8 Amex Platinum Benefits That Come in Clutch for Holiday Travelers

Anyone who’s traveled around the holidays knows that doing so comes with a set of unique challenges. Airports across the country are busier than they are at any other point in the year. Bad weather in much of the country often throws a wrench into plans, and everyone’s generally on edge, eager to reach their intended destinations on time.

This is often a recipe for disaster, and seemingly every year, we hear about nightmare scenarios where people are stranded in airports for hours (or even days!), baggage is lost, tempers flare, and holidays are ruined.

However, if you’re armed with the right tools, traveling during the holidays doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Arguably, the best tool you can have when traveling — especially during the holiday season — is the Platinum Card^® from American Express, which has a robust slate of travel benefits and protections that provide peace of mind and even a bit of pampering during typically stressful holiday travel days.

Let’s take a look at how.

1. Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption Insurance

While you’re flying, the Amex Platinum card has you covered with trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance. These are specifically designed to act as a backstop in the event of unexpected or unforeseen situations that result in a significant disruption or necessitate the cancellation of your trip.

The primary cardholder, traveling companions, family members of the eligible traveler, or family members of the traveling companion can all be eligible to receive this coverage.

Here’s a sampling of covered situations, though this is not an exhaustive list:

• Bodily Injury or Illness: If you, a traveling companion, or a family member of either experiences an accidental injury or becomes ill, causing you to cancel your trip, you may be covered.
• Bad Weather: If extreme weather causes your trip to be canceled or disrupted, you may be eligible for coverage.
• Quarantine: If a physician recommends this measure for health reasons, you may be eligible for coverage.

You can expect coverage of up to $10,000 per trip, and a maximum limit of $20,000 per card per 12-month period. To be eligible for coverage, purchase your entire round-trip ticket (or 2 one-way tickets to and from the same airport) with your Amex Platinum card.

Bad weather and illness are common themes of the holiday season (aside from all the fun stuff, of course). If you’re forced to cancel a trip or it becomes significantly altered, your card — as long as you paid for your tickets with it — can step in to make you whole should you have significant nonrefundable expenses.

2. Trip Delay Insurance

When there’s bad weather or it’s a hectic travel day, it’s not surprising to see your itinerary delayed, sometimes significantly. Your Amex Platinum card offers trip delay insurance that covers you for necessary incidentals, meals, and lodging you may need if you experience a lengthy delay.

You can claim up to $500 per covered trip, with a maximum of 2 covered trips per consecutive 12-month period, provided your delay exceeds 6 hours and you have paid the full amount of your ticket(s) with your Amex Platinum card.

3. Baggage Insurance Plan

When you’re delaying with a chaotic travel day, it’s an unfortunate possibility that your checked baggage may get lost. Thankfully, airlines have improved significantly in tracking bags, but lost luggage is still a possibility, especially during irregular operations, particularly on days with adverse weather conditions.

If this happens to you, your Amex Platinum card can help. If you pay for your ticket(s) with your card or American Express Membership Rewards points, you can qualify for a baggage insurance plan, which covers checked or carry-on luggage:

• Checked Bags: Up to $2,000 per covered person, per trip
• Carry-on Bags: Up to a combined maximum with checked bags of $3,000 per covered person, per trip
• Specialty High-Value Items: Up to $1,000 per person, per covered trip ($2,000 for New York residents, maximum $10,000 per trip)
• Combined Limit: The limit for all baggage, including high-risk items, is $3,000 per covered person, per single trip

Checked baggage is only covered while traveling on a common carrier. Carry-on baggage is additionally covered while traveling to, from, and when waiting at the carrier terminal. However, there is no coverage for delayed baggage, though several other credit cards do offer this coverage.

These aren’t all the protections you’ll receive with the Amex Platinum card. In addition to secondary car rental loss and damage insurance, the card provides access to Global Assist Hotline, including medical, legal, financial, and travel document assistance. Cardmembers are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

4. Incidental Airline Fee Credit

Now that you’re aware of the key benefits that can mitigate the stress of a travel day gone wrong, let’s take a look at what you can use on the Amex Platinum card to make your holiday travel more seamless and relaxing.

The Amex Platinum card offers up to $200 annually in airline incidental fees that you charge to your card (enrollment and selection of 1 airline required). Examples of charges that would be eligible for this credit include seat selection, airport lounge passes, checked baggage fees, change fees, and inflight entertainment or food and beverage fees.

If you’re looking to travel a little more comfortably with your selected airline, you can choose a better seat on your flight, charge the fee to your Amex Platinum card, and receive a statement credit of up to $200 for that charge.

5. TSA PreCheck or Global Entry Application Fee Credit

The Amex Platinum card offers a statement credit to cover the cost of enrolling in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry. If you choose Global Entry (which automatically confers TSA PreCheck), you’ll receive a $120 credit every 4 years. If you opt for TSA PreCheck only, you’ll receive a $85 statement credit every 4.5 years.

There’s nothing worse than waiting in seemingly interminable security lines at a busy airport. Having either of these services (or even better, both) ensures you’ll be able to breeze through the checkpoint much more quickly — and you’ll get to keep your light jacket on and your liquids and electronics in your bag!

