American Express is well known for its premium credit card offerings that provide a plethora of travel-related perks. One such perk is the airline fee reimbursement, a benefit that aims to cushion the often painful costs associated with air travel. However, with dynamic changes in the airline industry and corporate policies, knowing what still works and how you can maximize this benefit becomes crucial. Below, we outline the current state of Amex airline fee reimbursements and what expenses are still eligible.
Eligible Fees
1. Checked Baggage Fees
– Excessive baggage fees can be a significant burden, especially on long journeys. Fortunately, Amex cards continue to cover these charges.
2. In-Flight Refreshments
– Items such as meals, beverages, and snacks purchased during your flight are typically reimbursed under this benefit.
3. Seat Selection Fees
– Paying extra for preferred seating or more legroom? These fees are covered by Amex’s reimbursement program.
4. Airport Lounge Passes
– Single-entry passes to airline lounges are usually eligible for reimbursement, which can make long layovers far more tolerable.
5. Ticket Change/Cancellation Fees
– Changes to travel plans often come with hefty fees, but these can be mitigated by the Amex airline fee credit.
6. Pet Travel Fees
– Charges associated with bringing your furry friends along for the ride are also covered.
7. Phone Reservation Fees
– Booking or modifying flights through an airline’s customer service line can incur additional fees that Amex will reimburse.
Restrictions
While the list of eligible expenses is extensive, there are some restrictions and caveats:
1. Primary Cardholder Benefit
– The airline fee reimbursement benefit typically applies only to charges incurred by the primary cardholder or authorized users.
2. Pre-Paid and Gift Card Exclusions
– Expenses like gift cards or pre-paid cards used toward ticket purchases generally do not qualify for reimbursement.
3. Annual Credit Limit
– Each card has an annual cap on how much you can get reimbursed; make sure you know your limit to avoid overestimating benefits.
4. Specific Airline Selection Required
– Many Amex cards require you to select a specific airline each year for which you’ll receive fee credits. Make this choice wisely based on your travel habits.
How to Maximize Reimbursements
To make the most out of your Amex airline fee credit:
– Plan Ahead: Plan your travel expenses at the beginning of the year to ensure full utilization of available credits.
– Track Your Spending: Keep an eye on which fees have been reimbursed in your credit card statements.
– Review Airline Policies: Airlines frequently change their fee structures; stay updated to understand which costs are eligible.
– Consider Multiple Trips: If allowed by the card terms, spreading out smaller purchases over multiple flights may prove more advantageous than covering one large purchase.
In summary, while American Express’s airline fee reimbursement program continues to offer valuable benefits, staying informed about what qualifies for reimbursements can help you fully capitalize on this perk.
