Navigating the world of travel rewards can be complex, but for American Express cardholders, booking flights through Amex Travel unlocks significant opportunities to earn valuable Membership Rewards points. This guide breaks down the benefits of using Amex Travel for your flight bookings, ensuring you maximize your rewards potential and travel smarter.
Understanding Membership Rewards Points on Amex Travel Flights
American Express Membership Rewards program offers a flexible and valuable way to earn points on your everyday spending, and travel purchases are a key area where you can accelerate your earnings. When it comes to flights, booking through amextravel.com can provide bonus points on top of your standard card rewards, depending on the American Express card you hold.
Double the Points with Select American Express Cards
For many Membership Rewards-enrolled Card Members, booking flights and other eligible travel through amextravel.com can earn you 2X Membership Rewards points. This means you’ll receive at least one point for every dollar spent, plus an additional point for eligible travel purchases made on amextravel.com. It’s important to note that Corporate Card Members are generally not eligible for these additional points.
Eligible travel purchases for this bonus typically include:
- Flights
- Prepaid hotels
- Prepaid short-term rentals
- Prepaid car rentals
- Vacation packages (flight + hotel)
- Cruise reservations
However, remember that non-prepaid options like car rentals and hotels, along with fees and interest charges, usually do not qualify for bonus points. Also, keep in mind that this offer cannot be combined with other category bonuses, such as the 5X bonus for Platinum cardholders on certain purchases. Points are usually credited to your account 10-12 weeks after final payment.
Business Gold Card: Soar with 3X Points on Flights
If you hold a Business Gold Card, the rewards are even more substantial for flight bookings. Basic Business Gold Card Members can earn 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel purchases. This includes 1 point for every dollar spent and an additional 2 points for travel booked through AmexTravel.com.
This impressive bonus applies to:
- Scheduled flights booked online at AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid flight+hotel packages booked online at AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid hotel purchases made online at AmexTravel.com or through phone with American Express Travel Consultants
To ensure you receive the 3X points, bookings must be reserved and charged to your Business Gold Card. Modifications should also be made through AmexTravel.com or by calling their representatives. Non-eligible purchases for this bonus include non-prepaid hotel bookings, vacation packages (excluding flight+hotel), car rentals, cruises, and other fees. Points are typically credited 6-10 weeks after the purchase appears on your billing statement.
Gold Card: 3X Points on Airfare and More
The personal Gold Card also offers elevated rewards for travel, specifically providing 3X Membership Rewards points for airfare. When you use your Gold Card, you will earn a total of 3 points for each dollar spent on:
- Airfare on scheduled flights charged directly with passenger airlines
- Airfare charged directly through amextravel.com
Furthermore, Gold Card members also receive 2X points on prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, or cruise reservations booked through amextravel.com. These points are in addition to the standard 1 point earned per dollar on eligible purchases. It’s important to note that charter flights and private jet flights are excluded from the 3X airfare bonus. Allow 8-12 weeks for points to be posted to your account after your purchase.
Green Card: Versatile 3X Points for Travel
The American Express Green Card provides a broad travel rewards category, offering 3X Membership Rewards points on a wide range of travel purchases, making it a versatile option for flights and more. With the Green Card, you earn 3 points per dollar on:
- Airfare
- Hotels
- Cruises
- Tours
- Car Rentals
- Campgrounds
- Vacation Rentals
- Travel purchases on third-party travel websites
- Travel purchases on amextravel.com
This expansive definition of travel makes the Green Card a strong contender for maximizing points on various travel expenses, including flights booked through Amex Travel or directly with airlines.
Platinum Card: Reach for 5X Points on Flights
For travelers seeking premium rewards, the Platinum Card® from American Express offers an exceptional 5X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel purchases. This is one of the highest earning rates available for Amex Membership Rewards points on flights.
Platinum Card Members earn 5X points on up to $500,000 on:
- Air tickets on scheduled flights booked directly with passenger airlines
- Air tickets booked through American Express Travel (online or by phone)
- Prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel
- Prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid vacation rental reservations booked through AmexTravel.com
This significant bonus makes the Platinum Card a top choice for frequent flyers and those making substantial flight purchases. Be aware that charter flights, private jets, and flights within travel packages (excluding prepaid flight+hotel packages from AmexTravel.com) are not eligible for the 5X bonus.
Business Platinum Card: Elevate Your Business Travel with 5X Points
The Business Platinum Card mirrors the personal Platinum Card in offering 5X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, making it ideal for business owners who travel frequently. Business Platinum Card Members also earn 5X points on:
- Scheduled flights booked online at AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid flight and hotel packages booked online at AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid short-term rentals made online at AmexTravel.com
- Prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel (online or by phone)
Similar to the personal Platinum, this bonus excludes non-prepaid bookings, vacation packages (excluding flight+hotel), car rentals, cruises, and other fees. Ensuring your bookings are both reserved and charged to your Business Platinum Card is crucial to receiving the 5X points.
Additional Amex Travel Benefits to Consider
Beyond bonus points on flights, Amex Travel offers other valuable features that enhance your travel experience and potentially save you money:
Pay with Points for Flights
The Pay with Points option allows you to redeem your Membership Rewards points directly towards eligible flight purchases made through American Express Travel. This provides flexibility in using your points and can offset the cost of your flights. Keep in mind that there is usually a minimum redemption amount (e.g., 5,000 points), and the value per point can vary depending on the redemption method.
Lowest Hotel Rate Guarantee
While primarily focused on hotels, the Lowest Hotel Rate Guarantee from Amex Travel offers peace of mind when booking accommodations, and can be relevant if booking flight+hotel packages. If you find a lower price for the same hotel room online after booking through amextravel.com, American Express will refund you the difference. This guarantee applies to publicly available online rates and excludes certain discounted or bundled rates.
Maximizing Your Amex Travel Flight Bookings
To fully leverage the benefits of booking flights through Amex Travel, consider these tips:
- Know Your Card Benefits: Understand the specific bonus categories and earning rates for your American Express card.
- Book Prepaid Options: To ensure bonus points eligibility, opt for prepaid flights, hotels, and other travel services when booking through Amex Travel.
- Book Online or Via Amex Travel Consultants: Utilize amextravel.com or contact Amex Travel Consultants to make your bookings and ensure you are eligible for bonus points and benefits.
- Review Terms and Conditions: Always familiarize yourself with the specific terms and conditions associated with each bonus offer to avoid any surprises.
- Combine with Other Offers: While category bonuses may not be combinable, look for other Amex Offers or promotions that can further enhance your travel rewards.
By strategically using your American Express card and booking flights through Amex Travel, you can significantly boost your Membership Rewards balance and unlock more rewarding travel experiences. Whether you’re a frequent flyer or planning an occasional getaway, Amex Travel Flights offer a pathway to maximizing your travel rewards.
