Amex Platinum Card: How To Use Your $200 Airline Credit [2022]

The Platinum Card® from American Express is one of the top premium travel credit cards on the market, but also one of the most expensive. The card’s annual fee is substantially higher than other cards, but it also comes with an extensive list of benefits like airport lounge access, Hilton Honors and Marriott Bonvoy hotel elite status, major bonus earning on flights booked with airlines, and more.

While the card’s fee may seem like a shocker at first, it’s actually not so bad when you take a look at the multiple statement credits offered, including an airline incidental credit of up to $200. Many travelers often aren’t sure how to take advantage of the airline incidental credit and what it can cover. After all, it doesn’t let you cover paid plane tickets but does let you cover other fees incurred from an airline — whether inflight or at the airport.

In this article, you’ll finally get clarity as to what exactly the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental credit is and your best options for redeeming your card’s $200 annual credit. After all, what use is a benefit if you don’t know how to use it, right?

Table of contents

Amex Platinum Card – Snapshot
What Is the Amex Platinum Card’s Airline Incidental Credit?
- Selecting an Airline for Your Airline Incidental Credit
The Best Ways To Use Your Airline Incidental Fee Credit
What if My Purchase Isn’t Automatically Reimbursed?
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

Amex Platinum Card – Snapshot
What Is the Amex Platinum Card’s Airline Incidental Credit?
- Selecting an Airline for Your Airline Incidental Credit
The Best Ways To Use Your Airline Incidental Fee Credit
What if My Purchase Isn’t Automatically Reimbursed?
Final Thoughts

Amex Platinum Card – Snapshot

Hot Tip: Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 150,000 points with the Amex Platinum card! The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

What Is the Amex Platinum Card’s Airline Incidental Credit?

Both the Amex Platinum card and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express include an up to $200 airline incidental fee credit. This credit, according to American Express, is to be used to cover inflight expenses on your selected airline. Some of the items American Express lists as eligible for reimbursement include inflight refreshments and checked bag fees. Unfortunately, things like airline tickets, gift cards, and points or miles purchases aren’t eligible for reimbursement.

Here’s what the terms and conditions have to say:

“Incidental airline fees charged prior to selection of a qualifying airline are not eligible for statement credits. Airline tickets, upgrades, mileage points purchases, mileage points transfer fees, gift cards, duty free purchases, and award tickets are not deemed to be incidental fees. The airline must submit the charge under the appropriate merchant code, industry code, or required service or product identifier for the charge to be recognized as an incidental air travel fee.”

Once you’ve selected your airline, you can simply charge these expenses to your Amex Platinum card and you’ll automatically be reimbursed in the form of a statement credit within 4 weeks of the charge posting to your account.

Hot Tip: You receive the airline incidental once per calendar year. The credit is dispersed on January 1st of the year and doesn’t roll over.

Selecting an Airline for Your Airline Incidental Credit

Unlike the Chase Sapphire Reserve®‘s $300 travel credit, you’re limited to using your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit on a single airline. You can select your airline when you receive your card and change it once per year thereafter. However, we at Upgraded Points have had luck changing the airline more than once when chatting (nicely) with an American Express representative.

You can pick from the following airlines:

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Air Lines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines

You must select an airline before you can use the airline incidental credit. Charges made to your account before selecting an airline are not eligible for reimbursement, so select your airline as soon as you receive your Amex Platinum card and have a trip booked.

Thankfully, selecting your Amex Platinum card airline choice is easy. Just head over to the American Express website, log in and select your Amex Platinum card (should you have more than 1 Amex card).

Click on the Rewards & Benefits tab on the bar at the top of the screen. And then click on the Benefits tab.

Amex Platinum Rewards Benefits Page — Image Credit: American Express

Here, you’ll see the balance of your Airline Fee Credit — how much you’ve used and how much you have left.

Amex Platinum Airline Fee Credit — Image Credit: American Express

Scroll down the page and you’ll see a list of benefits included with your Amex Platinum card. There will be an option labeled $200 Airline Fee Credit. Click on the Learn More button and, from there, you can select your airline choice using the drop-down menu at the center of the screen.

Amex Platinum Airline Fee Credit Airline — Image Credit: American Express

The Best Ways To Use Your Airline Incidental Fee Credit

As mentioned earlier, the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit cannot be used towards plane tickets, points purchases, or gift cards. There’s no doubt that this is frustrating, but thankfully, there are still plenty of great ways that you can spend the credit over the year.

