Amex Travel is the online travel portal offered to anyone holding an Amex card. It promises convenience, rewards redemption, and exclusive perks for premium cardholders. But the real question many travelers ask is: does it actually deliver value, or is it better to book directly with airlines, hotels, or through competing platforms like Chase Travel?
In this review, we’ll cover how Amex Travel works, the benefits tied to cards like Amex Platinum and Amex Gold, and—most importantly—what real users are saying on Reddit and travel forums. The goal is to give you a balanced perspective so you can decide if booking your next flights through Amex Travel makes sense.
What Is Amex Travel?
The Amex Travel portal allows cardholders to book flights, hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages. Beyond being a standard booking site, it integrates Amex points, also known as Membership Rewards, so you can pay with points, cash, or a mix of both.
Cardholders often use the portal to redeem Amex points for flights and hotels. The value per point isn’t always the best compared to transferring points to airline partners, but the convenience of instant booking appeals to many.
Benefits by Card Level
Different Amex card tiers unlock different advantages when booking through Amex Travel.
- Amex Platinum: Premium perks like the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program, complimentary upgrades, late checkout, and unique credits. The International Airline Program (IAP) also offers discounts on premium flights with partner airlines.
- Amex Gold: While not as loaded with luxury perks, Amex Gold can still earn additional points on travel bookings through the portal.
- Amex Card basics: Any Amex cardholder can book, but the biggest savings and benefits are tied to premium cards.
Recently, there has been talk of an Amex Platinum refresh, updating travel and lifestyle perks to keep the card competitive with the best travel credit cards 2025.
How Amex Flights Work
Booking flights directly through the portal is straightforward. You can search multiple airlines at once and pay in cash or with points. Some Reddit users note that Amex flights are convenient when redeeming credits or combining bookings with other card perks.
However, many travelers emphasize that flights are not always the cheapest compared to booking directly with airlines or using aggregators.
Travel Insurance Amex Offers
One area where Amex stands out is travel protection. Many premium cards include trip cancellation, delay, or lost baggage coverage when bookings are made with the card. While travel insurance Amex provides can’t replace a full dedicated policy, it adds an extra layer of security for frequent travelers.
If you are considering whether to rely only on card coverage or buy separate travel insurance, compare the coverage amounts carefully.
How It Compares to Chase Travel
Competitors like Chase Travel and the Chase Sapphire Reserve card also provide strong rewards, flexible redemptions, and access to partner perks. Some Reddit discussions highlight that while Chase’s interface and customer support are smoother, Amex still wins in luxury benefits, especially for hotel stays and fine dining experiences tied to Amex Platinum.
The bottom line: if you are loyal to Delta, United, or other major airlines, sometimes Chase redemptions may offer better rates. If you want hotel perks and lifestyle extras, Amex Travel can be the stronger pick.
Delta Travel and Airline Partnerships
Delta has long been a close partner of American Express. Cardholders with Delta Amex products can book Delta travel directly through the Amex Travel portal and often combine benefits like free checked bags, early boarding, or lounge access.
For those who frequently fly Delta, integrating Amex flights and points into your travel routine may add convenience, though again, price comparisons are key.
User Opinions: What People Say on Reddit
The most revealing insights come from real travelers. Here’s a sample of experiences shared:
- Some users praise the quick customer support: “Amex Travel does answer their phones much faster than any airline … they always pick up super quickly and actually know what they are talking about.”
- Many criticize higher prices: “It is virtually never cheaper on Amex Travel … I have never once, ever, seen Amex Travel be cheaper than Expedia.”
- Some warn of issues during disruptions: “Think twice before booking through American Express … what they often get is poor communication, misinformation, and a support team that disappears when things go wrong.”
- On the positive side, travelers holding Platinum highlight the International Airline Program as a hidden gem: “The AMEX International Airline Program is amazing … I’ve twice found substantial savings using that portal.”
(According to user opinions shared on Reddit. Links are available at the end of this page.)
Overall, the consensus from Reddit is mixed: customer service is better than average, luxury perks shine for premium cards, but regular pricing is rarely competitive.
Who Should Use Amex Travel?
- Frequent luxury travelers who value upgrades, credits, and fine dining perks.
- Cardholders who want to use Amex points without transferring to partners.
- Those with Amex Platinum or Centurion cards who can unlock the most from Fine Hotels & Resorts or the International Airline Program.
When to Skip It
- Budget travelers focused strictly on the lowest airfare.
- Anyone booking complex itineraries that might require direct airline support during delays.
- Users comparing multiple portals who find cheaper rates on Expedia, Google Flights, or airline websites.
Final Verdict: Is Amex Travel Worth It?
Amex Travel shines in niche areas: premium hotel stays, luxury perks, and airline programs like IAP. For many travelers, though, the portal feels overpriced compared to direct booking. Real users confirm this: the perks are there, but you have to know how to use them strategically.
If you already carry an Amex Platinum or are exploring the best travel card options for 2025, the portal could complement your lifestyle. If your priority is price above all else, you may find better deals elsewhere.
For more lifestyle and premium travel insights, visit our Lifestyle & Luxury section.
FAQ
Is Amex Travel cheaper than booking directly with airlines?
Not usually. Most users find that flights are more expensive than booking directly. The value is in perks like upgrades and credits.
Can I use Amex points to pay for flights?
Yes, you can redeem Amex points directly in the portal. The redemption rate varies, and sometimes transferring points to airline partners gives better value.
What is the best Amex card for travel?
Currently, the Amex Platinum is often considered the strongest choice thanks to FHR, IAP, and lounge access. With upcoming updates, the Amex Platinum refresh aims to keep it among the best travel credit cards 2025.
Sources
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/travel/
- https://www.americanexpress.com/us/credit-cards/card/platinum/
- https://www.americanexpress.com/en-us/rewards/membership-rewards/
- https://thepointsguy.com/guide/amex-travel/
- https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/amex-travel/
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel
User opinions (Reddit):
- https://www.reddit.com/r/AmexPlatinum/comments/1c4kpmc/amex_travel/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/amex/comments/153tk98/is_there_a_point_to_amex_travel_always_seems_more/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/amex/comments/1m5s3tf/think_twice_before_booking_through_american/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/amex/comments/1fjuwdz/amex_travel_portal_why_why_why/
