Jan 7, 2020, 8:01 am

FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides

Last edit by: rrgg

Many commonly asked questions are answered in this post.

Reminder: You must enroll and select your airline BEFORE making a reimbursable purchase. http://www.americanexpress.com/airlinechoice -or- "Call the number on the back of your Card to select a qualifying airline."

Wait several hours or even a day before making the purchase, although several DPs show it works without waiting that long.

(Posters often refer to Southwest as WN which is its IATA code. The code SW is assigned to Air Namibia.)
As of late July 2019, direct gift card purchases are no longer reimbursed.

What does appear to work is buying flight tickets less than $109, OR using gift cards to get the charged amount down to less than $109. Given Amex's recent behavior in other areas, some feel there is real risk that Amex will decide to claw back this type of reimbursement someday.
If you buy a ticket where you use travel funds to reduce the total charge to your Amex below $109, it will be reimbursed.
Fees can be reimbursed for any traveler. The name doesn't matter as long as the charge is on your American Express or that of an authorized cardholder.n
As of 1/1/22 Gold card accounts do not qualify for airline credit.

Always read the last few pages to get up-to-date DPs.

To read discussion from 2011-2019, click HERE

For other airlines:
AA Thread
AS Thread
B6 Thread
DL Thread
F9 Thread
HA Thread
NK Thread
UA Thread
WN Thread

Airline fee $250/$200/$100 reimbursement reports: WN (Southwest) only (2020-21)

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Dec 28, 2021, 9:29 am

#1111

rtpflyer

Join Date: Jun 2000

Location: Groveland, FL, USA

Programs: Starriot Platinum, DL PM, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt Explorist

Posts: 1,041

Quote:

Originally Posted by mia

The 2022 balance does not carryover into 2023. Use it this week or lose it.

I think you mean the 2021 balance does not carry into 2022. I've already used my 2021 balance. I need to wait a few days until I have a 2022 balance I assume.

Dec 28, 2021, 10:10 am

#1112

mia

Moderator

Join Date: Jun 2003

Location: Miami, Mpls & London

Programs: AA & Marriott Perpetual Platinum; DL & HH Gold

Posts: 48,958

Quote:

Originally Posted by rtpflyer

I think you mean.....

My mistake. Yes, you can have transaction(s) reimbursed in January for your current airline, and still change to another airline later in January.

rtpflyer likes this.

Dec 28, 2021, 11:23 am

#1113

anonim

Join Date: Mar 2016

Posts: 4

I just booked a couple of sub-$100 flights and hope to see a credit in the next couple of days. My annual fee hit mid-December, meaning I have until mid-January to pursue a retention offer or cancel to get an AF refund.

Is it too risky to book a couple more flights in early January to maximize the $200 annual benefit prior to contacting retention?

Dec 28, 2021, 4:33 pm

#1114

italdesign

Join Date: Nov 2006

Programs: Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum

Posts: 3,722

Quote:

Originally Posted by anonim

Is it too risky to book a couple more flights in early January to maximize the $200 annual benefit prior to contacting retention?

It probably looks more sympathetic if you haven't used all your credits when you call. There's always a slight risk of CC company revenge; personally I think it's fine as long as you've had the card for 12+ months and haven't received a retention that requires keeping it longer.