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Andrew’s a lifelong traveler who puts in over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew’s worked at Th...
With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...
Kellie’s professional experience has led her to a deep passion for compliance, data reporting, and process improvement. Kellie’s learned the ins and outs of the points and miles world and leads UP’s c...
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The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the top premium travel credit cards on the market, but also one of the most expensive. The card’s annual fee is substantially higher than other cards, but it also comes with an extensive list of benefits like airport lounge access, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel elite status, major bonus earning on flights booked with airlines, and more.
While the card’s fee may seem like a shocker at first, it’s actually not so bad when you take a look at the multiple statement credits offered, including an airline incidental credit of up to $200. Many travelers often aren’t sure how to take advantage of the airline incidental credit and what it can cover. After all, it doesn’t let you cover paid plane tickets but does let you cover other fees incurred from an airline — whether inflight or at the airport.
In this article, you’ll finally get clarity as to what exactly the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental credit is and your best options for redeeming your card’s $200 annual credit. After all, what use is a benefit if you don’t know how to use it, right?
What Is the Amex Platinum Card’s Airline Incidental Credit?
Both the Amex Platinum card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express include an up to $200 airline incidental fee credit. This credit, according to American Express, is to be used to cover inflight expenses on your selected airline. Some of the items American Express lists as eligible for reimbursement include inflight refreshments and checked bag fees. Unfortunately, things like airline tickets, gift cards, and points or miles purchases aren’t eligible for reimbursement.
“Incidental airline fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee.”
Once you’ve selected your airline, you can simply charge these expenses to your Amex Platinum card and you’ll automatically be reimbursed in the form of a statement credit within 4 weeks of the charge posting to your account.
Hot Tip: You receive the airline incidental once per calendar year. The credit is dispersed on January 1st of the year and doesn’t roll over.
Selecting an Airline for Your Airline Incidental Credit
Unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $300 travel credit, you’re limited to using your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit on a single airline. You can select your airline when you receive your card and change it once per year thereafter. However, we at Upgraded Points have had luck changing the airline more than once when chatting (nicely) with an American Express representative.
You can pick from the following airlines:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
You must select an airline before you can use the airline incidental credit. Charges made to your account before selecting an airline are not eligible for reimbursement, so select your airline as soon as you receive your Amex Platinum card and have a trip booked.
Thankfully, selecting your Amex Platinum card airline choice is easy. Just head over to the American Express website, log in and select your Amex Platinum card (should you have more than 1 Amex card).
Click on the Rewards & Benefits tab on the bar at the top of the screen. And then click on the Benefits tab.
Image Credit: American Express
Here, you’ll see the balance of your Airline Fee Credit — how much you’ve used and how much you have left.
Image Credit: American Express
Scroll down the page and you’ll see a list of benefits included with your Amex Platinum card. There will be an option labeled $200 Airline Fee Credit. Click on the Learn More button and, from there, you can select your airline choice using the drop-down menu at the center of the screen.
Image Credit: American Express
The Best Ways To Use Your Airline Incidental Fee Credit
As mentioned earlier, the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit cannot be used towards plane tickets, points purchases, or gift cards. There’s no doubt that this is frustrating, but thankfully, there are still plenty of great ways that you can spend the credit over the year.
Here are our favorite ways of utilizing the flight credit. We’ve split this section up into 2 parts: official and unofficial ways to redeem the incidental fee credit.
Official Ways To Redeem the Incidental Fee Credit
You can use your airline incidental fee credit to purchase day passes to the American Airlines Admirals Club. Image Credit: American Airlines
Just remember that you have to select the applicable airline for the lounge charge to be covered. So if you select Delta as your selected airline, your charges to the Admirals Club won’t be covered by your incidental fees.
Hot Tip: If you purchase an annual lounge membership with your Amex Platinum card that costs more than $200, you’ll be credited the entirety of the incidental fee credit at once. So in this case, you can think of it as a $200 discount on your lounge membership of choice.
Further, note that Amex Platinum cardmembers do not receive complimentary guest access at Delta Sky Clubs. However, guest access can be purchased for $29 per person (versus $50 for a standard day pass). If you purchase Delta Sky Club guest access and Delta is selected as your Amex Platinum card’s airline, you will be reimbursed for their entry fee.
Change Fees
Changing a trip’s date can be expensive, but your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit will cover the itinerary change fee. Note that the incidental fee will not likely cover the airfare difference as this is often charged like a plane ticket.
Plan on checking a bag but it isn’t included with your ticket? Just charge it to your Amex Platinum card. This is especially helpful if you’ve selected a low-cost carrier, like Spirit, as your airline choice as these carriers generally charge more for baggage. Just remember that the incidental fee credit will only cover baggage fees on your selected airline.
Inflight Entertainment Fees
The incidental fee credit will cover inflight entertainment fees like TV, movies, and tablet rentals charged directly by the airline. A good example of this is renting an Alaska Airlines entertainment tablet inflight. The airline charges a fee to rent these in economy class.
Unfortunately, this does not cover inflight internet as this is generally billed by a third party. However, we have heard of United inflight entertainment being reimbursed as it is generally charged by United directly. Proceed with caution though as there’s no guarantee it will be reimbursed.
Most other inflight purchases are covered, too. Think amenities like headphones, blankets on budget carriers, food, and drink. These are almost always charged by the airline and will automatically be reimbursed by your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit.
Seat Selection Fees
Seat selection fees are another great way to redeem your airline incidental fee credit. You can use this when flying low-cost carriers or are flying on a basic economy fare that doesn’t include free seat selection. Note that this does include things like Even More Space seating on JetBlue and Economy Plus on United Airlines.
