The Amex Travel portal is a terrific place to use American Express Membership Rewards (MR) points to reserve pre-paid flights, lodging, cruises, rental cars, and vacation packages. But are you truly maximizing your hard-earned points’ value in this way?
It’s up to you whether you use the site or transfer points to an American Express travel partner. Other considerations include your capacity to change your travel dates, the availability of awards, the credit card you’re using, as well as your personal brand, seat class, and comfort preferences. All of these will be relevant during the booking process.
AmericanExpress Travel Portal
Log in to your American Express account first. If you’re arriving from the account dashboard page, click “Menu” in the top left corner, then choose “Travel” to see more possibilities, and choose “Book a Trip” to go to the main travel website.
The Amex Travel portal’s home page has search options for flights, hotels, holiday packages, rental cars, and cruises, just like the typical travel booking interface. The primary search engine is where you may obtain up-to-date specifics on cancellation policies and other crucial pandemic travel information. Additionally, there is an interactive map that displays global criteria for Covid-19 testing and immunisation.
To get shortcuts to other portal benefits like the International Airline Program (IAP), Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, and The Hotel Collection, hover over the “Book” icon at the top of the page.
In addition to many of the same shortcuts, clicking the “Explore” button in the main menu also provides access to options for locating a travel insider, Special Offers from Fine Hotels + Resorts, and details on destinations and deluxe hotel deals.
How to Book a Flight
You’ll have more options in terms of brands and travel dates, which is useful when award availability is constrained on particular dates through particular airlines. You will still be able to earn elite miles and status credits for flights booked with MR points through the site because those bookings are recognized as paid ones. Additionally, you can immediately see the sort of seat you are reserving because it is provided on the right side of each search result.
Price out how many points each flight costs through the Amex Travel portal vs. on the airline’s website. It’s always a good idea to compare options before choosing a redemption strategy. Additionally, taxes and fees can be added. Be advised that there are airline ticket booking costs when using the Amex Travel website, which are $6.99 for domestic flights and $10.99 for international flights, unless you have the Platinum Card or Business Platinum Card.