Amex Travel: Your Complete Guide to Booking Flights, Hotels & Maximizing Rewards (2025)

American Express Travel—commonly known as Amex Travel—is far more than just another online booking platform. It’s a comprehensive travel ecosystem that combines seamless booking capabilities with powerful rewards programs, exclusive cardholder benefits, and premium travel experiences unavailable through standard travel websites.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway, organizing international business travel, or seeking luxury accommodations with exceptional perks, Amex Travel offers tools and benefits that transform ordinary trips into extraordinary experiences. This guide covers everything you need to know about using Amex Travel effectively in 2025.

What Is Amex Travel?

Amex Travel is American Express’s integrated travel booking platform that allows cardholders to search, compare, and book flights, hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages while earning Membership Rewards points and accessing exclusive benefits.

The platform serves both individual travelers and businesses through several distinct offerings:

For Individual Travelers:

• Online booking portal at americanexpress.com/travel
• Mobile app integration
• 24/7 customer service
• Exclusive hotel collections with added perks
• Enhanced earning rates for premium cardholders

For Businesses:

• Amex Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)
• Corporate travel management solutions
• Integrated expense tracking
• Data analytics and reporting tools
• Duty of care and traveler support

What sets Amex Travel apart is the seamless integration between booking and rewards, coupled with premium benefits that often exceed what you’d receive booking directly with airlines and hotels.

Amex Travel Login: Accessing Your Account

Getting started with Amex Travel requires an American Express account, which provides access to the full suite of booking tools and benefits.

How to Access Amex Travel

Desktop Access:

1. Visit americanexpress.com
2. Click “Login” in the upper right corner
3. Enter your User ID and Password
4. Navigate to the “Travel” tab in the main menu
5. Browse and book flights, hotels, cars, or packages

Mobile App Access:

1. Download the Amex Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play
2. Log in with your Amex credentials
3. Tap the “Travel” icon on the bottom menu
4. Access the full booking platform optimized for mobile

First-Time Users: If you don’t have an Amex account yet:

• Apply for an American Express credit card
• Receive your card and activate it
• Register online at americanexpress.com
• Create your User ID and password
• Access Amex Travel immediately

Account Features

Once logged in, your Amex Travel account provides:

• Saved traveler information for faster bookings
• Trip management dashboard for upcoming and past reservations
• Points balance and redemption options
• Exclusive offers tailored to your card type
• Booking history for expense tracking
• Saved payment methods and preferences

Security Tip: Enable two-factor authentication on your Amex account for added security, especially when booking travel and managing Membership Rewards points.

Amex Travel Card: Which Card Works Best?

While any American Express card provides access to the Amex Travel portal, certain cards unlock dramatically better benefits, earning rates, and exclusive perks.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

The Premium Travel Champion (2025 Updates)

The Platinum Card’s annual fee increased to $895 in 2025, but it now offers over $3,500 in annual value through various benefits and credits.

Key Travel Benefits:

Earning Rates:

• 5× points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 per calendar year)
• 5× points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
• 1× point on all other purchases

Premium Hotel Programs:

• Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR): Access to $600 in statement credits annually ($300 semi-annually) on prepaid FHR bookings starting September 18, 2025
• The Hotel Collection: Over 1,000 properties with complimentary benefits
• Benefits include: Daily breakfast for two, room upgrades at check-in (when available), 4 PM late checkout, noon early check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi

Airport Lounge Access:

• Access to 1,550+ airport lounges worldwide
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• American Express Centurion Lounges
• Delta Sky Club access (when flying Delta)
• Escape Lounges, Airspace Lounges, and international lounges

Travel Credits & Statement Credits:

• $200 airline fee credit annually
• $200 hotel credit (through FHR/Hotel Collection)
• $189 CLEAR Plus membership credit
• $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit (every 4-5 years)

Additional Travel Protections:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip delay insurance
• Baggage insurance
• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Premium Global Assist hotline

Who Should Get This Card:

