Jul 1, 2021, 1:23 pm
Last edit by: Global Adventurer
*Equinox $25 Credit will not be issued for ANY products you buy online at their merchandise Shop which is coded as "Equinox The Shop". However, it appears that you can purchase Gift Cards straight off the site, but lowest denomination is $100. Gift cards can be used for merchandise and memberships.
USA personal Platinum annual fee increase to $695, July 2021.
Jul 2, 2021 | 7:47 am
#241
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 288
Jul 2, 2021 | 7:53 am
#242
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,226
Interesting to read that some people take the new "benefits" as gifts.
They are not gifts. You are prepaying for them.
The fact you have to try to figure out how to use it (instead of simply enjoying using it) is a clear sign that Amex is making you work for them, with your own money.
I personally find horrible that they increase the annual fee and severely limit where you can spend the added credits. They should have at least made the airline credit flexible to any travel expenses on any airline as a real gain. They are giving me more stress and stuff to pay attention to, and charging for it. Of course, that's a good bye.
They are not gifts. You are prepaying for them.
The fact you have to try to figure out how to use it (instead of simply enjoying using it) is a clear sign that Amex is making you work for them, with your own money.
I personally find horrible that they increase the annual fee and severely limit where you can spend the added credits. They should have at least made the airline credit flexible to any travel expenses on any airline as a real gain. They are giving me more stress and stuff to pay attention to, and charging for it. Of course, that's a good bye.
Jul 2, 2021 | 7:55 am
#243
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,226
Jul 2, 2021 | 8:12 am
#245
Join Date: May 2004
Programs: AA MM, UA MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 108
Jul 2, 2021 | 8:35 am
#246
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BOS/EAP
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP Gold, MR LTT, HH Dia, IHG Dia, Amex Plat
Posts: 37,291
These are terrible changes. We'll keep the card for now since our anniversary date is in December so we'll get another grandfathered year at the old rate.
Entertainment $240 - useless for us
Clear - thank you, I am already a 1K w/ UA so this is free already
Equinox $300 - worthless
Hotel $200 - near worthless since I won't be able to easily get status benefits or stay credit with Hilton or Marriott ... always a hassle. Maybe worth $50
What am I missing? The much higher annual fee comes with zero additional benefits and lounge access will become more restricted as well. Very hard to justify Platinum in 2023 ...
Entertainment $240 - useless for us
Clear - thank you, I am already a 1K w/ UA so this is free already
Equinox $300 - worthless
Hotel $200 - near worthless since I won't be able to easily get status benefits or stay credit with Hilton or Marriott ... always a hassle. Maybe worth $50
What am I missing? The much higher annual fee comes with zero additional benefits and lounge access will become more restricted as well. Very hard to justify Platinum in 2023 ...
Jul 2, 2021 | 8:47 am
#247
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,930
FHR nights count for elite stay and night credit and benefits. At the Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas last year the FHR rate was the same as the Hilton.com rate and the FHR and Diamond credits stacked - I got $60 a day in breakfast credit through FHR and $50 from Diamond.
If AmEx had also taken $200 off the top, I wouldn't be complaining about it on here.
Given that the fee increase is $145 and the hotel credit is $200, I'm surprised to see so much complaining. Yeah I get Clear for free too (though I will use the credit for family members who don't), I'm not going to switch to Equinox, and the entertainment credit is only going to be worth a few dollars a month for me, but the hotel credit more than makes up for the fee increase and is easy to use organically for those who travel regularly.
If AmEx had also taken $200 off the top, I wouldn't be complaining about it on here.
Given that the fee increase is $145 and the hotel credit is $200, I'm surprised to see so much complaining. Yeah I get Clear for free too (though I will use the credit for family members who don't), I'm not going to switch to Equinox, and the entertainment credit is only going to be worth a few dollars a month for me, but the hotel credit more than makes up for the fee increase and is easy to use organically for those who travel regularly.
Jul 2, 2021 | 8:57 am
#248
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,226
I read the other posters note too about 2 for Collection and 1 for Fine.
Jul 2, 2021 | 9:01 am
#250
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Queretaro
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Gold, Marriot Gold, IHG Silver, Choice Platinum, Wyndham Gold
Posts: 5,226
Yes. I activated every benefit that is offered. At least the ones you CAN activate. Some don't need activated. You just need to use your card to pay. Go to your account on the website and it will show a bar of how much money you have left this month for entertainment to use.
Jul 2, 2021 | 9:02 am
#251
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Diamond; Marriott Bonvoy - Platinum
Posts: 14,278
I received two confirming emails for the streaming enrollment!
At present, I'm calling this a neutral wash; if I manage a decent FHR stay (with elite benefits included) it moves to a net positive.
At present, I'm calling this a neutral wash; if I manage a decent FHR stay (with elite benefits included) it moves to a net positive.
Jul 2, 2021 | 9:14 am
#252
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 4,337
A $200 credit isn't $200 in the pocket of everyone. A $145 AF is $145 removed.
Jul 2, 2021 | 9:30 am
#253
Join Date: May 2012
Location: BOS, NYC, HKG, TPE
Programs: OZ Diamond, UX Gold, AY Platinum, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 319
just received my plat card did they get get rid of the box? My card came in the regular flat envelope.. pretty disappointing for such a premium card.
The engraving also looks rusted
The engraving also looks rusted
Jul 2, 2021 | 9:31 am
#254
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: ATL, BHM, DUB, County Wexford
Programs: DL DM, AA ExPlt, Diamond HH, HY, BW, & Titanium Elite Marriott
Posts: 5,221
Hmmm, so you spend $800+ a night to get a single $200 credit? Really? People consider this a value? What do you give up to get this? AMEX Travel is too high and you loose regular benefits sometimes.
