Thursday, August 31, 2017

American Express Platinum

One of the best credit cards to get if you're active-duty military is the American Express Platinum. Normally, the card has a $450 annual fee, but AmEx will waive it once they've verified your employment status.

Now that I'm in a job that requires a good bit of travel, it's particularly nice. In at least Seattle and Los Angeles, American Express operates Centurion Lounges, which are great places to spend layovers.

By presenting your card and an ID, you and up to two guests have access to free drinks, a light buffet line, and Wi-Fi access.

In addition, AmEx offers $200 in airline fee credits when you register the airline you travel with the most. These can be used for in-flight meals, drinks, and excess baggage fees. This is good because I remember a time when you didn't have to pay for food or movies on a plane -- these days I always fee nickel-and-dimed when I travel.

In airports where there isn't something better, there's also the Priority Pass lounge network. (This is the case in Honolulu and Portland.) It's not quite as much fun, but it's better than trying to find an empty seat at the gate.

I'm sure there are other benefits, but having been on 5 flights from Hawaii in the past 9 months, these are the ones I most appreciate at the moment.

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