• Frequent travelers who fly multiple times per year
• Those who value airport lounge access
• Travelers seeking luxury hotel experiences
• Anyone who can leverage the various credits and benefits

The Business Platinum Card® from American Express

For Business Travelers

Similar benefits to the personal Platinum Card but tailored for business use:

Earning Rates:

• 5× points on flights and prepaid hotels through Amex Travel
• 1.5× points on eligible purchases at U.S. construction material and hardware suppliers, electronic goods retailers, software/cloud system providers (on up to $2 million per year)
• 1× point on other purchases

Business-Specific Benefits:

• Employee card benefits (lounges, credits, etc.)
• Spending controls and expense management
• Integration with accounting software
• Travel booking platform for team members

Annual Fee: $895 (as of 2025)

The Gold Card® from American Express

The Mid-Tier Option

Annual Fee: $325

Earning Rates:

• 4× points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year)
• 3× points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel
• 1× point on all other purchases

Travel Benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Baggage insurance plan
• Car rental loss and damage insurance
• Trip delay insurance
• Access to The Hotel Collection

Who Should Get This Card:

• Moderate travelers who fly occasionally
• Those who spend heavily on dining
• Travelers wanting some premium benefits without the high annual fee

Other American Express Cards

Many other Amex cards provide access to the travel portal with varying benefits:

• Green Card: 3× points on travel (including transit)
• Blue Cash Preferred: Limited travel benefits, focus on cash back
• Delta SkyMiles Cards: Co-branded benefits with Delta Air Lines
• Marriott Bonvoy Cards: Co-branded benefits with Marriott hotels
• Hilton Honors Cards: Co-branded benefits with Hilton hotels

What You Can Book Through Amex Travel

Flights

Amex Travel’s flight booking platform provides comprehensive search and comparison tools:

Search Features:

• Multi-city and complex itineraries
• Flexible date searches showing price variations
• Filter by airline, stops, departure times, cabin class
• Real-time availability across hundreds of airlines
• Price tracking and alerts

Booking Advantages:

• Earn 5× Membership Rewards points with Platinum Cards
• Access to competitive fares
• 24/7 customer service for changes and cancellations
• Travel protection options
• Seamless integration with your Amex account

Insider Fares Program: A unique feature allowing you to book flights using only Membership Rewards points (no cash portion), often with better value than standard redemptions. These exclusive deals aren’t available through other booking channels.

When to Book Flights Through Amex Travel:

• You have a Platinum or Business Platinum Card (5× points)
• Insider Fares show better value than transfer partners
• You want comprehensive travel protection
• You prefer consolidated booking management

When to Book Direct:

• You have airline elite status (direct bookings count toward status)
• Airline-specific promotions offer better value
• You need maximum flexibility for changes
• You want to ensure all airline benefits apply

Hotels & Resorts

Amex Travel partners with thousands of hotels globally, from budget chains to ultra-luxury resorts.

Standard Hotel Bookings:

• Search by location, dates, price, star rating, amenities
• Read verified guest reviews
• Compare rates and availability
• Book with points, cash, or combination
• Flexible cancellation options (property dependent)

Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR)

Platinum Card exclusive program featuring 2,000+ luxury properties:

Included Benefits:

• Daily breakfast for two guests
• Room upgrade at check-in (subject to availability)
• 4 PM late checkout
• Noon early check-in
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique property amenity ($100+ value, varies by property)

Hotel Credit: Up to $600 annually in statement credits ($300 semi-annually) when you prepay FHR bookings

Featured Properties:

• Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Park Hyatt
• Independent luxury boutique hotels
• Exclusive resorts in prime destinations
• Historic properties and unique experiences

The Hotel Collection

Available to more cardholders, including Gold Card holders:

Benefits Include:

• Room upgrade at check-in (when available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Noon check-in (when available)
• Special amenities (varies by property)

Property Selection:

• Over 1,000 hotels worldwide
• 4- and 5-star properties
• Mix of chain and independent hotels
• Boutique and unique accommodations

Vacation Rentals: Amex Travel also provides access to vacation rental properties through partnerships, though this isn’t the platform’s primary strength compared to dedicated vacation rental sites.