Here are our favorite ways of utilizing the flight credit. We’ve split this section up into 2 parts: official and unofficial ways to redeem the incidental fee credit.

Official Ways To Redeem the Incidental Fee Credit

Passenger walking into Admirals Club — You can use your airline incidental fee credit to purchase day passes to the American Airlines Admirals Club. Image Credit: American Airlines

Airport Lounge Day Passes and Annual Memberships

While the Amex Platinum card includes extensive lounge access, it doesn’t include access to all of the U.S. carrier’s lounges. You can use your Amex Platinum card’s credit to buy day passes to:

Just remember that you have to select the applicable airline for the lounge charge to be covered. So if you select Delta as your selected airline, your charges to the Admirals Club won’t be covered by your incidental fees.

Hot Tip: If you purchase an annual lounge membership with your Amex Platinum card that costs more than $200, you’ll be credited the entirety of the incidental fee credit at once. So in this case, you can think of it as a $200 discount on your lounge membership of choice.

Further, note that Amex Platinum cardmembers do not receive complimentary guest access at Delta Sky Clubs. However, guest access can be purchased for $29 per person (versus $50 for a standard day pass). If you purchase Delta Sky Club guest access and Delta is selected as your Amex Platinum card’s airline, you will be reimbursed for their entry fee.

Change Fees

Changing a trip’s date can be expensive, but your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit will cover the itinerary change fee. Note that the incidental fee will not likely cover the airfare difference as this is often charged like a plane ticket.

Hot Tip: Want more information on airline change fees? Learn how to avoid airline change fees in our dedicated article.

Checked Baggage Fees

Plan on checking a bag but it isn’t included with your ticket? Just charge it to your Amex Platinum card. This is especially helpful if you’ve selected a low-cost carrier, like Spirit, as your airline choice as these carriers generally charge more for baggage. Just remember that the incidental fee credit will only cover baggage fees on your selected airline.

Inflight Entertainment Fees

The incidental fee credit will cover inflight entertainment fees like TV, movies, and tablet rentals charged directly by the airline. A good example of this is renting an Alaska Airlines entertainment tablet inflight. The airline charges a fee to rent these in economy class.

Unfortunately, this does not cover inflight internet as this is generally billed by a third party. However, we have heard of United inflight entertainment being reimbursed as it is generally charged by United directly. Proceed with caution though as there’s no guarantee it will be reimbursed.

Inflight Amenities (Food, Drink, Headphones, Etc.)

Most other inflight purchases are covered, too. Think amenities like headphones, blankets on budget carriers, food, and drink. These are almost always charged by the airline and will automatically be reimbursed by your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit.

Seat Selection Fees

Seat selection fees are another great way to redeem your airline incidental fee credit. You can use this when flying low-cost carriers or are flying on a basic economy fare that doesn’t include free seat selection. Note that this does include things like Even More Space seating on JetBlue and Economy Plus on United Airlines.

Pet Flight Fees

If you’re taking a furry companion with you, use your Amex Platinum card’s incidental credit to cover the pet fee. This can take out a nice chunk of your reimbursement too — for example, JetBlue charges $125 per one-way flight.

Hot Tip: Some airlines are better than others when flying with Fido. Explore our data study on the best airlines for traveling with your pet.

Phone Booking Fees

You can usually avoid these by booking online, but there may be instances where you need to call to book an award ticket or a flight with special routing. If you can’t get the agent to waive this fee, your Amex Platinum card’s incidental fee credit will cover it.

Priority Boarding

Priority boarding purchases will work on virtually all airlines. This can be especially valuable when flying Southwest Airlines as you’ll get first dibs on the best seats. Again, just remember that the incidental fees will only cover priority boarding fees on your selected airline.

Unofficial Ways To Redeem the Incidental Fee Credit

The methods below are ways that either our staff has tried or seen work for other travelers. Proceed with caution. There’s no guarantee that these will work for you. While we try and keep this section as up-to-date as possible, these things can change on a dime and we can’t be held liable for a charge not being reimbursed.

Admirals Club Food or Drink Purchases

A number of American Airlines Admirals Club locations have premium food and drink available for purchase. These purchases have been reimbursed from American Express as they’re billed directly from American Airlines.

