Aug 30, 2024 • 9 min read
16.08.2024 - 14:13 / thepointsguy.com
Even though airport security can be time-consuming, I can usually access a shorter line using my TSA PreCheck and Clear memberships. However, both programs only help me when traveling domestically. As such, I usually don't have a way to decrease my wait time when clearing security in international airports.
As I discovered on a trip to Stockholm in 2022, though, there is an option for getting through security faster while overseas, thanks to The Platinum Card® from American Express — and it comes at no additional cost.
With the Amex Platinum, you'll enjoy access to fast-track security lanes when departing from select international airports.
While I've yet to find a list of airports offering fast-track security lanes you can access for free as an Amex Platinum cardmember, you'll generally find this perk stated on regional Amex webpages. For example, this Swedish page on Amex's website indicates that fast-track security is a Platinum cardmember perk at several Nordic airports.
Related: How to maximize benefits with the Amex Platinum Card
I was also able to find several other international airports where Amex Platinum cardholders get access to a special security line, including:
I recently took a flight departing from Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) and noticed signage indicating Amex Platinum cardmembers could use fast-track security. I had fast-track security access via my airline elite status, but my husband gained access to the fast-track security lane by showing his boarding pass and Amex Platinum card to the security attendant. The attendant didn't ask where his card was issued or examine the card to determine the issuing country even though — as I later discovered — the online terms state only Amex Platinum cardmembers with cards issued in Spain can use fast-track lanes at this airport.
Related: Who should (and shouldn't) get the American Express Platinum?
At some airports, you may not be able to use fast-track security unless your Amex Platinum was issued in the region or by a particular bank. So, you may be turned away from some fast-track security lines, even if you see a sign indicating that Amex Platinum cardholders get access.
On a similar note, Ben Smithson, a senior writer at TPG, recently saw a sign at Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) noting that select Visa cardholders could use the priority security lane. However, when I looked this perk up while writing this story, I found it is only offered through Sept. 30 to Visa Platinum, Visa Signature, Visa Infinite, Visa Platinum Business and Visa Signature Business cardholders with cards issued by Ukrainian banks. Ben didn't try to use the priority lane, so it's unclear whether he would have been given access despite not
Aug 30, 2024 • 9 min read
Airfare sales are nothing new, but one low-cost carrier is taking it to an extreme. Flair Airlines, a low-cost Canadian airline, recently announced it would be discounting their base fares to just one (Canadian) dollar on select routes from Cancun, Orlando, Las Vegas, and Puerto Vallarta to Canada. While the fare may only be one dollar, the taxes and fees total approximately $15.14 per flight segment, including security and government fees. The base fares do not include any baggage, so travelers with a personal item, checked luggage, and carry-on luggage will need to add a bundle, which can be as much as $56. This is a similar pricing model that has been adopted in the United States by airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant which offer basic economy fares without any frills.
Always wanted to see Antarctica? Holland America Line this week unveiled an unusual new option for getting there.
Low-cost Icelandic airline Play is celebrating the unofficial end of summer with a Labor Day sale tempting travelers with 25 percent off flights to Europe.
What can India and U.S. do to boost tourism? According to the first Indo-U.S. Tourism and Hospitality Summit held by the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in Delhi on Friday, the answer is speedier visas and more direct flights.
I used to think that paying an annual fee for a credit card was a terrible idea and a waste of money.
Since 2015, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been a go-to newsletter for savvy travelers seeking the best flight deals available. Whether it’s flash sales, competitive price drops, mistake fares with discounts of up to 90 percent, or coveted mileage-saver award seats, this newsletter has informed some 2.4 million members about values spotted by its software and verified by a team of flight analysts.
Airfare will remain below 2023 levels through the end of the year, but will start to rise as the fall and winter holiday seasons approach.
Planning to redeem miles for your next flight? American Airlines is currently offering a limited-time sale on AAdvantage miles, giving frequent fliers the chance to purchase miles at a discounted rate.
American Airlines has not offered flights to Tel Aviv, Israel since the conflict began in the country in October 2023, and the airline has announced that it doesn’t plan on operating any flights between the U.S. and Israel until the end of March 2025.
If you're a traveler, you may have heard that Barcelona doesn't want you around.
There's a new national preserve for you to love. And it comes with some of the most beautiful ocean views on Earth.