Editor’s Note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.
The Platinum Card® from American Express is known for its premium benefits, and one of the most generous perks is the annual statement credit for up to $200 in airline incidental fees. This benefit can help offset the card’s $695 annual fee. However, there are some important things to know about this credit and how to maximize it.
First and foremost, enrollment is required to be eligible for the airline fee credit. You should enroll in advance to ensure that you can receive credit for this benefit in the upcoming year. To keep track of all your credit card perks and rewards, consider downloading the free TPG App.
Here are five suggestions on how to use the airline fee credit throughout the year:
1. Pay for seat assignments, checked bag fees, and food and beverages on future flights: This is a straightforward way to use the credit. Simply use it to cover these expenses on your upcoming flights.
2. Purchase airline lounge daypasses for future use: Many airlines offer daypasses for their lounges, which are typically valid for one year from purchase. You can use the credit to buy these passes and enjoy the amenities during your travels.
3. Pay for guest passes at Delta Sky Club lounges: If you’re a Delta flyer, you can use the credit to cover the cost of guest passes when visiting Delta Sky Club lounges.
4. Allow an authorized user to use the credit on their flights: If you have an authorized user on your account, they can utilize the credit for their own flights.
5. Purchase Southwest EarlyBird boarding: If you frequently fly with Southwest, you can use the credit to purchase EarlyBird boarding, which gives you priority boarding and a better chance of securing your preferred seat.
When it comes to choosing the right airline for the credit, consider selecting an airline with which you’re likely to incur at least $200 in fees each year. While it may be tempting to choose your most frequently flown airline, keep in mind that many fees are waived if you have elite status or a co-branded credit card with that airline. In this case, it might be more beneficial to choose an airline where you’ll actually use the credit.
Don’t forget about budget airlines, as they often charge extra fees for amenities that come automatically with other airlines. By designating a low-cost carrier as your airline of choice, you can easily maximize the airline fee credit.
Now let’s talk about what’s covered by the airline fee credit. Generally, the following incidental fees will be reimbursed:
– Checked baggage fees
– Overweight/oversized baggage fees
– Change fees
– Phone reservation fees
– Pet flight fees
– Airport lounge daypasses and annual memberships
– Seat assignment fees
– Inflight amenity fees (beverages, food, pillows/blankets, etc.)
– Inflight entertainment fees (excluding wireless internet)
It’s important to note that fees charged to other card accounts, charges that aren’t separate from airline ticket payments, and fees not charged by the cardmember’s airline of choice are not covered by the credit. Additionally, the credit is not applicable for airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty-free purchases, or award tickets.
In most cases, the statement credit will post to your account within six to eight weeks after each charge. If it hasn’t appeared after that time, you can contact customer service to get the credit manually approved.
Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that other Amex cards also offer airline fee credits. These include the Hilton Aspire Amex card, the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant Amex card, and the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. These cards have similar airline fee credits, but be sure to check the details and terms specific to each card.
In conclusion, the airline fee credit offered by The Platinum Card® from American Express is a valuable benefit for frequent travelers. By selecting the right airline and strategically using the credit for eligible expenses, you can easily maximize its value and offset a significant portion of the card’s annual fee.