Amex Platinum Airline Credit: A Flyertalk Guide

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Hey guys! Let's dive into the Amex Platinum airline credit, a perk that often causes confusion but can save you serious money if you play it right. This guide is inspired by the wisdom of Flyertalk, that treasure trove of travel hacking knowledge. So, buckle up, and let's get started!

Understanding the Amex Platinum Airline Credit

So, what exactly is this airline credit we're talking about? The Amex Platinum card comes with a $200 airline fee credit. Each calendar year, you can get reimbursed for up to $200 in incidental fees charged by your selected airline. The trick is that it's not for any airline purchase. It's specifically for incidental fees. This is where many people get tripped up. — Dee Dee Blanchard's Life In Pictures: A Visual Story

What counts as an incidental fee? Think things like checked baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, seat selection fees, and airline lounge day passes. Generally, airfare itself doesn't qualify. However, as we'll explore thanks to Flyertalk's collective brainpower, there are some creative ways to maximize this benefit. It's also important to choose your airline wisely at the beginning of each year, as changes mid-year can sometimes be a hassle. This selection is typically done through your Amex online account.

To choose your airline, log in to your American Express account, navigate to your Platinum card benefits, and find the airline credit section. You'll see a list of eligible airlines to choose from. Pick the one you're most likely to fly with during the year or, even better, the one where you can exploit some of the Flyertalk tricks we'll discuss to trigger the credit with smaller purchases. Once you've made your selection, you're locked in for the rest of the year unless you call Amex and request a change, which isn't always guaranteed. — Remembering The Legends: Emmys In Memoriam 2025

Flyertalk's Hacks and Strategies

This is where the fun begins! Flyertalk is brimming with data points and experiences from users who have successfully triggered the airline credit in unexpected ways. It’s important to note that what worked last year might not work this year, as Amex and the airlines are constantly updating their systems. But here are some of the most commonly reported strategies:

  • Small Denomination Airline Gift Cards: In the past, purchasing airline gift cards in small denominations (e.g., $50 or $100) from certain airlines would trigger the credit. This has become less reliable over time, but it's still worth checking Flyertalk to see if any specific airlines are currently working. Keep an eye on the relevant Flyertalk threads for the most up-to-date information. User reports are crucial here.
  • Airline Lounge Access: Purchasing a day pass to an airline lounge can often trigger the credit. If you have a long layover or simply want a more comfortable airport experience, this can be a great way to use the credit. Just make sure the charge codes correctly to qualify.
  • Upgrades: Paying for a seat upgrade can sometimes trigger the credit, especially if it's a relatively small amount. Again, check Flyertalk for specific airline data points.
  • Award Ticket Taxes and Fees: Sometimes, the taxes and fees associated with award tickets can trigger the credit, especially if they're charged separately by the airline. This is a bit hit-or-miss, but it's worth considering if you frequently redeem miles.
  • Incidental Fees: Of course, don't forget the obvious! Checked baggage fees, seat selection fees, and in-flight purchases should trigger the credit without any special tricks.

Remember that YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary) is the mantra of Flyertalk. What works for one person might not work for you, so always proceed with caution and be prepared for the possibility that your purchase won't be reimbursed. Also, keep screenshots of your purchases and Amex statements as proof if you need to dispute a charge.

Maximizing the Value: A Step-by-Step Approach

Okay, so how do we put all this into practice? Here's a step-by-step approach to maximizing your Amex Platinum airline credit, inspired by the Flyertalk community:

  1. Choose Your Airline Wisely: Consider which airline you fly most often or which one offers the most potential for exploiting incidental fee loopholes. Research Flyertalk for recent data points on which airlines are working for gift cards or other tricks.
  2. Monitor Flyertalk: Keep an eye on the relevant Flyertalk threads for the Amex Platinum card and your chosen airline. Pay attention to recent data points and user experiences.
  3. Test Small Purchases: Before making a large purchase, test the waters with a small purchase that you think should trigger the credit. This will give you an idea of whether the trick is still working.
  4. Track Your Purchases: Keep a record of all your airline purchases and monitor your Amex statement to see if the credits are applied automatically. It can take a few weeks for the credit to post.
  5. Contact Amex if Necessary: If a qualifying purchase doesn't trigger the credit automatically, contact Amex customer service. Be prepared to provide documentation of your purchase.
  6. Consider Alternative Strategies: If gift cards and other tricks aren't working, focus on using the credit for legitimate incidental fees like checked baggage or seat selection.

Important Considerations and Caveats

Before you get too excited, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

  • Amex Can Change the Rules: Amex can change the terms and conditions of the airline credit at any time, so always stay informed.
  • Airline Policies Vary: Airline policies regarding gift cards and incidental fees can also change, so do your research.
  • Not Worth Manufactured Spending: Don't go overboard trying to manufacture spend to trigger the credit. The time and effort involved might not be worth the small amount of money you save.
  • Read the Fine Print: Always read the fine print of the Amex Platinum card terms and conditions to understand the details of the airline credit benefit.

Flyertalk: Your Secret Weapon

Ultimately, Flyertalk is your secret weapon for maximizing the Amex Platinum airline credit. The collective knowledge and experience of the Flyertalk community can help you stay ahead of the curve and find the latest tricks and strategies. So, dive in, do your research, and happy travels!

By leveraging the power of Flyertalk and understanding the nuances of the Amex Platinum airline credit, you can save money and enhance your travel experiences. Just remember to stay informed, be flexible, and always be prepared for the unexpected. Safe travels, folks! — Gregg County Mugshots: A Look Behind The Bars