Unfortunately, we don’t have data for purchases at other lounges at this time. Again, proceed with caution.

Delta Airfare Purchased Partially With a Gift Card

There are reports of Delta tickets purchased partially with a gift card being reimbursed by American Express. This is because when the purchase processes, it will add “additional collection” to the transaction instead of listing an airline route like most airfare purchases.

This means that American Express will see the transaction as if it was some sort of add-on or other inflight expense. However, this is not officially supported, and American Express may choose to not honor your incidental credit for this purchase.

Sub-$99 Airfare on Select Airlines

We’ve seen reports of sub-$99 fares on Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue being reimbursed by the incidental fee credit. But again, this is very much something you should try at your own risk as the purchase will code as airfare.

Spirit Saver$ Club Memberships

Spirit Airlines has a members-only discount club called Spirit Saver$ Club. It provides access to discounted tickets and include other perks, but has an annual fee.

We’ve seen reports of Spirit Saver$ Club memberships being reimbursed by American Express. Definitely keep this in mind if you’re a frequent ultra-low-cost carrier as it can save you a nice sum of money as you travel throughout the year.

$5.60 TSA Passenger Security Fee on Award Tickets

Our team has had the $5.60 TSA Passenger Security fee reimbursed on multiple award tickets in the past.

Purchases That Do Not Trigger the Airline Incidental Credit

Now that you have a full list of things that do (or might) trigger the airline incidental fee credit, here’s a quick look at the things that don’t trigger this credit.

Award Taxes and Fees

Aside from the $5.60 TSA Security Fee mentioned above, our team has not had luck having other award fees reimbursed. This is likely because of the fact that these purchases code as airfare when posted to your American Express card.

Airline Gift Card Purchases

Airline gift card purchases were a long-time favorite for redeeming the airline incidental fee credit. However, as of this summer, our team has had no luck getting these reimbursed.

Class of Service Upgrades

Unfortunately, cabin upgrades are not eligible for reimbursement.

Inflight Wi-Fi

As mentioned earlier, inflight Wi-Fi generally does not trigger the incidental fee credit as it’s billed by a third party like Gogo or Panasonic. However, we’ve seen reports of United Airlines Wi-Fi purchases being reimbursed as United does bill Wi-Fi purchases on its own, or if purchased through the airline application prior to your flight.

What if My Purchase Isn’t Automatically Reimbursed?

While American Express states that it will reimburse eligible charges within 4 weeks, some charges make it past American Express’ system. If you’re not reimbursed for an eligible charge, you can either call the number on the back of your card or use American Express’s live chat service to request reimbursement.

Final Thoughts

While the Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit is limited when compared to travel credits offered by other premium credit cards, it still offers a ton of value. When you use the methods listed above, you’ll not only save money, but also have a better travel experience with extra checked bags, lounge access, and more.

How do you spend your Amex Platinum card’s airline incidental fee credit? Let us know in the comments below!

The information regarding the Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express, Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Goldman Sachs, and The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.

Featured Image Credit: Upgraded Points

Frequently asked questions

What airlines can I choose from?

You can pick from the following U.S. airlines. Note that you can only redeem your credit on the airline you choose, and you can only change your selection once per calendar year.

Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Delta Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines
JetBlue Airways
Spirit Airlines
Southwest Airlines
United Airlines

What American Express cards come with an airline incidental fee credit?

The following American Express cards come with an airline incidental fee credit:

American Express Platinum Card® for Schwab — $200
Amex Platinum card — $200
Amex Business Platinum card — $200
Corporate Platinum Card® by American Express — $200
Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — $250
The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Goldman Sachs — $200
The Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley — $200

Can I use my airline incidental credit towards airfare?

Generally speaking, no. The terms and conditions prohibit this and it has not worked in practice for a majority of Amex Platinum cardholders. However, there are reports of sub-$100 airfare triggering the credit when booking on select airlines.

Can I cash out my incidental fee credit if I don't use it?

No, you must use the entirety of the incidental fee credit before the end of a calendar year. Otherwise, the credit will expire.

When does the airline incidental credit renew?

You will receive $200 per year in incidental fee credit. The credit renews on January 1st of the calendar year.

Will I earn points on purchases reimbursed by the incidental fee credit?

Yes, you will still earn points on reimbursed purchases.

