Oct 3, 2018, 11:48 pm
Last edit by: 747FC
In June 2017, the American Express International Airline Program changed to a discount program, rather than "buy one get one free".
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/t...ram/index.html
To research and book, you can
1) Call Platinum Travel Services (1-800-525-3355) or Business Platinum Travel Services (1-800-553-9497). $39 booking and change fees apply
2) As of October 18, 2018, customers can use Live Chat to receive quotes. Log into your account at www.americanexpress.com/travel
3) As of May 2019, customers can log into www.amextravel.com and search and book some IAP fares. Not all carriers participate in online bookings, and not all fares appear online. (Relevant FlyerTalk thread 1 Relevant Thread 2)
The program is available on International First, Business and Premium Economy Class tickets booked through American Express Travel, on both refundable and non-refundable fares.
Good for purchases of 1 to 8 tickets on participating airlines.
Use Pay with Points for all or part of you fares, plus you still get miles from the airline.
Subject to $39 servicing fee per ticket for Platinum card members when calling.
"Travel must originate in and return to U.S. gateway (may exclude certain overseas territories) and select Canadian gateways. One-way travel permitted on some airlines where routing originates in U.S. or select Canadian Gateways." Known to include YVR, YYZ.
It was suggested that a Wikipost be written to try and collect past and example discounts, as the fares themselves are unpublished. The discounts vary, sometimes widely, based on availability, fares, and sales. I've broken it down into ranges, and sorted by the number of reports. I also combined AF/KL/DL as they have joint ventures TATL so it's hard to say from all posts which metal members were reporting. My calculations for discount ranges do not intentionally include the $39 booking fee.
Delta / Air France / KLM
https://www.americanexpress.com/us/t...ram/index.html
To research and book, you can
1) Call Platinum Travel Services (1-800-525-3355) or Business Platinum Travel Services (1-800-553-9497). $39 booking and change fees apply
2) As of October 18, 2018, customers can use Live Chat to receive quotes. Log into your account at www.americanexpress.com/travel
3) As of May 2019, customers can log into www.amextravel.com and search and book some IAP fares. Not all carriers participate in online bookings, and not all fares appear online. (Relevant FlyerTalk thread 1 Relevant Thread 2)
The program is available on International First, Business and Premium Economy Class tickets booked through American Express Travel, on both refundable and non-refundable fares.
Good for purchases of 1 to 8 tickets on participating airlines.
Use Pay with Points for all or part of you fares, plus you still get miles from the airline.
Subject to $39 servicing fee per ticket for Platinum card members when calling.
"Travel must originate in and return to U.S. gateway (may exclude certain overseas territories) and select Canadian gateways. One-way travel permitted on some airlines where routing originates in U.S. or select Canadian Gateways." Known to include YVR, YYZ.
It was suggested that a Wikipost be written to try and collect past and example discounts, as the fares themselves are unpublished. The discounts vary, sometimes widely, based on availability, fares, and sales. I've broken it down into ranges, and sorted by the number of reports. I also combined AF/KL/DL as they have joint ventures TATL so it's hard to say from all posts which metal members were reporting. My calculations for discount ranges do not intentionally include the $39 booking fee.
Delta / Air France / KLM
- Fares < 10 %: 2
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 16
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28427217-post5.html
- (First) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28455196-post22.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28552399-post75.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28557136-post80.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28681679-post119.html
- (First) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28912654-post150.html
- (PE) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29314333-post216.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29314692-post217.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29321044-post230.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29485431-post250.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30218019-post300.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30337457-post316.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/30647796-post331.html
- (First) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31053636-post394.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/31089400-post399.html
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/32079945-post586.html
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 5
- Fares 21%+: 3
- Fares < 10%: 1
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 6
- https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28581934-post91.html
- (PE) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28658835-post109.html
- (First) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28844429-post141.html
- (PE) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29315142-post218.html
- (PE) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/29836516-post265.html
- (PE) https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/28758330-post129.html
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 1
- Fares < 10%: 4
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 1
- Fares 21%+: 1
- Note: Prices include seat selection per this thread
- Fares <= 10%: 4
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 1
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 1
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 1
- Fares <= 10%: 1
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 1
- Fares >= 35%: 1
- Fares 21%+: 2
- Fares < 10%: 1
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 1
- Fares 16%-20.9%: 1
- Fares 10%-15.9%: 1
USA International Airline Program (IAP) relaunched as discount benefit (2017).
