Quantcast

Amex platinum explored: A traveler's first-hand account

American Airlines Launches Ultra‑Long‑Haul DFW–Manila Flights
Emirates operates with SAF at London Heathrow Airport
British Airways Introduces Brunch Service on Long-Haul Flights
AirAsia FREE SEATS is BACK! - Book Cheap Flight now!
FAA Investigating After JetBlue Plane Skids Off Runway
Virgin Atlantic Offers Family-Friendly Holiday Packages
The Billion-Dollar Outlier That's Rescuing San Francisco Tourism
New Heathrow Security Rule Makes Packing Bags Easier for Travelers
Alaska Airlines Adding More Boeing 787 to Boost Seattle Hub
Ryanair cancels 170 flights, disrupts over 30,000 passengers on French ATC strike
What to Know About Travel to Europe During This Record-Breaking Heatwave
Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
FAA Drone Detection Testing
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger tries opening plane door mid-flight, gets zip-tied by veterans
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Amex platinum explored: A traveler's first-hand account
Research
Webp hkobebzcyub710hl2hy0cdreb1cc
Andrea M. Rotondo Director of content operations | The Points Guy

Tarah Chieffi, a family travel reporter for The Points Guy (TPG), has embarked on a journey to explore the benefits of her first premium rewards card, The Platinum Card from American Express. This decision came after years of skepticism about the necessity of such a card due to its $695 annual fee.

Chieffi's exploration began with a trip to New Orleans, booked through the American Express Travel portal. By doing so, she earned 5 points per dollar spent and accessed additional perks associated with properties in the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts collection and The Hotel Collection. She chose The Eliza Jane hotel, part of Hyatt's Unbound Collection, which was conveniently located near the French Quarter.

Upon booking, Chieffi received an unexpected email from Amex Travel containing a discount code for local tours and experiences. Although she did not use it during this trip, it remains valid until the end of the year.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

One notable benefit of the Amex Platinum is an up to $200 annual hotel credit for select prepaid bookings made through Amex Travel. Chieffi took advantage of this by booking her stay at The Eliza Jane, effectively reducing her room rate by $100 per night over two nights.

During check-in at The Eliza Jane, Chieffi was greeted as an Amex Platinum cardmember and received a complimentary upgrade to a one-bedroom suite. She also benefited from a $100 amenity credit applicable toward purchases at the lobby bar or gift shop and enjoyed complimentary breakfast each morning.

Throughout her stay in New Orleans, Chieffi used her Amex Platinum card extensively to work towards meeting an $8,000 spending threshold required within six months to earn 80,000 bonus Membership Rewards points.

On her return trip home from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY), Chieffi utilized another perk: Clear Plus membership. Her new card covers up to $199 annually for Clear Plus expedited security clearance. This benefit complements TSA PreCheck, which she already had.

Reflecting on her experience with the Amex Platinum card during this trip, Chieffi expressed satisfaction with the savings and perks she received. These included hotel credits, upgrades, complimentary meals and drinks, expedited airport security screening through Clear Plus membership and more.

For further details on rates and fees associated with The Platinum Card from American Express or information on how to apply for it can be found through TPG resources.

___

Organizations Included in this History
More News

UPS has operated one of the longest direct air cargo routes in the United States since 2018, connecting Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky with Dubai International Airport (DXB) in the United Arab Emirates.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 737 MAX 10 is the largest version of the 737 family, designed to compete with the Airbus A321neo.

Aug 2, 2025

Russian airline Aeroflot reported significant flight disruptions on Monday, July 28, due to a failure in its information systems.

Aug 2, 2025

After more than four years, American Airlines will reintroduce its Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on the New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) route starting October 6.

Aug 2, 2025

The Airbus A321XLR, which entered service in late 2024, is now the longest-range narrowbody aircraft available.

Aug 2, 2025

The Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 are the only commercial jetliners with a partial or full second passenger deck, and both have left a significant mark on aviation history.

Aug 2, 2025