American Express Platinum Review

“My original move from Gold to Platnium was motivated...”

Written on: 03/05/2005 by jascione (1 review written)

Good Points
Double Mileage for various expenditures, 2 for 1 first class purchase*, access to airport clubs, concierge service, larger check cashing privledges.

Bad Points
Platinum Travel Services still a travel agent with additional charges.

General Comments
My original move from Gold to Platnium was motivated by anticipated travel overseas, so I thought I would take advantage of the 2 for 1 first class purchase priviledge. Unfortunately, one can obtain 2 first class tickets on the carrier's internet site at full price for slightly more that the 1 ticket offer by the Platinum Travel Service and if one is traveling with family, the additional cost of the Platinum Travel Service exceeds the savings. So I have yet to take advantage of that service. The double mileage is a nice feature but that alone is not worth the difference in annual cost from the Gold card. One does get a subscription to Rendevous which are upscaled resort and retailers, that I will shortly cancel so that I don't have to recycle the magazine. Alas, there is still some respect paid to platinum holders over gold holders. Finally, there is access to the airport clubs which saves a few dollars and allows some free cocktails even when not flying first class. Does all this make the price worth it? Maybe, I will keep paying the extra $325 per year.