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About Andrew Kunesh

Andrew was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and now splits his time between Chicago and New York City. He’s a lifelong traveler and took his first solo trip to San Francisco at the age of 16. Fast forward a few years, and Andrew now travels just over 100,000 miles a year, with over 25 countries, 10 business class products, and 2 airline statuses (United and Alaska) under his belt.

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

75 comments

Jeremiah Davis October 19, 2019

Great article.
I have a follow-up question:
Does anyone know if the $200 can be used to cover Unaccompanied Minor Fees?
Thanks
Jeremy

Reply
- Stephen Au October 21, 2019
  
  Hi Jeremiah,
  
  It’s difficult to tell in-advance. The only way to know for certain is to use it and see if you get it credited back. As it looks right now, it should qualify, as it is not specifically excluded from Amex’s terms and conditions. Thanks for reading.
  
  Reply
  - Leandro December 16, 2019
    
    Great article. Thanks for all of the details. It was a huge insight.
    Spirit has a ton of fees that I’m sure will fit under the airline incidentals.
    Like selecting seats, more leg room seats, baggage fees and the $9 fare club membership.
    My question is the following.
    With the promo ending/resetting on Jan. 1st, can I book now to travel during 2,020 before the year ends to qualify ?
    Or must the flight be completed during the promo period ?
    
    Reply
    - Stephen Au December 19, 2019
      
      Hi Leandro,
      
      Thanks for your feedback. Spirit’s exact terms and conditions change all the time. We’d encourage you to seek advice from Spirit Airlines directly, since we aren’t making the rules here.
      
      Reply
- Bill December 4, 2020
  
  Yes, AmEx Aspire Card reimbursed in 2019 and 2020 for unaccompanied minor -American Air. (YMMV)
  
  Reply
RenoRich November 19, 2019

Amex Platinum data point.
$96 Southwest ticket purchased in mid-November 2019.
No credit posted after 4 days.

Reply
- Augusto Novato December 5, 2019
  
  hi, did you have any luck with Delta?
  
  Reply
Kia November 20, 2019

Helpful article. However the below statement is incorrect. Amex Platinum card holders traveling on Delta receive complimentary access to Delta SkyClub along with 2 guests. I have used this benefit a number of times.

“Further, note that Amex Platinum cardmembers do not receive complimentary guest access at Delta SkyClubs. However, guest access can be purchased for $29 per person (versus $50 for a standard day pass). If Delta is selected as your Amex Platinum’s airline, you will be reimbursed for their entry fee.”

Reply
- Christine Krzyszton November 20, 2019
  
  Hi Kia. The statement in the article is correct. This requirement is referenced both in the Amex Platinum card terms and conditions and on the Delta website. It is stated that: “Guests of Platinum and Centurion card members may enter the club with up to 2 guests for an additional fee”. It sounds like you’ve been fortunate in that you have not had to pay these fees. https://www.delta.com/us/en/delta-sky-club/access
  
  Reply
  - Vibhu September 29, 2020
    
    I agree the article statement is correct. Please note also, if the Delta flyer has Diamond Elite status they can get two complimentary guests free as part of Choice Benefits and use the Amex Platinum as an entry for themselves to Delta SkyClubs. I have used it this way without paying the $29 fees.
    
    Reply
    - Christine Krzyszton September 29, 2020
      
      Thanks for the additional info, Vibhu.
      
      Reply
Ryan December 13, 2019

I know that DPs show that taxes and fees are normally not automatically reimbursed by Amex, however, would you have a strong case to argue for reimbursement if you call or use the chat to have them do it manually?

Reply
- Jarrod West December 13, 2019
  
  Hi Ryan,
  
  You can definitely call and try, but I wouldn’t expect them to do so. If you are able to get them waived let us know!
  
  Reply
  - Ryan December 13, 2019
    
    Thanks for the reply, do you know of anything that explicitly says no? I just want to make sure that I am not running into something that is in writing and B&W prohibits the credit.
    
    Reply
    - Jarrod West December 13, 2019
      
      Hi Ryan,
      
      You should have received a booklet that details the terms and conditions for each of the card’s benefits when you received the card. I’d give that a look and see if there is anything that explicitly says no.
      
      Reply
KanExplore December 23, 2019

I am planning to cancel my AMEX Platinum card soon after the first of the year to avoid the annual fee. However, I have a question:

If I make a purchase before Jan. 1 that would trigger the fee reimbursement but it hasn’t been credited yet before I call to cancel the card, will it still credit since the card was open at the time of the charge?