Rental Cars

Book rental cars from major providers including Hertz, Enterprise, Avis, Budget, National, and Alamo:

Features:

• Compare rates across multiple companies
• Wide selection of vehicle types
• Add loyalty program numbers at booking
• Insurance options (check if your Amex card provides coverage)
• Pick-up and drop-off at different locations

Amex Card Benefits: Many American Express cards include rental car insurance coverage, potentially saving you $20-40 per day on rental company insurance.

Best Practices:

• Book through Amex Travel to earn Membership Rewards points
• Check your card’s rental car insurance coverage before declining rental company insurance
• Add your rental company loyalty number for additional benefits
• Compare Amex Travel rates against direct booking for the best deal

Cruises

Explore cruise options from major cruise lines:

Available Cruise Lines:

• Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess
• Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Oceania
• Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Crystal

Booking Advantages:

• Earn Membership Rewards points on cruise fares
• Expert cruise specialists available for consultation
• Package deals combining cruises with pre/post-hotel stays
• Onboard credit promotions (varies by booking)

When Cruises Make Sense:

• You want all-inclusive vacation simplicity
• Multiple destinations without constant hotel changes
• Family-friendly entertainment and dining
• Unique itineraries (Alaska, Mediterranean, Caribbean)

Vacation Packages

Bundle flights and hotels for potential savings:

Package Types:

• Flight + hotel combinations
• Multi-destination packages
• Resort packages with transfers
• Customizable itineraries

Considerations:

• Compare package pricing against separate bookings
• Packages sometimes offer genuine savings
• Less flexibility for changes and cancellations
• Convenient single-transaction booking

Best Use Cases:

• All-inclusive resort destinations
• Complex multi-city itineraries
• Last-minute travel (packages sometimes show better availability)
• Travelers who prioritize convenience over flexibility

Maximizing Membership Rewards Through Amex Travel

The Membership Rewards program is the cornerstone of Amex Travel’s value proposition.

How Membership Rewards Work

Earning Points:

• Points accumulate on eligible purchases automatically
• Earning rates vary by card and purchase category
• No limit on points you can earn
• Points don’t expire as long as your account remains open

Point Value: The value of Membership Rewards points depends on how you redeem them:

Redemption Option Comparison:

• Cash back: ~0.6 cents per point (poor value)
• Statement credits: 0.6-1 cent per point
• Gift cards: ~0.7-1 cent per point
• Amex Travel bookings: 1 cent per point (baseline)
• Transfer to partners: 1.5-3+ cents per point (best value)
• Insider Fares: Variable, sometimes excellent value

Booking Travel with Points

Standard Redemption (1¢ per point): During checkout, select “Use Points” and choose how many points to apply toward your booking. Points are valued at 1 cent each:

• 50,000 points = $500 toward travel
• 100,000 points = $1,000 toward travel

Insider Fares (Points Only): Exclusive deals where you book flights using only Membership Rewards points with no cash component. Values can exceed 1 cent per point, though rates vary by route and date.

Transfer Partners (Often Best Value): Rather than booking through Amex Travel, transfer points to airline and hotel partners for potentially better value:

Airline Partners:

• Delta SkyMiles, Air Canada Aeroplan, Virgin Atlantic
• British Airways Avios, ANA Mileage Club
• Air France-KLM Flying Blue, Qantas Frequent Flyer
• Emirates Skywards, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer

Hotel Partners:

• Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, Choice Privileges

Transfer Ratio: Typically 1:1 (1,000 Membership Rewards = 1,000 partner miles/points)

When Transfer Partners Excel:

• Business or first-class international flights
• Luxury hotel award nights
• Maximizing point value (often 2-3¢+ per point)
• Accessing award space not bookable through Amex Travel

Strategic Redemption Advice

Use Amex Travel Bookings For:

• Economy flights where transfer partners don’t offer better value
• Hotel stays at FHR/Hotel Collection properties (stacking perks with points)
• Rental cars and other travel where transfers aren’t options
• Simplicity and convenience over maximum value

Use Transfer Partners For:

• Premium cabin international flights
• Luxury hotel award nights
• Routes with excellent partner award availability
• Maximizing your points’ value

Hybrid Approach: Many savvy users book some travel through Amex Travel (flights for 5× earning) and redeem other points through transfer partners for luxury experiences.

