American Airlines spent $250 million to build an employee-only hotel at its sprawling Texas headquarters that opened in January 2023.
08.05.2024 - 13:27 / insider.com / Airlines
As a full-time, on-the-go content creator, I practically live at airports and am always looking for ways to make my travel experience easier.
From trying out the latest packing cubes to looking for flight deals, I'm all about efficiency and saving money.
That's why it may be surprising to learn that one of my biggest travel game-changers involves spending money with a travel credit card. Like the 41% of Americans with a travel card, I use mine to save money on hotels, flights, and more.
Although the $695 annual fee for my American Express Platinum Card seems steep at first glance, it's actually saved me money in the long run. And, more importantly, it's made my travels much smoother.
Here are just some of The Platinum Card® from American Express benefits I use most often.
Because I travel frequently, lounge access is important to me. Call me bougie, but I love having a quieter space to sit down and enjoy a meal and a drink before my flight.
As a Platinum cardholder, I can access Centurion and Priority Pass lounges worldwide. Of course, this benefit is only worthwhile if you, like me, enjoy eating and drinking at airports and your home airport has a Centurion Lounge.
With airport restaurants and bars charging sky-high prices for basic food and drink, enjoying complimentary gourmet food in the Centurion Lounge is a treat.
As a Platinum cardholder, I can choose a qualifying airline and enroll to receive up to $200 of statement credit for incidental airline fees each year.
This includes checked bag fees, in-flight purchases, seat assignments, and airport-lounge day passes when I pay for them using my American Express Platinum Card. While these fees might seem small, they add up quickly when traveling frequently.
As a frequent traveler, I rely on digital entertainment, and luckily, my card provides $20 in statement credits each month for some of the most popular digital entertainment services after enrollment.
Peacock, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal are all services that can be reimbursed if I pay for them using my Platinum card.
With my American Express Platinum Card, I get a one-time $200 statement credit on a pre-paid booking with Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) or The Hotel Collection (THC) through American Express Travel.
I also get perks like a complimentary daily breakfast for two, room upgrades (when available), and a $100 property credit on top of the statement credit. This can generally be used at hotel restaurants or even spas, but can vary based on each property.
I use the FHR benefit each year on a special stay — this year, I stayed at the historic Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki. I received a $200 credit after paying for my room, early check-in
American Airlines spent $250 million to build an employee-only hotel at its sprawling Texas headquarters that opened in January 2023.
Where the land of Fire and Ice meets the land of Warhol and Whiskey, the Southeastern city of Pennsylvania is even more accessible to UK & Ireland travellers. From today until 27 October 2024, the new seasonal Icelandair service will offer 4x weekly flights from Iceland to Pittsburgh.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express might come with a high annual fee, but it also has a whole lot of credit card perks.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express offers frequent travelers several ways to add elements of luxury to their travel plans. From flight discounts to hotel elite status and a comprehensive airport lounge access benefit, the Amex Business Platinum Card delivers unparalleled travel perks that you can only find with a premium travel rewards card.
It would be incorrect to describe Iceland's Play Airlines as a startup anymore. Launched in 2021 during the height of the coronavirus pandemic, the airline is on the cusp of its third summer under the leadership of a new CEO.
The U.S. dollar is going strong relative to many foreign currencies right now, which translates to international travel bargains for savvy shoppers. One of the easiest way for American travelers to grab a “deal” on an overseas trip is to choose a destination where the comparatively strong dollar delivers a built-in automatic discount for on-the-ground costs like hotels, dining and attractions.
Southwest Airlines recently announced the launch of its new Orlando – Nassau route. Daily nonstop flights will connect Central Florida’s metropolitan hub with The Bahamas’ capital city at the height of the summer months. The Orlando – Nassau flights will operate from 4 June to 4 August, with departures from Orlando and arrivals in Nassau. “The expansion of Southwest Airlines’ Central Florida route map to include a new daily service to Nassau is another testimony to the government’s efforts and commitment to grow air stopover arrivals throughout our 16-islands destination aggressively,” says the Honourable I. Chester Cooper, Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments, and Aviation.
Let's say you bought a ticket to Europe last year, but you need a refund because your flight was canceled. The airline returns the fare cost to your credit card, leading to a negative balance on your card. Returned or refunded purchases don't just decrease your account balance, though. They also decrease your rewards balance.
Many airlines allow dogs onboard, with a lot of restrictions, while other airlines take large dogs as cargo.
Most travelers see little more than the duty-free store during a short connection, but there’s an alternative approach that’s gaining momentum.
JetBlue is doubling down on Puerto Rico, slashing service from New York's LaGuardia Airport (LGA), scaling back its winter Europe offerings, and deploying more of its Mint-equipped jets throughout North America.
JetBlue and Etihad Airways have expanded their partnership to allow travelers to earn reciprocal points benefits when flying either airline.