Travel, for many of us, is a passion, an escape, a necessity. But let's be honest, it can also be quite expensive! That's where savvy credit card benefits come into play, and few are as well-known (and sometimes misunderstood) as the American Express airline credit. If you're holding an eligible Amex card, you've got a fantastic perk waiting to help offset those pesky travel costs. Let's dive in and unravel exactly how this works, step by step! ✈️
Step 1: Discover If You're Eligible and Get Excited!
First things first, let's see if you're holding the golden ticket to this airline credit. Not all American Express cards offer this specific benefit. The most prominent cards that include an airline fee credit are:
The Platinum Card® from American Express: This is the big one, typically offering a $200 annual airline fee credit.
The Business Platinum Card® from American Express: Similar to its consumer counterpart, this card also offers a $200 annual airline fee credit.
American Express Corporate Gold Card: This card provides a $100 annual airline fee credit.
Other American Express cards, like the Amex Gold Card or Green Card, do not currently offer a dedicated airline fee credit in the same way as the Platinum or Corporate Gold cards. They may have other travel-related benefits or credits, but not this specific incidental fee credit.
So, check your card's benefits guide or log into your American Express online account. If you have one of these cards, get ready to save some money on your next trip!
Step 2: Choose Your Champion Airline
This is a crucial step that many people overlook or don't understand fully. The American Express airline credit is not a free-for-all for any airline expense. You must select one qualifying airline each calendar year. Any eligible incidental fees charged by that specific airline will count towards your credit.
Sub-heading: Why This Choice Matters So Much
Imagine you primarily fly with Delta, but you accidentally select United. Any bag fees or in-flight purchases you make on Delta won't be reimbursed! This is why a thoughtful selection is paramount.
Sub-heading: How to Make Your Selection (and When You Can Change It)
Online Account: The easiest way is to log into your American Express online account. Navigate to the "Benefits" section, and you should find an option to "Select or Change Your Airline" for the airline fee credit.
Mobile App: You can often do this through the Amex mobile app as well, typically under the "Membership" or "Benefits" section.
Customer Service: If you have trouble online, you can always call the number on the back of your card, and a representative can assist you.
Important Note on Changing Your Airline:
You can typically select your airline at any time if you haven't made a selection yet.
If you've already selected an airline, you can usually change your choice only once each calendar year, specifically in January. However, some users report success changing it outside of January by contacting Amex customer service via chat or phone, especially if no credit has been used for the current year. It's always worth asking!
Sub-heading: Which Airlines Qualify? ✈️
American Express provides a list of eligible airlines, which are generally major U.S. carriers. While this list can change, commonly included airlines are:
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines
Always double-check the most current list on the American Express website for your specific card.
Step 3: Understand What Qualifies as an "Incidental Fee"
This is another area of common confusion. The airline credit is not for the purchase of airline tickets themselves. It's designed to cover incidental fees charged by your selected airline. American Express relies on the airline to submit the correct information (merchant codes) to identify these fees.
Sub-heading: Examples of Eligible Incidental Fees
While the exact definition can sometimes be a gray area and varies slightly by airline and how they process charges, here are common examples of expenses that typically qualify for the credit:
Checked baggage fees: This is one of the most common and straightforward uses.
In-flight refreshments and entertainment: Think food, drinks, and Wi-Fi on the plane.
Seat assignment fees: Especially for choosing preferred seats or extra legroom.
Change fees: Fees incurred for modifying your flight (though often these can be high, so the credit might only cover a portion).
Airport lounge day passes: If your chosen airline operates its own lounges and you buy a day pass.
Pet travel fees: For bringing a pet in the cabin or as checked baggage.
Upgrade fees: For non-ticket upgrades, like a paid upgrade from economy to economy plus (but not for a full fare class upgrade from economy to business/first class, generally).
Sub-heading: What Doesn't Qualify (Crucial to Know!) ♀️
Avoid these common pitfalls, as these expenses are not typically covered:
Airline tickets: The actual cost of your flight.
Mileage points purchases or mileage points transfer fees: Buying or transferring airline miles.
Gift cards or e-gift cards: While some people have reported success with these in the past, Amex explicitly states they are not eligible, and success is not guaranteed. Relying on this is risky.
Duty-free purchases: Items bought from duty-free shops, even at the airport.
Award tickets or taxes/fees on award tickets: Flights booked with miles.
Upgrades that change your fare class significantly: For example, upgrading from an economy ticket to a business class ticket is usually considered a ticket purchase, not an incidental fee.
Fees from alliance partners: If you choose American Airlines, but fly on a British Airways codeshare flight and incur fees with BA, those likely won't qualify. The charge must come directly from your selected airline.
Step 4: Making the Purchase and Waiting for the Credit ⏳
Once you've selected your airline, it's pretty straightforward: simply use your eligible American Express card to pay for the incidental fees with your chosen airline.
Sub-heading: How the Credit Appears
The credit will appear as a statement credit on your American Express account. This means the charge will initially appear on your statement, and then a credit for the same amount (up to your annual limit) will be posted back to your account.
Timing is key: American Express states that credits typically post within a few days, but can take 6-8 weeks after the fees are charged. So, don't panic if it doesn't show up immediately. Keep an eye on your statements.