Pet Flight Fees
If you’re taking a furry companion with you, use your Amex Platinum card’s incidental credit to cover the pet fee. This can take out a nice chunk of your reimbursement too — for example, JetBlue charges $125 per one-way flight.
You can usually avoid these by booking online, but there may be instances where you need to call to book an award ticket or a flight with special routing. If you can’t get the agent to waive this fee, your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit will cover it.
Priority Boarding
Priority boarding purchases will work on virtually all airlines. This can be especially valuable when flying Southwest Airlines as you’ll get first dibs on the best seats. Again, just remember that the incidental fees will only cover priority boarding fees on your selected airline.
Unofficial Ways To Redeem the Incidental Fee Credit
The methods below are ways that either our staff has tried or seen work for other travelers. Proceed with caution. There’s no guarantee that these will work for you. While we try and keep this section as up-to-date as possible, these things can change on a dime and we can’t be held liable for a charge not being reimbursed.
Admirals Club Food or Drink Purchases
A number of American Airlines Admirals Club locations have premium food and drink available for purchase. These purchases have been reimbursed from American Express as they’re billed directly from American Airlines.
Unfortunately, we don’t have data for purchases at other lounges at this time. Again, proceed with caution.
Delta Airfare Purchased Partially With a Gift Card
There are reports of Delta tickets purchased partially with a gift card being reimbursed by American Express. This is because when the purchase processes, it will add “additional collection” to the transaction instead of listing an airline route like most airfare purchases.
This means that American Express will see the transaction as if it was some sort of add-on or other inflight expense. However, this is not officially supported,and American Express may choose to not honor your incidental credit for this purchase.
Sub-$99 Airfare on Select Airlines
We’ve seen reports of sub-$99 fares on Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue being reimbursed by the incidental fee credit. But again, this is very much something you should try at your own risk as the purchase will code as airfare.
Spirit Saver$ Club Memberships
Spirit Airlines has a members-only discount club called Spirit Saver$ Club. It provides access to discounted tickets and include other perks, but has an annual fee.
We’ve seen reports of Spirit Saver$ Club memberships being reimbursed by American Express. Definitely keep this in mind if you’re a frequent ultra-low-cost carrier as it can save you a nice sum of money as you travel throughout the year.
$5.60 TSA Passenger Security Fee on Award Tickets
Our team has had the $5.60 TSA Passenger Security fee reimbursed on multiple award tickets in the past.
Purchases That Do Not Trigger the Airline Incidental Credit
Now that you have a full list of things that do (or might) trigger the airline incidental fee credit, here’s a quick look at the things that don’t trigger this credit.
Award Taxes and Fees
Aside from the $5.60 TSA Security Fee mentioned above, our team has not had luck having other award fees reimbursed. This is likely because of the fact that these purchases code as airfare when posted to your American Express card.
Airline Gift Card Purchases
Airline gift card purchases were a long-time favorite for redeeming the airline incidental fee credit. However, as of this summer, our team has had no luck getting these reimbursed.
Class of Service Upgrades
Unfortunately, cabin upgrades are not eligible for reimbursement.
Inflight Wi-Fi
As mentioned earlier, inflight Wi-Fi generally does not trigger the incidental fee credit as it’s billed by a third party like Gogo or Panasonic. However, we’ve seen reports of United Airlines Wi-Fi purchases being reimbursed as United does bill Wi-Fi purchases on its own, or if purchased through the airline application prior to your flight.
What if My Purchase Isn’t Automatically Reimbursed?
While American Express states that it will reimburse eligible charges within 4 weeks, some charges make it past American Express’ system. If you’re not reimbursed for an eligible charge, you can either call the number on the back of your card or use American Express’s live chat service to request reimbursement.
Final Thoughts
While the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit is limited when compared to travel credits offered by other premium credit cards, it still offers a ton of value. When you use the methods listed above, you’ll not only save money, but also have a better travel experience with extra checked bags, lounge access, and more.
How do you spend your Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit? Let us know in the comments below!
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here. For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points
Frequently Asked Questions
You can pick from the following U.S. airlines. Note that you can only redeem your credit on the airline you choose, and you can only change your selection once per calendar year.
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
The following American Express cards come with an airline incidental fee credit:
American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab — $200
Amex Platinum card — $200
Amex Business Platinum card — $200
Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express — $200
The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Goldman Sachs — $200
The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley — $200
Generally speaking, no. The terms and conditions prohibit this and it has not worked in practice for a majority of Amex Platinum cardholders. However, there are reports of sub-$100 airfare triggering the credit when booking on select airlines.
No, you must use the entirety of the incidental fee credit before the end of a calendar year. Otherwise, the credit will expire.
You will receive $200 per year in incidental fee credit. The credit renews on January 1st of the calendar year.
Yes, you will still earn points on reimbursed purchases.
Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City.
He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt. Andrew formerly worked for The Points Guy and is now Senior Money Editor at CNN Underscored.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
83 comments
Jeremiah Davis
October 19, 2019
Great article.
I have a follow-up question:
Does anyone know if the $200 can be used to cover Unaccompanied Minor Fees?
Thanks
Jeremy
It’s difficult to tell in-advance. The only way to know for certain is to use it and see if you get it credited back. As it looks right now, it should qualify, as it is not specifically excluded from Amex’s terms and conditions. Thanks for reading.
Leandro
December 16, 2019
Great article. Thanks for all of the details. It was a huge insight.
Spirit has a ton of fees that I’m sure will fit under the airline incidentals.
