American Express Travel
Traveling in style is no longer just for the ultra-rich. With American Express Travel, everyday cardholders can enjoy a world of luxury perks, exclusive discounts, and unbeatable travel support. Whether you’re booking a 5-star hotel in Paris or a last-minute flight to New York, American Express Travel is a trusted companion for planning stress-free, rewarding journeys.
If you’re looking to travel smarter, earn more points, and access VIP upgrades—read on. We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about American Express Travel in 2025, how to use it, the best cards to maximize benefits, and insider tips that could save you thousands.
What Is American Express Travel?
American Express Travel is a full-service online booking portal available to eligible Amex cardholders. Think of it as your premium Expedia, tailored specifically for Amex members—complete with elevated perks and custom travel tools.
Through this platform, you can book:
- Flights
- Hotels
- Car rentals
- Cruises
- Vacation packages
Unlike basic travel booking sites, Amex Travel offers elite-only advantages like room upgrades, daily breakfast, $100 hotel credits, and access to luxury experiences curated by Amex’s travel experts.
How to Access American Express Travel
Accessing the portal is simple:
- Visit www.americanexpress.com/travel
- Log in with your American Express account credentials
- Browse or book flights, hotels, cruises, and more
Only certain cards (like the Platinum, Gold, and Centurion®) unlock the highest level of benefits, but all eligible Amex cards offer some version of access.
Key Benefits of Using Amex Travel
American Express Travel isn’t just about convenience—it’s about elevating your travel experience. Here are the top perks you’ll enjoy:
1. Exclusive Hotel Upgrades
Through Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) and The Hotel Collection, you can receive:
- Complimentary room upgrades
- Daily breakfast for two
- Guaranteed 4 PM late checkout
- Early check-in (when available)
- $100 experience credit (spa, dining, etc.)
This can easily save you $400–$800 per stay, depending on the hotel.
2. Flight Discounts and Rewards
When booking eligible flights through Amex Travel, Platinum and Centurion cardholders get:
- 5X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent
- Insider Fares and discounts not found elsewhere
- Price protection and travel insurance
Booking flights through the Amex Travel portal means earning faster and flying better.
3. Fine Hotels + Resorts Collection
This curated selection of over 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide is only accessible to Platinum and Centurion members. Think Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, St. Regis, and more.
4. Cruise Privileges Program
Sailing with Amex gets sweeter. With participating cruise lines, you can receive:
- Up to $300 in onboard credit
- Complimentary shore excursions or spa treatments
- Private welcome receptions
Perfect for luxury cruise lovers.
5. 24/7 Travel Support
From delayed flights to missed connections, American Express Travel representatives are available around the clock to assist with:
- Rebookings
- Cancellations
- Emergencies
- Lost baggage
Peace of mind, anywhere in the world.
How American Express Travel Compares to Other Travel Portals
You might wonder, “Why not just book with Expedia, Booking.com, or Google Flights?” Great question. While those sites offer competitive prices, American Express Travel brings a premium experience with benefits no other travel portal can match—especially if you hold a qualifying Amex card.
| Feature | Amex Travel | Expedia/Booking.com | Google Flights |
| Hotel Upgrades | Yes (FHR & The Hotel Collection) | Rare | No |
| Rewards on Flights | 5X points (Platinum) | Basic loyalty programs | None |
| Onboard Cruise Credits | Yes (up to $300) | Rare | No |
| Travel Concierge | 24/7 Support | Limited | No |
| Exclusive Packages | Yes (Member-only) | No | No |
If you value concierge-level support, travel insurance, and extra perks like complimentary breakfasts or spa credits, Amex Travel is worth every penny.
Which American Express Cards Offer Travel Benefits?
Not every Amex card offers the full suite of travel benefits. Here are the best ones:
The Platinum Card® from American Express
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights and hotels
- Access to FHR, The Hotel Collection, and Amex Centurion Lounge
- Annual $200 airline fee credit
- Global Entry/TSA PreCheck® credit
This is the ultimate card for frequent travelers.
