot be changed. Passengers and companions under the Program must travel together.

IX. Tickets must show a confirmed reservation for the entire trip and must be purchased in Canada using an Eligible Card prior to the start of travel. No split currency ticketing is permitted.

X. Prepaid and miscellaneous charge orders (“MCOs”) may not be permitted.

XI. Electronic tickets are mandatory and will be issued whenever the itinerary is e-ticket eligible.

XII. Re-routings, one-way, circle-trip and open-jaw itineraries may not be permitted.

XIII. International Air Transport Association fare construction principles and rules apply. There are limitations on the number of transfers through the international hub(s) of the participating airline. Maximum numbers of transits allowed through international hub(s) may vary and are determined by participating airlines. Sector and side trips may not be allowed. Certain code share flights may not apply.

XIV. Interlining is not permitted unless otherwise stated. Flights on participating airlines cannot be combined under the Program. Flights on non-participating airlines are not eligible for the Program and must be ticketed and priced separately. Canadian domestic fares to and from the designated departure gateways must be ticketed separately and are not included as part of the Program unless otherwise stated.

XV. Discounted companion tickets have no refund value and may not accrue frequent flyer mileage. Once tickets are issued, changes, cancellations and refunds, as applicable, may be subject to a fee per ticket and will be at the Eligible Cardmember’s expense. Refunds after departure or “no shows” may not be allowed. Refunds are allowed on the full fare ticket only, and must be accompanied by the unused discounted companion ticket. Discounted companion tickets are not refundable and have no refund value, however, if applicable, taxes and fees may be fully refundable. Refunds may be allowed on an eligible discounted fare ticket and an eligible discounted companion fare ticket based on the issuing airline’s fare rules and provided both tickets are refunded at the same time. Where allowed, special class fare tickets and upgrade tickets will be refunded at the original ticket price subject to any applicable fees.

XVI. This Program cannot be combined with any other promotion, travel agent discount, consolidator fares, travel industry and airline employee discounts, child, infant or senior citizen fare, frequent flyer award, group rate, corporate rate, MCOs, or any other promotional offer.

XVII. Ticketing is based on Fare rules of the participating airlines, and the corresponding fare class in which the ticket is booked.

XVIII. We reserve the right to cancel or change the Program in whole or in part or change the terms and conditions of the Program at any time, for any reason and without notice. Participating airlines are subject to change without notice. Under no circumstances will Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates be liable for any loss or damage howsoever incurred as a result of the termination of the Program, the termination of any participating airline or any change in the Program.

XIX. All recourse for any and all liability in connection with full-fare and/or discounted companion tickets, special class fare tickets, discounted fare tickets and/or upgrade tickets issued under the Program, the refusal to issue or honour any such tickets, travel pursuant to any such tickets or the failure of any participating airline or other party to adhere to the terms of the Program is as against the relevant participating airline only. Under no circumstances will Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates be liable for any conduct, action or failure of any participating airline whatsoever, including, without limitation, for any expense, loss, injury (to person or property), damage, delay, flight cancellation, denied boarding, missed connection, accident or any other matter whatsoever, however suffered or caused, directly or indirectly in connection with tickets, transportation or other services provided or refused to be provided by any participating airline or other party. To the extent permitted by applicable law, Amex Bank of Canada, Amex Canada Inc. or any of their affiliates will not be liable for any incidental, indirect, consequential, special, punitive or exemplary damages of any kind whatsoever arising from or in connection with the Program (whether in contract, tort, strict liability, products liability or otherwise), including, without limitation, lost revenues, loss of profits or loss or interruption of business.

2. The Air Canada International Airline Program is applicable to both Basic and Supplementary Centurion members. Centurion member will be able to use any combination of benefits up to a maximum of three times per calendar year (per account).
3. Both parties must travel on all flight segments together, have been booked on the same itinerary and one traveler must be theCenturion member. Routes eligible for the benefit of 50% discount off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and destinations outside of North America (for clarity, the discount is not applicable on routes within Canada or between Canada and the USA). Routes eligible for the 25% discount off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and destinations on Air Canada’s network. For both benefits, flights can originate in Canada or outside of Canada, but must be purchased in Canada. Flights must be marketed and operated by Air Canada®*/Air Canada Rouge®* /Air Canada Express®* however some exemptions may apply; call Centurion Travel for details. Discounts apply to the base fare only (excluding all taxes and surcharges).
4. Traveller must be the Centurion member. Routes eligible for benefit of 10% off eligible Business Class, Premium Economy Class and Premium rouge fares: Routes between Canada and Paris, London (Heathrow), Asia, Australia, South America and Mexico City. Flights can originate in Canada or outside of Canada, but must be purchased in Canada. Flights must be marketed and operated by Air Canada®*/Air Canada Rouge®* /Air Canada Express®* however some exemptions may apply; call Centurion Travel for details. The discount applies to the base fare only (excluding all taxes and surcharges).
®*: Air Canada, Air Canada Express, and Air Canada Rouge are registered trademarks of Air Canada, used under license.

FlyerGoldII

Do you use any of the benefits?

transportprof

I tried to use this benefit (on a Plat card) but found very modest discounts, of around 10% on Business class flights, with no companion ticketing.
It turned out to be cheaper for me to book with Air Canada in Premium Economy, and then bid for an upgrade to the front cabin TPAC.

KDS777

I don't use it either being a Canadian plat card holder.

I don't fly in that part of the globe nor on those airlines so it is moot. From a purely subjective marketing image though I'd think Amex would offer a better product as well.......it's very weak.

My wallet sense tells me that if I bought two discounted J seats it would be the same price, more or less, as this benefit anyways, but with less hassle as well.

Altaflyer

I just refunded and re-ticketed a Japan Airlines business class 2 for 1 ticket so it does work. It was about $4500 for 2 people for YVR-NRT (stop) NRT-BKK returning from SIN-NRT-YVR. I think this was an excellent value, especially since it’s totally refundable.

margarita girl

Nice deal Altaflyer!

Also wanted to point out for those who haven't noticed, that the IAP benefit is only valid for flights starting and ending in Canada! I tried to use it to book a CX ticket from JFK-MLE and the discount did not apply, which forced me to apply for a US Amex Plat card. They have a similar rule on US cards. Discounts only applies to flights starting and ending in the US. My price was reduced from $1951 to $1704.

Kagehitokiri

there is another thread discussing discounts even on economy flights, at least for US cardholders?

GateGuardian

I booked Air France Premium Economy from YYZ-HKG and saved a total of $20CAD... LOL oh well... the A fare was pretty cheap to begin with, so not complaining.

transportprof

Was that savings net of the $39CAD charge for ticketing through Amex?

beep88

I never paid any charge ticketing through AMEX as a Platinum holder, including ticket for my travel companion charged to my AMEX card. If travel companion wants to charge own Gold card, $100 CAD.