Like selecting seats, more leg room seats, baggage fees and the $9 fare club membership.
My question is the following.
With the promo ending/resetting on Jan. 1st, can I book now to travel during 2,020 before the year ends to qualify ?
Or must the flight be completed during the promo period ?
Thanks for your feedback. Spirit’s exact terms and conditions change all the time. We’d encourage you to seek advice from Spirit Airlines directly, since we aren’t making the rules here.
Bill
December 04, 2020
Yes, AmEx Aspire Card reimbursed in 2019 and 2020 for unaccompanied minor -American Air. (YMMV)
RenoRich
November 19, 2019
Amex Platinum data point.
$96 Southwest ticket purchased in mid-November 2019.
No credit posted after 4 days.
Augusto Novato
December 05, 2019
hi, did you have any luck with Delta?
Kia
November 20, 2019
Helpful article. However the below statement is incorrect. Amex Platinum card holders traveling on Delta receive complimentary access to Delta SkyClub along with 2 guests. I have used this benefit a number of times.
“Further, note that Amex Platinum cardmembers do not receive complimentary guest access at Delta SkyClubs. However, guest access can be purchased for $29 per person (versus $50 for a standard day pass). If Delta is selected as your Amex Platinum’s airline, you will be reimbursed for their entry fee.”
Hi Kia. The statement in the article is correct. This requirement is referenced both in the Amex Platinum card terms and conditions and on the Delta website. It is stated that: “Guests of Platinum and Centurion card members may enter the club with up to 2 guests for an additional fee”. It sounds like you’ve been fortunate in that you have not had to pay these fees. https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
Vibhu
September 29, 2020
I agree the article statement is correct. Please note also, if the Delta flyer has Diamond Elite status they can get two complimentary guests free as part of Choice Benefits and use the Amex Platinum as an entry for themselves to Delta SkyClubs. I have used it this way without paying the $29 fees.
I know that DPs show that taxes and fees are normally not automatically reimbursed by Amex, however, would you have a strong case to argue for reimbursement if you call or use the chat to have them do it manually?
You can definitely call and try, but I wouldn’t expect them to do so. If you are able to get them waived let us know!
Ryan
December 13, 2019
Thanks for the reply, do you know of anything that explicitly says no? I just want to make sure that I am not running into something that is in writing and B&W prohibits the credit.
You should have received a booklet that details the terms and conditions for each of the card’s benefits when you received the card. I’d give that a look and see if there is anything that explicitly says no.
KanExplore
December 23, 2019
I am planning to cancel my AMEX Platinum card soon after the first of the year to avoid the annual fee. However, I have a question:
If I make a purchase before Jan. 1 that would trigger the fee reimbursement but it hasn’t been credited yet before I call to cancel the card, will it still credit since the card was open at the time of the charge?
If you cancel the card before the charge has been credited then no, you will not receive the reimbursement.
Thanks for reading!
sunnys
January 17, 2020
HI, Great article! I have a question: if the flight ticket is booked on another (non-amex) card, can I receive credit if I pay for the additional incidental fee using Amex Platinum?
Hey Frank – Yes, you can change even if you’ve already used part of the credit on an airline. Just give AMEX a call, be friendly and they should change it for you without a problem!
Emanuel
February 01, 2020
I spoke to AMEX tonight. The agent said that they will not change airlines if you’ve already used partial credit on a different airline.
Garrison
January 21, 2020
Hi!
If you buy a ticket for example on Delta but the codeshare is for Delta Partner airlines, can you use the airline credit towards baggage fees on the partner airline, if the ticket was sold by Delta?
Most likely not. The merchant collecting the baggage fee must be Delta. If you’re paying for baggage fees on partner airlines, you’ll need to make sure that the baggage fee is collected by Delta, as opposed to partner airlines.
Philip
January 23, 2020
Hi,
I’m planning on flying delta with the family and I need to have assigned seating, but I also want to use my amex credits. Would it trigger the credit if I bought our tickets in basic economy and after the purchase when asked if I would like to switch to main cabin pay the difference using my amex a couple day after my purchase? Do you think that it would trigger the credit? It’s a 42 dollar difference.
I would like to use my Amex airline credit to upgrade to an exit row which is classified as preferred seating. It is $98. Will it trigger my AMEX credit?
Yes, this should trigger your Amex credit assuming you’re upgrading with the airline you’ve previously selected.
Michael Cleveland
November 10, 2020
Southwest has a prioity boarding at the gate for about $30 (may differ depending on the length of flight). This gets your boarding pass # moved to A 1-15. Available as long as some 1-15 slots are available. Would this quailfy for the Amex credit? Thanks great article.
Yes, this should qualify for the Amex incidental credit.
SP
December 04, 2020
I got the Amex platinum last month. Can I select Spirit and apply for their $9 fare club membership now and change it to frontier to get their membership as well in January – since we are allowed to select our airlines once every year.
The Amex Platinum airline credit only works for airline incidentals like checked baggage fees, overweight/oversize baggage fees, change fees, etc. So the fee for the $9 fare club may not be covered.
SP
December 08, 2020
Thank you! Although the above article says “We’ve seen reports of both $9 Fare Club and Discount Den memberships being reimbursed by American Express. “
Kathy
December 07, 2020
Last week I used my American Express Platinum to upgrade our seats for an upcoming flight. When checking my activity on my account, I realized that I had not chose American Airlines as my airline choice, I thought I had. I tried to chat with a customer service rep but he said no, can’t help me. I think it’s ridiculous that they can make a manual adjustment. I’m going to try to call tomorrow. Has anyone else done this?
