Summary
American Express Introduces Trip Cancel Guard
American Express is enhancing travel flexibility by allowing customers to cancel a flight for any reason. This is particularly advantageous for cardholders when planning their next trip, offering them peace of mind.
How Trip Cancel Guard Works
Travelers who purchase flights through Amex Travel are now enabled to cancel their flights for any reason, receiving up to a 75% reimbursement on nonrefundable flight costs, according to the credit card company. To make the most of this new benefit, dubbed “Trip Cancel Guard,” customers must cancel at least two calendar days prior to their departure date.
Importantly, the “Trip Cancel Guard” option must be purchased at the time of booking to be valid.
Eligibility for Trip Cancel Guard
This new benefit is accessible to all American Express cardholders, regardless of the card type they hold, as confirmed by a company spokeswoman.
“With ‘Trip Cancel Guard,’ we’re continuing to back our customers by providing the value they seek and confidence to book flights, while having the flexibility to cancel for any reason should their plans change,” states Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel.
Additional Benefits for Card Holders
Prior to this new offering, American Express allowed Platinum cardholders to cancel trips in cases of illness or injury, and this coverage also extends to trips canceled due to COVID-19 quarantines.
Moreover, Gold cardholders are protected against trip delays caused by inclement weather or lost passports.
Recently, American Express raised the annual fee for the Platinum Card to $695 from $550, while adding several new travel-related benefits, including a $200 hotel credit and a $179 credit toward a year-long membership in Clear. Additionally, cardholders gain free access to over 1,300 airport lounges globally, including more than 40 Centurion Lounges.
The Importance of Trip Insurance
For travelers lacking a credit card that offers trip cancellation, purchasing trip insurance remains a wise choice. Many policies provide the option to cancel for any reason, ensuring additional security in an unpredictable travel landscape.
Alison Fox is a contributing writer for iBestTravel. When she’s not in New York City, she enjoys spending her time at the beach or discovering new destinations, with the aspiration to visit every country in the world. Follow her adventures on Instagram.