American Express® Gold Card
- 3X points on flights booked through Amex Travel
- Access to The Hotel Collection
- Great for foodies too: 4X points at restaurants
Ideal for casual travelers who still want premium perks.
Centurion® Card (Invitation Only)
- Ultra-elite, black-card-only perks
- VIP concierge, personal travel agent
- Best-in-class upgrades and custom itineraries
If you’re one of the rare few who hold this card, every door opens for you.
How to Book Flights Through American Express Travel
Booking a flight is simple and smart through Amex Travel:
- Log in to AmexTravel.com
- Select your origin, destination, dates, and preferred class
- Filter by airline, price, and perks
- Pay with your card or use Membership Rewards® points
Pro Tip: Platinum members earn 5X points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel. If you travel often, that adds up fast.
How to Book Hotels Through Amex Travel
You can filter hotels by star rating, amenities, or loyalty affiliation. Look for labels like
- Fine Hotels + Resorts: Luxury with elite benefits
- The Hotel Collection: Upgrades and credits on stays 2 nights or longer
Booking is easy:
- Choose your room and dates
- Check available perks (early check-in, $100 resort credit, etc.)
- Pay with your Amex card or Membership Rewards® points
Important: Perks are only available when booking through Amex Travel—not directly through hotel sites.
Earning and Redeeming Points on Amex Travel
Membership Rewards® Explained
You earn Membership Rewards® points by:
- Booking eligible travel
- Dining and shopping (card-specific categories)
- Referring friends to Amex
Platinum cardholders earn 5X points on travel, while Gold cardholders earn 3X. These points can be used in many ways.
Best Ways to Redeem Amex Points for Travel
- Flights: Book with points or transfer to partners like Delta, British Airways, or Emirates
- Hotels: Use points to pay in full or partially
- Upgrades: Use points for class upgrades or luxury rooms
- Cruises: Redeem for onboard credits or fares
Maximize Value: Transfer points to airline partners when there’s a bonus promo—this often gives you 40-100% more value per point.
Insider Tips for Maximizing Amex Travel Benefits
- Always Check for FHR & Hotel Collection Deals—These offer over $500+ in value per stay.
- Use Your $200 Hotel Credit (Platinum)—Book through AmexTravel to get reimbursed.
- Stack with Airline Credits—Combine the $200 airline fee credit with points for discounted flights
- Book Cruises via Amex Travel—You could earn up to $300 onboard credit.
- Plan Trips During Off-Season—More room upgrades and better availability.
Pros and Cons of Using Amex Travel
| Pros | Cons |
| Luxury perks & elite hotel benefits | Only available to cardholders |
| 5X points on flights & hotels | Not always the lowest prices |
| 24/7 concierge & travel help | Some benefits are only on premium cards |
| Easy point redemption | Cancellation policies may vary |
Still, for frequent travelers or those who enjoy VIP experiences, the benefits far outweigh the few limitations.
FAQs About American Express Travel
Q1. Do I need a Platinum card to use Amex Travel?
A. No, most Amex cardholders have access—but premium perks are reserved for cards like the Platinum and Centurion.
Q2. Can I cancel or modify a booking?
A. Yes, but it depends on the vendor’s policy. Some bookings are non-refundable. Amex agents can assist 24/7.
Q3. Are prices on Amex Travel competitive?
A. Often, yes—but not always. The added value comes from perks, not just price. Compare with other sites before booking
Q4. Can I use points and pay the balance?
A. Yes. Amex lets you split payment between points and card charges during checkout.
Q5. Is Amex Travel safe to use?
A. Absolutely. It’s backed by American Express’ fraud protection, customer support, and dispute resolution system.
Q6. Does Amex Travel offer travel insurance?
A. Yes—certain cards come with trip cancellation, lost luggage, and emergency medical coverage when you use them to book.