Amex Travel Phone Number & Customer Service

Reliable customer support is essential when booking travel and handling reservations.

Amex Travel Customer Service Contact Numbers

Main Customer Service:

• Card Services: Call the number on the back of your card (available 24/7)
• Travel Support: 1-800-463-5911 (24 hours, seven days a week)
• Hearing Impaired: 711 or 1-800-528-4800

International Travel Support:

• Collect calls: Access code for your country + 336-393-1111
• Available in over 130 countries
• English and local language support

Platinum Card Concierge:

• Exclusive service for Platinum and Centurion cardholders
• Travel planning assistance
• Restaurant reservations and event tickets
• 24/7 availability

Premium Global Assist Hotline:

• Emergency assistance while traveling
• Medical referrals and legal assistance
• Lost luggage coordination
• Emergency cash and card replacement

When to Call Amex Travel Customer Service

Booking Assistance:

• Complex itineraries requiring expert help
• Questions about FHR/Hotel Collection properties
• Insider Fares availability and booking
• Group travel arrangements
• Special requests or accommodations

Changes and Cancellations:

• Modifying existing reservations
• Canceling bookings and processing refunds
• Flight changes due to schedule changes
• Hotel reservation modifications

Problems During Travel:

• Flight cancellations or delays
• Hotel issues or overbooked properties
• Rental car problems
• Lost or stolen luggage coordination
• Emergency travel arrangements

Billing and Points Questions:

• Points not posting correctly
• Disputing charges
• Understanding statement credits
• Membership Rewards redemption assistance

Online Support Options

Amex Chat:

• Available through the website and mobile app after logging in
• Real-time assistance with common questions
• Faster for simple inquiries

Help Center: Visit americanexpress.com/travel/help-center for:

• FAQs about booking and benefits
• Self-service tools for managing reservations
• Guides to using FHR and Hotel Collection
• Travel advisory information

Email Support:

• Available through secure messaging in your online account
• Responses typically within 24-48 hours
• Useful for non-urgent matters

Amex Travel Insurance & Protection Benefits

American Express cards include various travel insurance and protection benefits that activate automatically when you book travel.

Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance

Coverage Details:

• Reimburses non-refundable trip expenses if you must cancel or cut short your trip
• Covered reasons include illness, injury, death, severe weather, jury duty
• Coverage limits vary by card (typically $10,000-$20,000 per trip)
• Requires booking trip with your Amex card

How to File Claims:

• Contact Amex benefits administrator
• Provide documentation (receipts, medical records, etc.)
• Submit claim within specified timeframe
• Receive reimbursement for covered expenses

Trip Delay Insurance

Coverage:

• Reimburses expenses if your trip is delayed more than 6-12 hours (varies by card)
• Covers meals, lodging, toiletries, clothing
• Typically $300-500 per trip
• Must book trip with your Amex card

Baggage Insurance

Lost Luggage:

• Coverage for checked or carry-on baggage lost by carrier
• Reimbursement up to $1,250-$3,000 per passenger (varies by card)
• Covers personal belongings and baggage

Delayed Baggage:

• Coverage if baggage delayed more than 6 hours
• Reimburses essential purchases (clothing, toiletries)
• Typically up to $500-1,000

Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance

Primary or Secondary Coverage:

• Platinum/Business Platinum: Premium Car Rental Protection (primary coverage)
• Other cards: Secondary coverage

What’s Covered:

• Damage or theft of rental vehicle
• Coverage up to actual cash value of vehicle
• Some restrictions on vehicle types and rental duration

