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I will share 6 ways I use my Amex Platinum card to travel. I want to help you understand why I carry the Platinum card. My relationship with Amex started in 2001, and we are still together in 2024. I started with green, moved to gold, then moved to platinum. The current annual fee for Amex Platinum is $695. Everyone asks, “Is it worth it?” My answer. “Yes.” Why? Because I take advantage of the travel benefits.
I take advantage of the Airline Fee Credit. I receive $200 per calendar year for incidental fees and in-flight refreshments when I use my card. For 2024, I selected Southwest Airlines. I can change my airline every year.
Before, I used my Uber credit for rides to Midway. However, I now use the credit for a ride to the hotel or timeshare. Rideshare in Chicago is expensive to or from the airport. My Amex benefit includes up to $200 per year or $15 monthly and a $20 bonus in December. You can use your Uber benefit for Uber Eats.
I am not a fan of sitting at the gate. I will go to a Centurion or Escape Lounge and use Priority Pass Select to access other airport lounges. When I visited my son for Mother’s Day, I stopped by The Centurion Lounge. In Cabo, I waited in the VIP Lounge with my sisters. The Escape Lounge was open for light refreshments and cocktails in Cincinnati. You ask, “What is the point of sitting in the lounge?” Well, you do not just sit in the lounge; you can relax or work and enjoy complimentary pre-flight meals and drinks.
I was unaware my car insurance was invalid as I drove around Mexico, even though I asked my insurance agent if I was covered. The Amex Platinum offers a certificate of insurance to present at rental car agencies in Mexico. I received the certificate via email. Amex would be my primary insurance. I provided this document at the rental car counter during my second trip to Cabo. Anyone brave enough to drive in Cabo understands the importance of having this certificate. Knowing all of this, you are wondering why I rented a car. It was less expensive to rent a car than to use airport transportation.
I check my online Amex account regularly for travel offers. Do not throw away “junk” mail. I also receive vacation offers in the mail. I took advantage of a timeshare offer to stay in Cancun (4 nights $269) and Las Vegas (3 nights $199). Both timeshare presentations were for Marriott properties.
I can admit that I did not understand the purpose of the Hotel Collection. However, I booked a room at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel. I now understand the meaning of staying at a luxury hotel. You should always check the hotel website for rates before booking through the Amex Portal. I enjoyed breakfast at the Villard and a cocktail with an appetizer at the Gold Room using my $100 hotel credit. The customer service at the Lotte was unbelievable, the room impeccable, and the view was stunning. I truly felt like I was in a palace. Of course, I also tried a property in the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection. I received the $100 hotel credit and a $60 daily breakfast credit for up to two guests.
I shared 6 ways I used my Amex Platinum card to travel. There are other Amex Platinum travel benefits available. I received a credit ($85) when I used my card to pay the application fee for a Known Traveler Number. My son is an authorized user and received the credit also. If you travel, invest in TSA PreCheck. I strongly recommend you search for a travel card with benefits to fit your needs. The card works for me. Start by checking the offers of your current cards before applying for new credit. If you need a credit cardholder, click on the LSKTravelz link below.
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