To use the Amex Platinum airline credit, start by selecting the airline you want the credit to apply to. Then, use your card to make a purchase from your chosen airline, and Amex will automatically pay you back for up to $200 of the charge.
The American Express Platinum card airline credit applies to incidental fees charged for things like checked baggage, date changes, pet travel, in-flight purchases and more. It does not apply to the base fare or upgrades.
You can choose your airline through your online account or by calling (800) 263-1616. Keep in mind that you can choose only one airline every year.
How to Use the American Express Platinum card Airline Credit
- Choose your preferred airline. Log in to your account and click on the “Rewards & Benefits” tab. Then, click on “Benefits.” Scroll down until you see the “$200 Airline Fee Credit” option and click on the “Learn More” button. Select an airline from the dropdown menu at the center of your screen.
Alternatively, you can call American Express Platinum card customer service at (800) 528-4800.
- Charge fees from the airline to your card. Amex will automatically pay you back for up to $200 by applying a credit to your statement. Each account is eligible for up $200 in statement credits per calendar year.
- Use it or lose it. Unused airline credits do not roll over from year to year. You get no more than $200 each year.
- Change your choice once per year. You can only make a change from January 1 to January 31 each year. Otherwise, Amex will use the same airline you picked previously. The first year, you can make your initial selection at any time.
Airlines Eligible for the Amex Platinum Credit
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Frontier Airlines
- Hawaiian Airlines
- JetBlue Airways
- Spirit Airlines
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Expenses Covered by the Amex Platinum Airline Credit
- Baggage fees
- Date changes
- Pet flight fees
- Picking your seat ahead of time fee
- Reservations by phone fee
- In-flight purchases (food, drinks, entertainment)
- Extra guest passes for airport lounges
The American Express Platinum card's airline credit does not apply to:
- Airfare
- Upgrades
- Gift cards
- Fees for transferring points
- Points purchased from airlines
- Duty-free purchases
- Award tickets
With this card's airline credit, you don't need to worry about $200 in fees that you'd normally have to pay out of pocket each year. Plus, aside from designating which airline you want the credit for, you don't have to do anything to redeem it.
Your first $200 in eligible charges each year will automatically be taken care of. Your transaction history will show the name of the airline you chose, followed by “Fee Credit.” The dollar amount Amex subtracted from your balance will also be displayed.