Joey
December 23, 2020
I can confirm food/beverage purchases in Delta lounges do not automatically trigger the credit. I had to call Amex and politely ask for a credit. They obliged, but it didn’t sound like they’d do it again for me.
Matt
February 17, 2021
if I purchased a ticket on United for someone else, can I use my Aspire card to pay for there seat selection and have that reimbursed?
Yes, that should count towards the airline incidental fee on your Hilton Aspire card.
twong
September 04, 2021
On 9/1/21 I received a $40 credit for a partial charge on my SW flight.
duaneger
September 13, 2021
I selected United since I’m 1k and primarily fly them, but I’m wondering how I can maximize this credit. I already get a drink/food for free, checked bags are free, entertainment is now free on United flights, I rarely change my flights, and I already have United lounge access thru my United Business credit card. I guess purchasing wifi is my only option with United from what this article says. Let’s see if I can maximize $200 on wifi alone. Any other ideas out there? I know point purchases don’t count, but what about those “mile accelerator” options for reservations where you get more miles for that flight? Has anybody tried using those with your amex card?
NB
October 07, 2021
check out the FlyerTalk thread….some good ideas in there.
JLW
October 06, 2021
I’m thinking of selecting United as my airline for my $200 credit and I have a question on timing of the incidental charges. If I purchase basic economy tickets and in the same transaction, as I’m checking out on United.com, I pay extra to get assigned seats or I pay extra for a “bundle” that includes assigned seats and a bag, will those “extras” trigger the credit, even though they’re part of the same transaction in which I’m purchasing the actual airfare? Or do I have to buy the tickets alone first, and then go back and (in a new transaction) purchase assigned seats or checked bags, etc?
You should not need to make a separate purchase for your seat selection. Usually, even if you book both at the same time, United will charge your card 2 separate times, one for the airfare and one for any extra, in which case, the second charge should be credited back to you. Safe travels!
Brian Jew
October 09, 2021
If I purchase airline tickets using my Chase United Explorer card (to get the free checked luggage), and then later use my AMEX Aspire Card to pay for changing seats to one with more legroom, will that work for the airline incidental credit? In short, will the credit still trigger even though a different card was used to make the airline ticket purchase from the incidental charge?
Anything over the $200 will remain on your statement as a charge.
Toys Samurai
October 25, 2021
I got a question. Delta Sky Club membership can be paid monthly. Between my Platinum and my wife’s, does that mean we could fully utilize the $400 by paying monthly?
You can already access Delta Sky Clubs for free when flying Delta with your Amex Platinum card. So there would be no need to pay for a Sky Club membership.
Ger Hanson
November 28, 2021
If at time of check-in you purchased mileage boost miles when is offered will that be reimbursed? It is not a stand alone purchase of miles but rather an add on to a ticket purchase??
I haven’t seen any data points of this, but I anticipate that if it codes as an add-on purchase that it should count towards your $200 credit.
Nick G
January 27, 2023
I was able to upgrade to first class on American airlines flight going from Philadelphia to Phoenix it was $180 charge and it was reimbursed 2 weeks later.
DaninMCI
December 16, 2021
I’ve had this work on AA. Bougie Miles also has some data points on this. I think it’s a slight gamble but I had it work on AA in October 2021.
Jose S
December 03, 2021
I would like to upgrade from Main to First class on a flight. Assuming this would qualify for the $200 statement credit since its a premium seat selection, correct?
I’m anticipating that would code as a ticket purchase and thus not qualify for the statement credit. I’d love to be proven wrong though if it works for you!
DaninMCI
December 16, 2021
The T&C’s list this as not included so it might work but likely wouldn’t. If it was a minor amount under $200 you’d have a better chance.
DJ
January 07, 2022
What’s the verdict on paying for seat changes (Main to Comfort+ or First)? Will this trigger the credit?
Seat selection fees should credit, but paying for upgrade like moving to first likely will not credit.
Ryan
April 05, 2022
I was wondering if the $200 can be used to cover the $150 pass to enter American’s Flagship Lounges. I’ve seen plenty of anecdotes of those who can buy $50 passes to Admiral’s Clubs, but nothing on Flagships. Thanks!
Amex Platinum cards from other countries don’t necessarily share the same benefits, or earn rates, as the U.S. version.
Shelly
October 14, 2022
Would this work if I buy additional lounge passes for next year? I have $100 left in AMEX incidentals credits that I know I wont use by the end of the year because I selected Delta as my airline. Even though I have other trips booked, I don’t plan on flying with Delta until next year. Can I purchase 2 day passes and save them for next year? Would I get a reiembusrtment for this? Thanks!
That is unlikely as it will probably be billed from CLEAR directly – but I’d love to be proven wrong! Thanks for reading!
Mason
November 19, 2022
I’m wondering if I purchase a preferred seat on AA in 2022 for a trip I have bought for 2023, and then cancel the flight in 2023. I will have a trip credit with AA for the ticket value, but what happens to the money spent on the seats? I think usually you can request a refund with AA for unused ancillary charges, but if I was already credited by AMEX the previous year, would I actually get this money back? Could it be used again in the future?
In general, preferred seat purchases are ancillary purchases, which are nonrefundable even in the event of cancellation. So you’ll lose the money you spent on the seats if you cancel your ticket.
Thanks!
Adam Cincinnati
December 21, 2022
FYI—I have both Amex Platinum and Delta Amex Platinum cards. The Amex Platinum DOES in fact grant comp access to Delta Sky Club for cardholder. So purchasing an annual membership is moot. This perk comes with the Delta Reserve Amex as well, but not the Delta Platinum Amex. FYI, all. Great article otherwise.