Thanks!

Reply
- Jarrod West December 23, 2019
  
  Hi Kan,
  
  If you cancel the card before the charge has been credited then no, you will not receive the reimbursement.
  
  Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
sunnys January 17, 2020

HI, Great article! I have a question: if the flight ticket is booked on another (non-amex) card, can I receive credit if I pay for the additional incidental fee using Amex Platinum?

Reply
- Jarrod West January 17, 2020
  
  Hi Sunny,
  
  Yes, you should receive the incidental fee credit as long as you pay for the incidental with your Amex Platinum card.
  
  Reply
Frank January 20, 2020

Can you change to a different airline if you have already used partial credit to the existing chosen airline? Thanks!

Reply
- Alex Miller January 20, 2020
  
  Hey Frank – Yes, you can change even if you’ve already used part of the credit on an airline. Just give AMEX a call, be friendly and they should change it for you without a problem!
  
  Reply
  - Emanuel February 1, 2020
    
    I spoke to AMEX tonight. The agent said that they will not change airlines if you’ve already used partial credit on a different airline.
    
    Reply
Garrison January 21, 2020

Hi!

If you buy a ticket for example on Delta but the codeshare is for Delta Partner airlines, can you use the airline credit towards baggage fees on the partner airline, if the ticket was sold by Delta?

Reply
- Stephen Au January 22, 2020
  
  Garrison,
  
  Most likely not. The merchant collecting the baggage fee must be Delta. If you’re paying for baggage fees on partner airlines, you’ll need to make sure that the baggage fee is collected by Delta, as opposed to partner airlines.
  
  Reply
Philip January 23, 2020

Hi,

I’m planning on flying delta with the family and I need to have assigned seating, but I also want to use my amex credits. Would it trigger the credit if I bought our tickets in basic economy and after the purchase when asked if I would like to switch to main cabin pay the difference using my amex a couple day after my purchase? Do you think that it would trigger the credit? It’s a 42 dollar difference.

Reply
- Jarrod West January 29, 2020
  
  Hi Philip,
  
  Yes, that should trigger the incidental credit.
  
  Reply
Lindsey September 26, 2020

I would like to use my Amex airline credit to upgrade to an exit row which is classified as preferred seating. It is $98. Will it trigger my AMEX credit?

Reply
- Jarrod West September 28, 2020
  
  Hi Lindsey,
  
  Yes, this should trigger your Amex credit assuming you’re upgrading with the airline you’ve previously selected.
  
  Reply
Michael Cleveland November 10, 2020

Southwest has a prioity boarding at the gate for about $30 (may differ depending on the length of flight). This gets your boarding pass # moved to A 1-15. Available as long as some 1-15 slots are available. Would this quailfy for the Amex credit? Thanks great article.

Reply
- Jarrod West November 11, 2020
  
  Hi Michael,
  
  Yes, this should qualify for the Amex incidental credit.
  
  Reply
SP December 4, 2020

I got the Amex platinum last month. Can I select Spirit and apply for their $9 fare club membership now and change it to frontier to get their membership as well in January – since we are allowed to select our airlines once every year.

Reply
- Jarrod West December 4, 2020
  
  Hi SP,
  
  The Amex Platinum airline credit only works for airline incidentals like checked baggage fees, overweight/oversize baggage fees, change fees, etc. So the fee for the $9 fare club may not be covered.
  
  Reply
  - SP December 8, 2020
    
    Thank you! Although the above article says “We’ve seen reports of both $9 Fare Club and Discount Den memberships being reimbursed by American Express. “
    
    Reply
Kathy December 7, 2020

Last week I used my American Express Platinum to upgrade our seats for an upcoming flight. When checking my activity on my account, I realized that I had not chose American Airlines as my airline choice, I thought I had. I tried to chat with a customer service rep but he said no, can’t help me. I think it’s ridiculous that they can make a manual adjustment. I’m going to try to call tomorrow. Has anyone else done this?

Reply
Joey December 23, 2020

I can confirm food/beverage purchases in Delta lounges do not automatically trigger the credit. I had to call Amex and politely ask for a credit. They obliged, but it didn’t sound like they’d do it again for me.

Reply
Matt February 17, 2021

if I purchased a ticket on United for someone else, can I use my Aspire card to pay for there seat selection and have that reimbursed?