Jul 12, 2017, 6:43 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
Someone tell me if I'm missing something. I just booked business class tickets through IAP from RDU-CDG for 2 adults and a lap infant for $5032.92 (adults) + $327.06 (infant). According to google flights, list price is $13,977 booked through Air France. (https://goo.gl/flights/p6Uq)
edit: Just checked my tickets and the fare classes are I and Z.
edit: Just checked my tickets and the fare classes are I and Z.
Last edited by rutiene; Jul 12, 2017 at 8:11 pm
Jul 13, 2017, 5:11 am
#77
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 7
I think something weird happened to my post. I can't seem to get it to show up. I got a crazy business fare yesterday through this somehow. RDU -> CDG nonstop roundtrip for 2 adults came out to $5,032.92 (with flatbed seats) Cheapest I could find on ITA Matrix is: $9,843.52.
Fares were I and Z class, same as found on ITA Matrix.
Fares were I and Z class, same as found on ITA Matrix.
Jul 13, 2017, 10:17 am
#78
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
Someone tell me if I'm missing something. I just booked business class tickets through IAP from RDU-CDG for 2 adults and a lap infant for $5032.92 (adults) + $327.06 (infant). According to google flights, list price is $13,977 booked through Air France. (https://goo.gl/flights/p6Uq)
edit: Just checked my tickets and the fare classes are I and Z.
edit: Just checked my tickets and the fare classes are I and Z.
Jul 13, 2017, 2:22 pm
#80
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 599
AirFrance LAX-Tahiti (PPT) nonstop in business class roundtrip. Quoted $3000 (a discount of $500). Wide availability throughout.
After paying with points and hopefully a 50% rebate, and crediting this trip to alaska as mvp gold (~18000 miles?), the net cost is ridiculously low.
After paying with points and hopefully a 50% rebate, and crediting this trip to alaska as mvp gold (~18000 miles?), the net cost is ridiculously low.
Jul 15, 2017, 8:04 am
#81
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: iah
Programs: United Premiere 1K, SW Companion, Marriott Titanium Elite lifetime, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 82
I'm so confused! Help me understand please. Why would Amex want people to be calling in to get discounted fares when you can get discounted/insider fares on the Amex travel website itself?
So, as I am business Plat, if I find what I think is a good fare on the Amex travel website and I call in, are you saying I will likely get a better price (if on the "right" airline)??
And if I wanted to then use my MR points to pay for it I can?
And I will also get the 35% back in those points???
Or will I only get the 5X points for paying for a flight...or do I get all of these???
This makes no sense so please tell me where I am going wrong!!
So, as I am business Plat, if I find what I think is a good fare on the Amex travel website and I call in, are you saying I will likely get a better price (if on the "right" airline)??
And if I wanted to then use my MR points to pay for it I can?
And I will also get the 35% back in those points???
Or will I only get the 5X points for paying for a flight...or do I get all of these???
This makes no sense so please tell me where I am going wrong!!
Jul 15, 2017, 7:39 pm
#82
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,141
Fellow travelers: These new benefits appear to be great, and I'm considering getting a Plat. Card. I tried testing the benefits out by calling into Plat Travel, but they said they could not do a dummy booking without having my Plat Card number.
Stymied, I'm left with getting a card and then testing it out. Does anyone know how long I would have to try the card out while resting the option of cancel and getting annual fee refunded?
Many thanks.
Stymied, I'm left with getting a card and then testing it out. Does anyone know how long I would have to try the card out while resting the option of cancel and getting annual fee refunded?
Many thanks.
Jul 15, 2017, 8:24 pm
#83
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Miami, Mpls & London
Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold
Posts: 48,954
Jul 16, 2017, 1:13 am
#84
Join Date: Jul 2015
Location: SEA
Posts: 138
I'm so confused! Help me understand please. Why would Amex want people to be calling in to get discounted fares when you can get discounted/insider fares on the Amex travel website itself?