John M
December 22, 2022
If I purchased a seat selection and checked bag for my wife will these be reimbursed? The charge on AmEx shows up with her name as the passenger, so I’m a bit concerned they won’t reimburse me.
Hi John,
Those charges should be eligible to be reimbursed. I’ve purchased seat selections for my husband and daughter and had the charges refunded.
Sam Nan
December 26, 2022
Does purchasing a lounge pass online trigger the airline incidental credit or does it have to be purchased at the airport? I selected American Airlines and am trying to find a meaningful way to spend the $200 credit.
Hi Sam,
Yes the purchase of an airline lounge pass online should trigger the credit as long as you’re purchasing the pass for a lounge operated by the same airline you chose. So you could purchase an Admiral’s Club lounge pass but not one for Delta Sky Clubs since you chose American Airlines.
MostFrustratingCreditEver
January 28, 2023
I have tried, and tried, and tried, and Alaska Airlines covered expenses are never automatically refunded. You have to go out of your way to contact Amex every time and beg to get the credit. I gave up and changed to another airline.
JJ
April 24, 2023
What about the cost of buying up to a gold status on American?
That would not count toward the incidental credit.
Tina
June 05, 2023
I selected Southwest Airlines…. Bad move and then forgot to change it at the beginning of year and have flown Delta 3 times this year already. Anyone else have SWA as their airline choice? What have you purchased to be able to utilize your airline credit?
Eric R Gilbert
July 01, 2023
In the old days, I was able to use the $200.00 towards Delta Gift cards. Now Delta bills the gift cards using another vendor, so they don’t bill as Delta airlines. These are no longer reimbursable for the $200.00 credit.
This credit has no value as you are restricted to one airline. American Express needs to revamp the program so it is goods towards ANY airline. I bet 90% of the members don’t even utilize the full $200.00 per year.
I had a trip to Rhode Island, so I used the credit towards Jet Blue to cover my bag of $30.00. On the plane, the airline attendants were trying to have me sign up for a Jet Blue card as they get compensated.
On another note, I was ANGRY with American Airlines and reached out to an attorney. I flew from Miami to Las Vegas using American Airlines. I have the American Airlines credit card through Barclay’s and do not pay for a bag for American. On the return, American Airlines has an alliance with JetBlue, and I flew home on Jet Blue and had to pay $30.00 for my bag. That is when I designated Jet Blue as my airline of choice. When I was checking in via the American Airlines app, it brought me to the Jet Blue sight and was charging me for the bag. I then called American Airlines and the agent said I would not be charged but was also trying to sell me to cancel my American Airlines Barclay’s credit card and sign up for the Citi Bank American Airlines card.
Talk about an outrage! American has two branded credit cards! One from Barclay’s which the flight attendants are aggressively trying to sell you on the flight and one with Citi which the reservation agent told me was better! Both come with no annual fee for the first year. It makes sense to keep each one for a year, cancel, move to Barclay’s or Citi, and then reapply so you never pay a fee!
Yoss
August 01, 2023
If you I use Amex travel’s website to buy an AA flight with a combination of points and $200 charged to my platinum card – will it trigger the $200 airline fee credit?
No, the $200 credit only applies to airline incidentals, not airfare.
Debbie
August 16, 2023
I purchased a DL skymiles ticket to London and was reimbursed the $189 in taxes and fees. I now need to cancel the trip. Typically, as it is a mileage ticket, I would be refunded the $189 back to my card. So, what happens to the credit? Does Amex reverse the credit to be used again, do I lose the credit or do I just get to keep the refunded $189? TIA
![The Amex Platinum Card: How To Best Use Your $200 Airline Credit [Every Year]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Amex-Platinum-Upgraded-Points-LLC-06-Large.jpg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
83 comments
Jeremiah Davis
October 19, 2019
Great article.
I have a follow-up question:
Does anyone know if the $200 can be used to cover Unaccompanied Minor Fees?
Thanks
Jeremy
Stephen Au
October 21, 2019
Hi Jeremiah,
It’s difficult to tell in-advance. The only way to know for certain is to use it and see if you get it credited back. As it looks right now, it should qualify, as it is not specifically excluded from Amex’s terms and conditions. Thanks for reading.
Leandro
December 16, 2019
Great article. Thanks for all of the details. It was a huge insight.
Spirit has a ton of fees that I’m sure will fit under the airline incidentals.
Like selecting seats, more leg room seats, baggage fees and the $9 fare club membership.
My question is the following.
With the promo ending/resetting on Jan. 1st, can I book now to travel during 2,020 before the year ends to qualify ?
Or must the flight be completed during the promo period ?
Stephen Au
December 19, 2019
Hi Leandro,
Thanks for your feedback. Spirit’s exact terms and conditions change all the time. We’d encourage you to seek advice from Spirit Airlines directly, since we aren’t making the rules here.
Bill
December 04, 2020
Yes, AmEx Aspire Card reimbursed in 2019 and 2020 for unaccompanied minor -American Air. (YMMV)
RenoRich
November 19, 2019
Amex Platinum data point.
$96 Southwest ticket purchased in mid-November 2019.
No credit posted after 4 days.
Augusto Novato
December 05, 2019
hi, did you have any luck with Delta?
Kia
November 20, 2019
Helpful article. However the below statement is incorrect. Amex Platinum card holders traveling on Delta receive complimentary access to Delta SkyClub along with 2 guests. I have used this benefit a number of times.