Reply
- Jarrod West February 17, 2021
  
  Hi Matt,
  
  Yes, that should count towards the airline incidental fee on your Hilton Aspire card.
  
  Reply
twong September 4, 2021

On 9/1/21 I received a $40 credit for a partial charge on my SW flight.

Reply
duaneger September 13, 2021

I selected United since I’m 1k and primarily fly them, but I’m wondering how I can maximize this credit. I already get a drink/food for free, checked bags are free, entertainment is now free on United flights, I rarely change my flights, and I already have United lounge access thru my United Business credit card. I guess purchasing wifi is my only option with United from what this article says. Let’s see if I can maximize $200 on wifi alone. Any other ideas out there? I know point purchases don’t count, but what about those “mile accelerator” options for reservations where you get more miles for that flight? Has anybody tried using those with your amex card?

Reply
- NB October 7, 2021
  
  check out the FlyerTalk thread….some good ideas in there.
  
  Reply
JLW October 6, 2021

I’m thinking of selecting United as my airline for my $200 credit and I have a question on timing of the incidental charges. If I purchase basic economy tickets and in the same transaction, as I’m checking out on United.com, I pay extra to get assigned seats or I pay extra for a “bundle” that includes assigned seats and a bag, will those “extras” trigger the credit, even though they’re part of the same transaction in which I’m purchasing the actual airfare? Or do I have to buy the tickets alone first, and then go back and (in a new transaction) purchase assigned seats or checked bags, etc?

Thank you!

Reply
- Jarrod West October 8, 2021
  
  Hi JLW,
  
  You should not need to make a separate purchase for your seat selection. Usually, even if you book both at the same time, United will charge your card 2 separate times, one for the airfare and one for any extra, in which case, the second charge should be credited back to you. Safe travels!
  
  Reply
Brian Jew October 9, 2021

If I purchase airline tickets using my Chase United Explorer card (to get the free checked luggage), and then later use my AMEX Aspire Card to pay for changing seats to one with more legroom, will that work for the airline incidental credit? In short, will the credit still trigger even though a different card was used to make the airline ticket purchase from the incidental charge?

Reply
- Jarrod West October 22, 2021
  
  Hi Brian,
  
  Yes, you should still receive the incidental credit. Safe travels!
  
  Reply
Abby October 11, 2021

Do lounge passes expire? And are they specific to the purchaser or can I give to my daughter? Thanks

Reply
- Jarrod West October 20, 2021
  
  Hi Abby,
  
  Which lounge passes are you referring to?
  
  Reply
Jose October 13, 2021

Hi, what happens if you go over the limit?

Reply
- Chris Hassan October 13, 2021
  
  Hi Jose,
  
  Anything over the $200 will remain on your statement as a charge.
  
  Reply
Toys Samurai October 25, 2021

I got a question. Delta Sky Club membership can be paid monthly. Between my Platinum and my wife’s, does that mean we could fully utilize the $400 by paying monthly?

Reply
- Jarrod West October 25, 2021
  
  Hi Toys,
  
  You can already access Delta Sky Clubs for free when flying Delta with your Amex Platinum card. So there would be no need to pay for a Sky Club membership.
  
  Reply
Ger Hanson November 28, 2021

If at time of check-in you purchased mileage boost miles when is offered will that be reimbursed? It is not a stand alone purchase of miles but rather an add on to a ticket purchase??

Reply
- Jarrod West November 29, 2021
  
  Hi Ger,
  
  I haven’t seen any data points of this, but I anticipate that if it codes as an add-on purchase that it should count towards your $200 credit.
  
  Reply
  - Nick G January 27, 2023
    
    I was able to upgrade to first class on American airlines flight going from Philadelphia to Phoenix it was $180 charge and it was reimbursed 2 weeks later.
    
    Reply
- DaninMCI December 16, 2021
  
  I’ve had this work on AA. Bougie Miles also has some data points on this. I think it’s a slight gamble but I had it work on AA in October 2021.
  
  Reply
Jose S December 3, 2021

I would like to upgrade from Main to First class on a flight. Assuming this would qualify for the $200 statement credit since its a premium seat selection, correct?

Reply
- Jarrod West December 3, 2021
  
  Hi Jose,
  
  I’m anticipating that would code as a ticket purchase and thus not qualify for the statement credit. I’d love to be proven wrong though if it works for you!
  