How to Activate:

• Decline rental company’s collision damage waiver (CDW)
• Pay for entire rental with eligible Amex card
• Rental must be in cardholder’s name

Important Exclusions:

• Certain vehicle types (exotic cars, trucks, motorcycles)
• Rentals longer than 30 consecutive days
• Driving in certain countries (check policy)
• Off-road driving

Travel Accident Insurance

Coverage:

• Accidental death and dismemberment during travel
• Coverage when trip is charged to eligible Amex card
• Benefit amounts: $100,000-$500,000+ depending on card
• Covers accidents during common carrier travel (planes, trains, buses, cruise ships)

Medical and Emergency Assistance

Premium Global Assist Hotline: Available to Platinum and Centurion cardholders:

Services Include:

• Medical and legal referrals worldwide
• Emergency evacuation assistance
• Lost luggage tracking
• Emergency ticket replacement
• Prescription replacement assistance
• Pre-trip planning and destination information

Important Note: This is an assistance service, not insurance. You’re responsible for costs, but they help coordinate services and provide referrals.

Purchase Protection

Coverage:

• Protects eligible purchases against damage or theft
• Coverage typically 90-120 days from purchase
• Up to $1,000-$10,000 per item (varies by card)
• Must purchase item with your Amex card

Extended Warranty

Benefit:

• Extends manufacturer’s warranty by up to 1 year
• Applies to warranties of 5 years or less
• Maximum coverage varies by card
• Automatic benefit when purchasing with eligible Amex card

How to Maximize Travel Insurance Benefits

Best Practices:

1. Book all travel with your Amex card to activate benefits
2. Save all receipts and documentation for potential claims
3. Review your specific card’s benefits guide for exact coverage details
4. File claims promptly within specified timeframes
5. Contact Amex before purchasing additional travel insurance to avoid duplicate coverage

When Additional Insurance Makes Sense:

• Your card’s coverage limits are insufficient for your trip cost
• You want cancel-for-any-reason coverage
• You’re traveling to high-risk destinations
• You have pre-existing medical conditions
• Your trip exceeds coverage duration limits

Amex Travel Premium Travel Experiences

Beyond standard booking, Amex Travel provides access to exclusive premium experiences.

Fine Hotels + Resorts Program Deep Dive

What Makes FHR Special:

The Fine Hotels + Resorts program goes beyond simple hotel bookings to provide luxury experiences with added value:

Complimentary Benefits at Every Property:

• Daily breakfast for two ($50-100 value)
• Room upgrade at check-in when available (sometimes suites)
• Guaranteed 4 PM late checkout
• Noon early check-in
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (saves $15-30 daily)
• Unique property amenity worth $100+ (spa credit, dining credit, tours, activities)

How FHR Works:

1. Browse FHR properties on Amex Travel
2. Book prepaid rates to qualify for benefits
3. Benefits are automatically included (no requests needed)
4. Confirmed via email along with booking
5. Property honors benefits upon arrival

Property Types:

• Iconic luxury chains (Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Rosewood, Mandarin Oriental)
• Independent luxury hotels
• Boutique properties with unique character
• Resorts in prime vacation destinations
• Historic properties and design hotels

Best FHR Destinations:

• New York, Los Angeles, Las Vegas (high hotel costs make benefits valuable)
• European cities (Paris, London, Rome, Barcelona)
• Caribbean and Mexico resorts
• Asian luxury properties (Maldives, Thailand, Bali)
• Dubai and Middle East luxury hotels

Maximizing FHR Value: The program shines when:

• Hotel breakfast would cost $40-60 per person
• Room upgrades could mean $200+ per night difference
• Property amenities align with your interests
• You’re celebrating special occasions
• You combine the $600 annual credit with benefits

The Hotel Collection

Mid-Tier Premium Program:

Available to Gold Card holders and above, The Hotel Collection offers a taste of premium benefits without FHR’s full perks:

Benefits:

• Room upgrade at check-in (when available)
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Noon check-in (when available)
• Special welcome amenity