“Further, note that Amex Platinum cardmembers do not receive complimentary guest access at Delta SkyClubs. However, guest access can be purchased for $29 per person (versus $50 for a standard day pass). If Delta is selected as your Amex Platinum’s airline, you will be reimbursed for their entry fee.”
Christine Krzyszton
November 20, 2019
Hi Kia. The statement in the article is correct. This requirement is referenced both in the Amex Platinum card terms and conditions and on the Delta website. It is stated that: “Guests of Platinum and Centurion card members may enter the club with up to 2 guests for an additional fee”. It sounds like you’ve been fortunate in that you have not had to pay these fees. https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
Vibhu
September 29, 2020
I agree the article statement is correct. Please note also, if the Delta flyer has Diamond Elite status they can get two complimentary guests free as part of Choice Benefits and use the Amex Platinum as an entry for themselves to Delta SkyClubs. I have used it this way without paying the $29 fees.
Christine Krzyszton
September 29, 2020
Thanks for the additional info, Vibhu.
Ryan
December 13, 2019
I know that DPs show that taxes and fees are normally not automatically reimbursed by Amex, however, would you have a strong case to argue for reimbursement if you call or use the chat to have them do it manually?
Jarrod West
December 13, 2019
Hi Ryan,
You can definitely call and try, but I wouldn’t expect them to do so. If you are able to get them waived let us know!
Ryan
December 13, 2019
Thanks for the reply, do you know of anything that explicitly says no? I just want to make sure that I am not running into something that is in writing and B&W prohibits the credit.
Jarrod West
December 13, 2019
Hi Ryan,
You should have received a booklet that details the terms and conditions for each of the card’s benefits when you received the card. I’d give that a look and see if there is anything that explicitly says no.
KanExplore
December 23, 2019
I am planning to cancel my AMEX Platinum card soon after the first of the year to avoid the annual fee. However, I have a question:
If I make a purchase before Jan. 1 that would trigger the fee reimbursement but it hasn’t been credited yet before I call to cancel the card, will it still credit since the card was open at the time of the charge?
Thanks!
Jarrod West
December 23, 2019
Hi Kan,
If you cancel the card before the charge has been credited then no, you will not receive the reimbursement.
Thanks for reading!
sunnys
January 17, 2020
HI, Great article! I have a question: if the flight ticket is booked on another (non-amex) card, can I receive credit if I pay for the additional incidental fee using Amex Platinum?
Jarrod West
January 17, 2020
Hi Sunny,
Yes, you should receive the incidental fee credit as long as you pay for the incidental with your Amex Platinum card.
Frank
January 20, 2020
Can you change to a different airline if you have already used partial credit to the existing chosen airline? Thanks!
Alex Miller
January 20, 2020
Hey Frank – Yes, you can change even if you’ve already used part of the credit on an airline. Just give AMEX a call, be friendly and they should change it for you without a problem!
Emanuel
February 01, 2020
I spoke to AMEX tonight. The agent said that they will not change airlines if you’ve already used partial credit on a different airline.
Garrison
January 21, 2020
Hi!
If you buy a ticket for example on Delta but the codeshare is for Delta Partner airlines, can you use the airline credit towards baggage fees on the partner airline, if the ticket was sold by Delta?
Stephen Au
January 22, 2020
Garrison,
Most likely not. The merchant collecting the baggage fee must be Delta. If you’re paying for baggage fees on partner airlines, you’ll need to make sure that the baggage fee is collected by Delta, as opposed to partner airlines.
Philip
January 23, 2020
Hi,
I’m planning on flying delta with the family and I need to have assigned seating, but I also want to use my amex credits. Would it trigger the credit if I bought our tickets in basic economy and after the purchase when asked if I would like to switch to main cabin pay the difference using my amex a couple day after my purchase? Do you think that it would trigger the credit? It’s a 42 dollar difference.
Jarrod West
January 29, 2020
Hi Philip,
Yes, that should trigger the incidental credit.
Lindsey
September 26, 2020
I would like to use my Amex airline credit to upgrade to an exit row which is classified as preferred seating. It is $98. Will it trigger my AMEX credit?
Jarrod West
September 28, 2020
Hi Lindsey,
Yes, this should trigger your Amex credit assuming you’re upgrading with the airline you’ve previously selected.
Michael Cleveland
November 10, 2020
Southwest has a prioity boarding at the gate for about $30 (may differ depending on the length of flight). This gets your boarding pass # moved to A 1-15. Available as long as some 1-15 slots are available. Would this quailfy for the Amex credit? Thanks great article.
Jarrod West
November 11, 2020
Hi Michael,
Yes, this should qualify for the Amex incidental credit.
SP
December 04, 2020
I got the Amex platinum last month. Can I select Spirit and apply for their $9 fare club membership now and change it to frontier to get their membership as well in January – since we are allowed to select our airlines once every year.
Jarrod West
December 04, 2020
Hi SP,
The Amex Platinum airline credit only works for airline incidentals like checked baggage fees, overweight/oversize baggage fees, change fees, etc. So the fee for the $9 fare club may not be covered.
SP
December 08, 2020
Thank you! Although the above article says “We’ve seen reports of both $9 Fare Club and Discount Den memberships being reimbursed by American Express. “
Kathy
December 07, 2020
Last week I used my American Express Platinum to upgrade our seats for an upcoming flight. When checking my activity on my account, I realized that I had not chose American Airlines as my airline choice, I thought I had. I tried to chat with a customer service rep but he said no, can’t help me. I think it’s ridiculous that they can make a manual adjustment. I’m going to try to call tomorrow. Has anyone else done this?