  Reply
- DaninMCI December 16, 2021
  
  The T&C’s list this as not included so it might work but likely wouldn’t. If it was a minor amount under $200 you’d have a better chance.
  
  Reply
DJ January 7, 2022

What’s the verdict on paying for seat changes (Main to Comfort+ or First)? Will this trigger the credit?

Reply
- Jarrod West January 11, 2022
  
  Hi DJ,
  
  Seat selection fees should credit, but paying for upgrade like moving to first likely will not credit.
  
  Reply
Ryan April 5, 2022

I was wondering if the $200 can be used to cover the $150 pass to enter American’s Flagship Lounges. I’ve seen plenty of anecdotes of those who can buy $50 passes to Admiral’s Clubs, but nothing on Flagships. Thanks!

Reply
- Jarrod West April 6, 2022
  
  Hi Ryan,
  
  I’ve not heard any reports of anyone being able to do so successfully, but your mileage may vary.
  
  Reply
- Jackie November 21, 2022
  
  Hi! I was wondering if a AMEX card from another country still have the same $200 benefit. Do you know? Thank you!
  
  Reply
  - Jarrod West November 21, 2022
    
    Hi Jackie,
    
    Amex Platinum cards from other countries don’t necessarily share the same benefits, or earn rates, as the U.S. version.
    
    Reply
Shelly October 14, 2022

Would this work if I buy additional lounge passes for next year? I have $100 left in AMEX incidentals credits that I know I wont use by the end of the year because I selected Delta as my airline. Even though I have other trips booked, I don’t plan on flying with Delta until next year. Can I purchase 2 day passes and save them for next year? Would I get a reiembusrtment for this? Thanks!

Reply
- Jarrod West November 9, 2022
  
  Hi Shelly,
  
  Yes, purchasing lounge passes should trigger the credit.
  
  Reply
Jerry November 15, 2022

Will a Clear membership bought using Delta SkyMiles membership discount be coded as incidental and trigger credit on Aspire?

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- Jarrod West November 16, 2022
  
  Hi Jerry,
  
  That is unlikely as it will probably be billed from CLEAR directly – but I’d love to be proven wrong! Thanks for reading!
  
  Reply
Mason November 19, 2022

I’m wondering if I purchase a preferred seat on AA in 2022 for a trip I have bought for 2023, and then cancel the flight in 2023. I will have a trip credit with AA for the ticket value, but what happens to the money spent on the seats? I think usually you can request a refund with AA for unused ancillary charges, but if I was already credited by AMEX the previous year, would I actually get this money back? Could it be used again in the future?

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- Stephen Au December 18, 2022
  
  In general, preferred seat purchases are ancillary purchases, which are nonrefundable even in the event of cancellation. So you’ll lose the money you spent on the seats if you cancel your ticket.
  
  Thanks!
  
  Reply
Adam Cincinnati December 21, 2022

FYI—I have both Amex Platinum and Delta Amex Platinum cards. The Amex Platinum DOES in fact grant comp access to Delta Sky Club for cardholder. So purchasing an annual membership is moot. This perk comes with the Delta Reserve Amex as well, but not the Delta Platinum Amex. FYI, all. Great article otherwise.

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John M December 22, 2022

If I purchased a seat selection and checked bag for my wife will these be reimbursed? The charge on AmEx shows up with her name as the passenger, so I’m a bit concerned they won’t reimburse me.

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- Katie Seemann December 26, 2022
  
  Hi John,
  Those charges should be eligible to be reimbursed. I’ve purchased seat selections for my husband and daughter and had the charges refunded.
  
  Reply
Sam Nan December 26, 2022

Does purchasing a lounge pass online trigger the airline incidental credit or does it have to be purchased at the airport? I selected American Airlines and am trying to find a meaningful way to spend the $200 credit.

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- Katie Seemann December 26, 2022
  
  Hi Sam,
  Yes the purchase of an airline lounge pass online should trigger the credit as long as you’re purchasing the pass for a lounge operated by the same airline you chose. So you could purchase an Admiral’s Club lounge pass but not one for Delta Sky Clubs since you chose American Airlines.
  
  Reply
MostFrustratingCreditEver January 28, 2023

I have tried, and tried, and tried, and Alaska Airlines covered expenses are never automatically refunded. You have to go out of your way to contact Amex every time and beg to get the credit. I gave up and changed to another airline.

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