6. CLEAR^® Plus Credit

CLEAR is a service that uses members’ biometric data to help them pass through security checkpoints at numerous U.S. airports and other venues more quickly. The Amex Platinum card offers a $209 annual credit that covers the annual fee of a CLEAR Plus membership.

If you leverage this benefit with the aforementioned TSA PreCheck and/or Global Entry benefit, you’ll be equipped with the best possible setup for getting through airport security in the least amount of time. On days when millions of people are passing through security checkpoints, this can be the difference between a relaxed airport experience and a nightmarish day filled with waiting, impatience, and frustration.

7. Rental Car Benefits and Status

When you arrive at your destination and have rented a car, the Amex Platinum card offers perks and special discounts at Avis and Hertz, and elite status with National upon enrollment.

All of these benefits are helpful to have, but National Emerald Club Executive status is particularly valuable. It allows you to choose any car on the lot for the same price as a standard vehicle. Treating yourself to a bit of luxury with your car rental — for no additional cost — is a perfect way to give your trip a little extra holiday magic.

8. Airport Lounge Access

One of the most valuable perks of the Amex Platinum card is the extensive airport lounge access it provides to cardholders. If you’re contending with crowded terminals, an airport lounge can help you escape the crowds, find a comfortable seat, enjoy complimentary food and beverages, and maybe even take a shower before your flight.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

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The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

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Platinum Card^® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

Welcome Offer

You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® Points after spending $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.

As High As 175,000 Points. Find Out Your Offer.

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $3,850

Annual Fee

$895

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Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

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Why We Like This Card

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than the Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access, hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,550 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges (enrollment required), Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com

Cons

• $895 annual fee (rates and fees)
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)

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Card Highlights

• You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards^® points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
• Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards^® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel^®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts^® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel^® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.
• More Value! With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection^®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club^® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges. * As of 07/2025.
• More Value! $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card^® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card^® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card^® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.
• More Value! $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $25 in statement credits each month after you pay for eligible purchases with the Platinum Card^® at participating partners. Enrollment required.
• More Value! $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts^® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel^® using the Platinum Card^®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• New! $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: When you use the Platinum Card^® to pay at U.S. Resy restaurants and to make other eligible purchases through Resy, you can get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter with the $400 Resy Credit benefit. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card^®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you, enrollment required.
• More Value! $209 CLEAR^® Plus Credit: CLEAR^® Plus helps get you to your gate faster by using unique facial attributes to verify you are you at 50+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR Plus Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR Plus with the Platinum Card^®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card^® Account*. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.
• Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts^® through American Express Travel^®, enjoy noon check-in upon arrival, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.
• New! $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card^® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That’s up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card^®.*Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.
• $100 Saks Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue or saks.com on the Platinum Card^®. That’s up to $50 in statement credits from January through June and up to $50 in statement credits from July through December. No minimum purchase required. Enrollment required.
• Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
• $895 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

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• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

The Amex Platinum card grants access to 8 lounge networks:

• The Centurion Lounge Network (U.S. and international locations)
• 10 annual visits to Delta Sky Clubs (when flying same-day Delta), with the ability to unlock unlimited visits through spend
• Escape Lounges – The Centurion Studio Partner
• Plaza Premium Lounges
• Priority Pass Select (upon enrollment)
• Select Lufthansa Lounges
• Select Virgin Clubhouses

Final Thoughts

The Amex Platinum card is an incredibly valuable tool to have in your arsenal while traveling, especially during the holiday season when things are more likely to go wrong.

Not only does the card protect you in the event of delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, but it can also help you speed through airport security and escape crowded airport terminals, allowing you to enjoy your journey while traveling to see loved ones over the holidays.

For the trip cancellation and interruption insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, the maximum benefit amount for trip cancellation and interruption insurance is $10,000 per covered trip and $20,000 per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the trip delay insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, up to $500 per covered trip that is delayed for more than 6 hours; and 2 claims per eligible card per 12 consecutive month period. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

For the baggage insurance plan benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, baggage insurance plan coverage can be in effect for covered persons for eligible lost, damaged, or stolen baggage during their travel on a common carrier vehicle (e.g. plane, train, ship, or bus) when the Entire Fare for a ticket for the trip (one-way or round-trip) is charged to an eligible card. Coverage can be provided for up to $2,000 for checked baggage and up to a combined maximum of $3,000 for checked and carry-on baggage, in excess of coverage provided by the common carrier. The coverage is also subject to a $3,000 aggregate limit per covered trip. For New York State residents, there is a $2,000 per bag/suitcase limit for each covered person with a $10,000 aggregate maximum for all covered persons per covered trip. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

For the car rental loss and damage insurance benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, car rental loss and damage insurance can provide coverage up to $75,000 for theft of or damage to most rental vehicles when you use your eligible card to reserve and pay for the entire eligible vehicle rental and decline the collision damage waiver or similar option offered by the commercial car rental company. This product provides secondary coverage and does not include liability coverage. Not all vehicle types or rentals are covered. geographic restrictions apply. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

For the global assist hotline benefit of the Platinum Card^® from American Express, you can rely on Global Assist Hotline 24 hours a day / 7 days a week for medical, legal, financial or other select emergency coordination and assistance services while traveling more than 100 miles away from your home. Third-party service costs may be your responsibility. Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.