Joey
December 23, 2020
I can confirm food/beverage purchases in Delta lounges do not automatically trigger the credit. I had to call Amex and politely ask for a credit. They obliged, but it didn’t sound like they’d do it again for me.
Matt
February 17, 2021
if I purchased a ticket on United for someone else, can I use my Aspire card to pay for there seat selection and have that reimbursed?
Jarrod West
February 17, 2021
Hi Matt,
Yes, that should count towards the airline incidental fee on your Hilton Aspire card.
twong
September 04, 2021
On 9/1/21 I received a $40 credit for a partial charge on my SW flight.
duaneger
September 13, 2021
I selected United since I’m 1k and primarily fly them, but I’m wondering how I can maximize this credit. I already get a drink/food for free, checked bags are free, entertainment is now free on United flights, I rarely change my flights, and I already have United lounge access thru my United Business credit card. I guess purchasing wifi is my only option with United from what this article says. Let’s see if I can maximize $200 on wifi alone. Any other ideas out there? I know point purchases don’t count, but what about those “mile accelerator” options for reservations where you get more miles for that flight? Has anybody tried using those with your amex card?
NB
October 07, 2021
check out the FlyerTalk thread….some good ideas in there.
JLW
October 06, 2021
I’m thinking of selecting United as my airline for my $200 credit and I have a question on timing of the incidental charges. If I purchase basic economy tickets and in the same transaction, as I’m checking out on United.com, I pay extra to get assigned seats or I pay extra for a “bundle” that includes assigned seats and a bag, will those “extras” trigger the credit, even though they’re part of the same transaction in which I’m purchasing the actual airfare? Or do I have to buy the tickets alone first, and then go back and (in a new transaction) purchase assigned seats or checked bags, etc?
Thank you!
Jarrod West
October 08, 2021
Hi JLW,
You should not need to make a separate purchase for your seat selection. Usually, even if you book both at the same time, United will charge your card 2 separate times, one for the airfare and one for any extra, in which case, the second charge should be credited back to you. Safe travels!
Brian Jew
October 09, 2021
If I purchase airline tickets using my Chase United Explorer card (to get the free checked luggage), and then later use my AMEX Aspire Card to pay for changing seats to one with more legroom, will that work for the airline incidental credit? In short, will the credit still trigger even though a different card was used to make the airline ticket purchase from the incidental charge?
Jarrod West
October 22, 2021
Hi Brian,
Yes, you should still receive the incidental credit. Safe travels!
Abby
October 11, 2021
Do lounge passes expire? And are they specific to the purchaser or can I give to my daughter? Thanks
Jarrod West
October 20, 2021
Hi Abby,
Which lounge passes are you referring to?
Jose
October 13, 2021
Hi, what happens if you go over the limit?
Chris Hassan
October 13, 2021
Hi Jose,
Anything over the $200 will remain on your statement as a charge.
Toys Samurai
October 25, 2021
I got a question. Delta Sky Club membership can be paid monthly. Between my Platinum and my wife’s, does that mean we could fully utilize the $400 by paying monthly?
Jarrod West
October 25, 2021
Hi Toys,
You can already access Delta Sky Clubs for free when flying Delta with your Amex Platinum card. So there would be no need to pay for a Sky Club membership.
Ger Hanson
November 28, 2021
If at time of check-in you purchased mileage boost miles when is offered will that be reimbursed? It is not a stand alone purchase of miles but rather an add on to a ticket purchase??
Jarrod West
November 29, 2021
Hi Ger,
I haven’t seen any data points of this, but I anticipate that if it codes as an add-on purchase that it should count towards your $200 credit.
Nick G
January 27, 2023
I was able to upgrade to first class on American airlines flight going from Philadelphia to Phoenix it was $180 charge and it was reimbursed 2 weeks later.
DaninMCI
December 16, 2021
I’ve had this work on AA. Bougie Miles also has some data points on this. I think it’s a slight gamble but I had it work on AA in October 2021.
Jose S
December 03, 2021
I would like to upgrade from Main to First class on a flight. Assuming this would qualify for the $200 statement credit since its a premium seat selection, correct?
Jarrod West
December 03, 2021
Hi Jose,
I’m anticipating that would code as a ticket purchase and thus not qualify for the statement credit. I’d love to be proven wrong though if it works for you!
DaninMCI
December 16, 2021
The T&C’s list this as not included so it might work but likely wouldn’t. If it was a minor amount under $200 you’d have a better chance.
DJ
January 07, 2022
What’s the verdict on paying for seat changes (Main to Comfort+ or First)? Will this trigger the credit?
Jarrod West
January 11, 2022
Hi DJ,
Seat selection fees should credit, but paying for upgrade like moving to first likely will not credit.
Ryan
April 05, 2022
I was wondering if the $200 can be used to cover the $150 pass to enter American’s Flagship Lounges. I’ve seen plenty of anecdotes of those who can buy $50 passes to Admiral’s Clubs, but nothing on Flagships. Thanks!
Jarrod West
April 06, 2022
Hi Ryan,
I’ve not heard any reports of anyone being able to do so successfully, but your mileage may vary.
Jackie
November 21, 2022
Hi! I was wondering if a AMEX card from another country still have the same $200 benefit. Do you know? Thank you!
Jarrod West
November 21, 2022
Hi Jackie,
Amex Platinum cards from other countries don’t necessarily share the same benefits, or earn rates, as the U.S. version.
