American Express Will Now Allow Card Holders to Cancel a Flight for Any Reason — What to Know
American Express will now allow customers to cancel a flight for any reason, allowing card holders to book their next trip with a little more peace of mind.
Going forward, travelers who book a flight through the Amex Travel will be able to cancel that flight for any reason and receive up to a 75% reimbursement of the nonrefundable flight costs, according to the credit card company. To take advantage of the new benefit, called "Trip Cancel Guard," travelers must cancel at least two calendar days before their departure date.
However, it's worth noting that the "Trip Cancel Guard" option must be purchased at the time of booking.
Courtesy of American Express
The new benefit extends to all American Express card holders, regardless of which card they have, a company spokeswoman told Travel + Leisure.
"People are eager to travel, and as demand increases there is a greater need to plan ahead. At the same time, a level of uncertainty still exists in this [ever changing] travel environment," Audrey Hendley, the president of American Express Travel, said in a statement. "With 'Trip Cancel Guard,' we're continuing to back our customers by giving them the value we know they want, along with the confidence to book flights with the flexibility to cancel for any reason if their plans change."
Courtesy of American Express
Even before offering this new benefit, American Express has always allowed Platinum card holders to cancel a trip due to things like illness or injury. The card also covers trips that are canceled due to COVID-19 quarantines.
Gold card holders are also covered for a trip delay for things like inclement weather and if their passport is lost or stolen.
Recently, American Express increased the annual fee for the Platinum Card to $695, from $550, and included a slew of new travel-related benefits like a $200 hotel credit, a $179 credit to cover a year-long membership in Clear, and free access to more than 1,300 airport lounges around the world, including more than 40 Centurion Lounges.
For travelers who don't have a credit card that offers trip cancellation, purchasing trip insurance is still a good idea with several policies also offering the chance to cancel for any reason.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for Travel + Leisure. When she's not in New York City, she likes to spend her time at the beach or exploring new destinations and hopes to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