If a credit hasn't posted after 8 weeks and you're confident it's an eligible charge from your selected airline, it's time to call American Express customer service. They can investigate why the credit hasn't appeared. Sometimes, airlines don't use the correct merchant codes, which can prevent the credit from automatically triggering.
Sub-heading: Tracking Your Usage
It's a good practice to keep track of how much of your airline credit you've used throughout the calendar year. You can usually see this information in the "Benefits" section of your online Amex account or by reviewing your statements. The credit resets every January 1st, regardless of when you opened your card. This means if you get your card in June, you'll have $200 for the remainder of that year, and another $200 available starting January 1st of the next year. This can be a great way to "double dip" the credit in your first year of card membership.
Step 5: Maximizing Your Airline Credit
Now that you know the mechanics, let's talk strategy! Getting the most out of your Amex airline credit requires a bit of planning.
Sub-heading: Strategic Spending Ideas
Pre-pay for bags if you know you'll check them: If your selected airline charges for checked bags and you anticipate checking luggage, pay for it when you book your flight or during online check-in.
Consider lounge access: If your chosen airline offers day passes to their lounges and you'll be traveling through one of their hubs, this can be a great way to use the credit for comfort.
In-flight Wi-Fi subscriptions: If you're a frequent flyer on your chosen airline, consider if a monthly or annual Wi-Fi pass (if offered) might be a good use of the credit.
Seat upgrades (strategic ones): If you value extra legroom or a better seat in the same cabin, these fees are often eligible.
Sub-heading: Coordinate with Family and Friends
If you have additional card members on your account, their eligible incidental fees charged to the card will also contribute to the total $200 (or $100) annual credit. This means your spouse, children, or other authorized users can help you utilize the credit even if you're not traveling together.
Step 6: What If It Doesn't Work? Troubleshooting Tips ️
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, the credit might not post. Don't despair!
Sub-heading: Common Issues and Solutions
Incorrect Airline Selected: Double-check that the airline you incurred the fee with is indeed the one you selected for the credit.
Ineligible Purchase: Review the list of eligible and ineligible purchases. Was it truly an incidental fee and not, say, a gift card?
Merchant Code Issue: As mentioned, airlines sometimes don't categorize charges correctly. If it's been over 8 weeks, gather your receipts and statement, and call American Express customer service. Be polite but firm, explain the charge, and ask them to manually review it. Often, they can apply the credit if it was an eligible charge that simply wasn't coded properly.
Timing of Charge: Ensure the charge occurred after you selected your airline for the current calendar year. Charges made before selection are not eligible.
Conclusion
The American Express airline credit is a powerful benefit that, when understood and utilized correctly, can significantly offset the annual fee of premium Amex cards and enhance your travel experience. By carefully selecting your preferred airline, understanding what qualifies as an incidental fee, and being patient for the credit to post, you can make the most of this valuable perk. Happy travels!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to select my airline for the Amex airline credit?
You can select your airline by logging into your American Express online account, navigating to the "Benefits" section, and choosing the "Airline Fee Credit" option. You can also do this via the Amex mobile app or by calling customer service.
How to change my selected airline for the Amex credit?
You can generally change your selected airline once per calendar year in January through your online Amex account or by calling customer service. If you haven't used any credit for the current year, you might be able to change it outside of January by contacting Amex customer service via chat or phone.
How to know which Amex cards offer the airline credit?
The primary cards offering this benefit are The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express ($200 credit), and the American Express Corporate Gold Card ($100 credit). Always check your specific card's benefits.
How to ensure my purchase qualifies for the Amex airline credit?
Focus on incidental fees charged directly by your selected airline. These include checked bag fees, in-flight food/drinks, seat selection fees, and some change fees. Avoid purchasing actual airline tickets, gift cards, or mileage points, as these typically do not qualify.
How to check my remaining Amex airline credit balance?
You can usually track your usage and remaining balance in the "Benefits" section of your American Express online account or by reviewing your monthly statements for the posted credits.
How to get the Amex airline credit if it hasn't posted after a long time?
Wait 6-8 weeks for the credit to post. If it still hasn't appeared, gather your purchase details and contact American Express customer service. Explain the eligible charge and ask them to review it for manual crediting.
How to use the Amex airline credit for lounge access?
If your selected airline operates its own lounges, you can use the credit to purchase day passes directly from that airline's lounge. However, general third-party lounge access (like Priority Pass) is not covered by this specific credit.
How to use the Amex airline credit for a family member's fees?
If your family member is an additional cardholder on your eligible Amex account, any eligible incidental fees they charge to their card with your selected airline will count towards your total annual credit.
How to use the Amex airline credit for low-cost flights?
The credit is for incidental fees, not the base fare. So, you can't use it to pay for the flight ticket itself. However, if a low-cost flight comes with mandatory baggage or seat fees that are charged separately by your chosen airline, those could be covered.
How to maximize the Amex airline credit if I don't fly often?
Consider using the credit for fees you can pre-pay, like baggage fees if you anticipate a trip, or for smaller, recurring expenses like in-flight Wi-Fi or purchasing airport lounge day passes for future use if your selected airline offers them.