Shelly
October 14, 2022
Would this work if I buy additional lounge passes for next year? I have $100 left in AMEX incidentals credits that I know I wont use by the end of the year because I selected Delta as my airline. Even though I have other trips booked, I don’t plan on flying with Delta until next year. Can I purchase 2 day passes and save them for next year? Would I get a reiembusrtment for this? Thanks!
Jarrod West
November 09, 2022
Hi Shelly,
Yes, purchasing lounge passes should trigger the credit.
Jerry
November 15, 2022
Will a Clear membership bought using Delta SkyMiles membership discount be coded as incidental and trigger credit on Aspire?
Jarrod West
November 16, 2022
Hi Jerry,
That is unlikely as it will probably be billed from CLEAR directly – but I’d love to be proven wrong! Thanks for reading!
Mason
November 19, 2022
I’m wondering if I purchase a preferred seat on AA in 2022 for a trip I have bought for 2023, and then cancel the flight in 2023. I will have a trip credit with AA for the ticket value, but what happens to the money spent on the seats? I think usually you can request a refund with AA for unused ancillary charges, but if I was already credited by AMEX the previous year, would I actually get this money back? Could it be used again in the future?
Stephen Au
December 18, 2022
In general, preferred seat purchases are ancillary purchases, which are nonrefundable even in the event of cancellation. So you’ll lose the money you spent on the seats if you cancel your ticket.
Thanks!
Adam Cincinnati
December 21, 2022
FYI—I have both Amex Platinum and Delta Amex Platinum cards. The Amex Platinum DOES in fact grant comp access to Delta Sky Club for cardholder. So purchasing an annual membership is moot. This perk comes with the Delta Reserve Amex as well, but not the Delta Platinum Amex. FYI, all. Great article otherwise.
John M
December 22, 2022
If I purchased a seat selection and checked bag for my wife will these be reimbursed? The charge on AmEx shows up with her name as the passenger, so I’m a bit concerned they won’t reimburse me.
Katie Seemann
December 26, 2022
Hi John,
Those charges should be eligible to be reimbursed. I’ve purchased seat selections for my husband and daughter and had the charges refunded.
Sam Nan
December 26, 2022
Does purchasing a lounge pass online trigger the airline incidental credit or does it have to be purchased at the airport? I selected American Airlines and am trying to find a meaningful way to spend the $200 credit.
Katie Seemann
December 26, 2022
Hi Sam,
Yes the purchase of an airline lounge pass online should trigger the credit as long as you’re purchasing the pass for a lounge operated by the same airline you chose. So you could purchase an Admiral’s Club lounge pass but not one for Delta Sky Clubs since you chose American Airlines.
MostFrustratingCreditEver
January 28, 2023
I have tried, and tried, and tried, and Alaska Airlines covered expenses are never automatically refunded. You have to go out of your way to contact Amex every time and beg to get the credit. I gave up and changed to another airline.
JJ
April 24, 2023
What about the cost of buying up to a gold status on American?
Jarrod West
April 24, 2023
Hi JJ,
That would not count toward the incidental credit.
Tina
June 05, 2023
I selected Southwest Airlines…. Bad move and then forgot to change it at the beginning of year and have flown Delta 3 times this year already. Anyone else have SWA as their airline choice? What have you purchased to be able to utilize your airline credit?
Eric R Gilbert
July 01, 2023
In the old days, I was able to use the $200.00 towards Delta Gift cards. Now Delta bills the gift cards using another vendor, so they don’t bill as Delta airlines. These are no longer reimbursable for the $200.00 credit.
This credit has no value as you are restricted to one airline. American Express needs to revamp the program so it is goods towards ANY airline. I bet 90% of the members don’t even utilize the full $200.00 per year.
I had a trip to Rhode Island, so I used the credit towards Jet Blue to cover my bag of $30.00. On the plane, the airline attendants were trying to have me sign up for a Jet Blue card as they get compensated.
On another note, I was ANGRY with American Airlines and reached out to an attorney. I flew from Miami to Las Vegas using American Airlines. I have the American Airlines credit card through Barclay’s and do not pay for a bag for American. On the return, American Airlines has an alliance with JetBlue, and I flew home on Jet Blue and had to pay $30.00 for my bag. That is when I designated Jet Blue as my airline of choice. When I was checking in via the American Airlines app, it brought me to the Jet Blue sight and was charging me for the bag. I then called American Airlines and the agent said I would not be charged but was also trying to sell me to cancel my American Airlines Barclay’s credit card and sign up for the Citi Bank American Airlines card.
Talk about an outrage! American has two branded credit cards! One from Barclay’s which the flight attendants are aggressively trying to sell you on the flight and one with Citi which the reservation agent told me was better! Both come with no annual fee for the first year. It makes sense to keep each one for a year, cancel, move to Barclay’s or Citi, and then reapply so you never pay a fee!
Yoss
August 01, 2023
If you I use Amex travel’s website to buy an AA flight with a combination of points and $200 charged to my platinum card – will it trigger the $200 airline fee credit?
Thanks,
Jarrod West
August 01, 2023
Hi Yoss,
No, the $200 credit only applies to airline incidentals, not airfare.
Debbie
August 16, 2023
I purchased a DL skymiles ticket to London and was reimbursed the $189 in taxes and fees. I now need to cancel the trip. Typically, as it is a mileage ticket, I would be refunded the $189 back to my card. So, what happens to the credit? Does Amex reverse the credit to be used again, do I lose the credit or do I just get to keep the refunded $189? TIA
Jarrod West
August 16, 2023
Hi Debbie,
You should still be refunded back to your card, in which case, Amex likely will clawback the credit it gave you.
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