So, as I am business Plat, if I find what I think is a good fare on the Amex travel website and I call in, are you saying I will likely get a better price (if on the "right" airline)??
And if I wanted to then use my MR points to pay for it I can?
And I will also get the 35% back in those points???
Or will I only get the 5X points for paying for a flight...or do I get all of these???
This makes no sense so please tell me where I am going wrong!!
So, as I am business Plat, if I find what I think is a good fare on the Amex travel website and I call in, are you saying I will likely get a better price (if on the "right" airline)??
And if I wanted to then use my MR points to pay for it I can?
And I will also get the 35% back in those points???
Or will I only get the 5X points for paying for a flight...or do I get all of these???
This makes no sense so please tell me where I am going wrong!!
Amex is all over the map when it comes to convenience and usability of services. Sometimes it's very fluid. Other times... well... not so easy.
The IAP web site lists participating airlines. Additionally, data points in this thread suggest that the average discount is somewhere between 10 - 15%. But yeah, you'll need to have a list of preferred flights ahead of time, and you'll want a cup of coffee at the ready while you're on the phone.
Jul 16, 2017, 12:44 pm
#85
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, MR LTT, HH Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 32,043
they really got to put these fares online somewhere somehow. With OTAs I can often save 10-20% off intl. business fares right out of the gate ... so I really want to see what Amex offers when shopping for flights and not call in and have them manually price 3-6 options just to discover they are not any cheaper than directly with the airline.
Jul 16, 2017, 2:15 pm
#86
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: SLC/HEL/Anywhere with a Beach
Programs: Marriott Ambassador; AA EXP 3MM; AS MVP, Hilton Gold, CH-47/UH-60/C-23/C-130 VET
Posts: 5,234
they really got to put these fares online somewhere somehow. With OTAs I can often save 10-20% off intl. business fares right out of the gate ... so I really want to see what Amex offers when shopping for flights and not call in and have them manually price 3-6 options just to discover they are not any cheaper than directly with the airline.
But ... what OTA's save 10-20 percent off of international J?
Jul 16, 2017, 3:19 pm
#87
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
Fellow travelers: These new benefits appear to be great, and I'm considering getting a Plat. Card. I tried testing the benefits out by calling into Plat Travel, but they said they could not do a dummy booking without having my Plat Card number.
Stymied, I'm left with getting a card and then testing it out. Does anyone know how long I would have to try the card out while resting the option of cancel and getting annual fee refunded?
Many thanks.
Stymied, I'm left with getting a card and then testing it out. Does anyone know how long I would have to try the card out while resting the option of cancel and getting annual fee refunded?
Many thanks.
Also, the prices are much better in a hub. A DL quote I had from LAX was $850/pp less than PHX, which is a huge delta for a one hour flight even in F.
Jul 16, 2017, 3:21 pm
#88
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: PHX, SEA
Programs: Avis President's Club, Global Entry, Hilton/Marriott Gold. No more DL/AA status.
Posts: 4,422
they really got to put these fares online somewhere somehow. With OTAs I can often save 10-20% off intl. business fares right out of the gate ... so I really want to see what Amex offers when shopping for flights and not call in and have them manually price 3-6 options just to discover they are not any cheaper than directly with the airline.
Jul 16, 2017, 5:54 pm
#89
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,141
Send me a PM with your route and dates. I don't mind calling to get you a routing quote. I had a friend do the same for me prior to enrolling.
Also, the prices are much better in a hub. A DL quote I had from LAX was $850/pp less than PHX, which is a huge delta for a one hour flight even in F.
Also, the prices are much better in a hub. A DL quote I had from LAX was $850/pp less than PHX, which is a huge delta for a one hour flight even in F.
Jul 18, 2017, 1:29 pm
#90
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: DL PM, DL MM
Posts: 4,246
Even before this was rolled out, I found that there was a discount of 5-8% on DL business class flights for a number of years. I booked this on numerous occasions and never had an issue.
This new program is great though - signifcantly higher savings
This new program is great though - signifcantly higher savings