Property Selection:

• Over 1,000 hotels worldwide
• 4- and 5-star properties
• More accessible price points than FHR
• Mix of chain and independent hotels

When to Use:

• You want some premium perks without FHR’s higher rates
• Destination doesn’t have FHR properties
• You’re on a moderate budget but want enhanced experience
• You hold Gold Card rather than Platinum

Amex Experiences

Beyond hotels, Amex provides access to exclusive experiences:

Entertainment:

• Presale concert tickets
• Exclusive dining experiences with celebrity chefs
• Sporting event access
• Fashion week events

Travel Experiences:

• Culinary tours
• Private museum access
• VIP festival experiences
• Exclusive excursions

By Invitation Only: Centurion cardholders receive invitations to ultra-exclusive events not available to the public.

Amex Travel US: Domestic vs. International Considerations

Using Amex Travel for Domestic US Travel

Advantages:

• No foreign transaction fees (important for your card when abroad, but not relevant for booking domestic)
• Comprehensive coverage of U.S. airlines, hotels, and rental cars
• Familiar booking process in English
• 24/7 U.S.-based customer service
• Seamless integration with U.S. Membership Rewards account

Best Domestic Uses:

• Business travel within the U.S.
• Leisure trips to major cities
• Beach and mountain resort getaways
• Road trips with rental cars
• National park visits with nearby hotel stays

U.S.-Specific Benefits:

• Access to American Express Centurion Lounges at major U.S. airports
• CLEAR membership for expedited security
• TSA PreCheck/Global Entry credits
• Seamless booking for Alaska and Hawaii (domestic destinations but geographically separated)

International Travel Through Amex Travel

Booking International Flights:

• Search flights to 1,000+ international destinations
• Compare airlines and routes easily
• Earn 5× points with Platinum Cards
• 24/7 support during international travel

International Hotel Bookings:

• FHR properties in 90+ countries
• The Hotel Collection spans globally
• Local currency pricing or USD
• International hotel standards and ratings

Key International Benefits:

• No foreign transaction fees on most Amex cards
• International customer service numbers in 130+ countries
• Premium Global Assist for emergencies abroad
• Travel accident insurance covering international common carrier travel
• Baggage insurance for international flights

International Considerations:

• Passport required (REAL ID not sufficient for leaving U.S.)
• Check visa requirements for destinations
• Consider travel insurance for international trips
• Research local customs and regulations
• Notify Amex of travel dates to prevent fraud alerts

Global Business Travel (Amex GBT)

For companies managing international business travel:

Amex Global Business Travel Overview:

• Serves 20,000+ corporate clients worldwide
• Offices in 140+ countries
• 24/7 global support network
• Multi-language assistance
• Duty of care and traveler tracking

Services:

• Complex international itinerary management
• Visa and passport assistance
• Travel risk management
• Expense reporting across currencies
• Global travel policy enforcement

Business Travel: Amex Global Business Travel (GBT)

Beyond consumer travel, Amex operates one of the world’s largest business travel management companies.

What Is Amex GBT?

Amex Global Business Travel provides end-to-end travel management for companies of all sizes:

Core Services:

• Travel booking and management
• Expense tracking and reporting
• Meetings and events planning
• Data analytics and insights
• Duty of care and risk management
• Virtual card payment solutions

Amex GBT Platforms

Egencia™:

• Designed for mid-sized companies
• Online booking tool with policy compliance
• Integrated expense management
• Mobile app for travelers
• 24/7 support

Select:

• Customizable platform for larger organizations
• Advanced policy controls
• Comprehensive reporting and analytics
• Integration with existing systems
• Dedicated account management

Neo:

• Next-generation platform combining travel, expense, and payments
• Modern user interface
• AI-powered recommendations
• Virtual card integration
• Real-time data and insights

Ovation™:

• High-touch service for premium business travelers
• Dedicated travel counselors
• White-glove service and support
• Luxury and executive travel focus

Why Companies Choose Amex GBT

Travel Management Benefits:

• Centralized booking and tracking
• Policy compliance enforcement
• Preferred vendor relationships (better rates)
• Duty of care and traveler safety
• 24/7 global support network

Expense Management:

• Automated expense reporting
• Integration with accounting systems
• Virtual card programs
• Real-time visibility into spend
• Policy violation detection

Data and Analytics:

• Comprehensive travel spend reporting
• Trend analysis and forecasting
• Vendor performance metrics
• Cost-saving opportunities identification
• Custom dashboards and reports

Risk Management:

• Traveler tracking and location services
• Real-time travel alerts and advisories
• Emergency assistance coordination
• Crisis management support
• Health and safety information

Industries Served

Amex GBT has specialized teams for:

• Legal and professional services
• Financial services and private equity
• Energy and natural resources
• Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
• Media and entertainment
• Technology and telecommunications

Tips for Maximizing Value from Amex Travel

Strategic Booking Approaches

The Point-Earning Strategy:

1. Use Platinum Card to book all travel through Amex Travel (5× points)
2. Accumulate large point balances
3. Transfer to partners for luxury redemptions
4. Result: Maximize earning while keeping best redemption flexibility

The Premium Experience Strategy:

1. Focus bookings on FHR properties to maximize benefits
2. Use annual hotel credits strategically
3. Time bookings with special occasions
4. Stack benefits (credits + perks + upgrades)
5. Result: Luxury experiences at mid-tier prices

The Hybrid Strategy:

1. Book flights direct with airlines for status benefits
2. Use Amex card for purchase (earn points)
3. Book hotels through FHR/Hotel Collection for perks
4. Rent cars through Amex Travel for insurance and points
5. Result: Best of both direct booking and Amex benefits

Mistakes to Avoid

Common Errors:

• Booking travel without comparing Amex Travel rates to competitors
• Not using the right card for maximum earning
• Forgetting to add loyalty numbers
• Missing annual credit deadlines
• Not understanding cancellation policies
• Failing to leverage transfer partners when they offer better value

Seasonal Considerations

Best Times to Book:

• January-February: Use expiring annual credits
• Spring: Book summer travel early for better availability
• Fall: Off-season deals and fewer crowds
• Holiday periods: Book well in advance or leverage Insider Fares

Combining with Other Benefits

Stack These for Maximum Value:

• Amex Offers (additional statement credits on specific merchants)
• Shop Small program (extra points at small businesses)
• Referral bonuses (earn points for referring friends)
• Sign-up bonuses (time applications with big travel plans)
• Authorized user bonuses (add family members to earn bonus points)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is Amex Travel cheaper than booking directly?

Not always. Amex Travel sometimes has competitive rates, but you should compare prices. The value often comes from earning 5× points and accessing exclusive benefits rather than lowest base price.

Q: Can I earn airline miles when booking flights through Amex Travel?

Usually yes, if you add your frequent flyer number at booking. However, you typically won’t earn airline elite qualifying miles or status credit for third-party bookings.

Q: Do Amex Travel bookings count toward hotel elite status?

Generally no. Third-party bookings (including through Amex Travel) typically don’t count toward hotel loyalty program elite status qualification or earn hotel points.

Q: What happens if I need to change or cancel my Amex Travel booking?

Contact Amex Travel customer service. Change and cancellation policies depend on the fare/rate rules you booked. Some bookings are flexible while others charge fees or are non-refundable.

Q: Can I book travel for someone else using my Amex card?

Yes, you can book travel for family and friends. However, FHR benefits typically only apply when the Platinum cardholder is registered as a guest.

Q: How long does it take for points to post after booking travel?

Points typically post 1-2 billing cycles after the charge appears on your statement. Large hotel charges may not post until after you check out.

Q: Can I combine points and cash for bookings?

Yes, during checkout you can choose how many points to use and pay the remaining balance with your Amex card.

Q: Is Amex Travel available 24/7?

Yes, the online booking platform is available 24/7, and customer service phone support operates around the clock.