Here’s your miles, points, travel, and deals news for August 17, 2023:
Amex Platinum Changes
American Express detailed major changes to The Platinum Card® from American Express to likely combat overcrowding at Centurion Lounges.
Higher Authorized User Fee: The authorized user fee is increasing to $195 per card. Previously it was a reasonable $175 fee for three cards. Now, if you have three authorized users, it’s going to cost you $585!
These changes are effective immediately for new cardmembers and for any new authorized users. For existing authorized users, Amex will send notice at least 45 days before the effective date of the new fee.
Digital Entertainment Credit: Amex is also making slight changes to the Digital entertainment credit starting October 2, 2023, by removing Audible and adding the Wall Street Journal.
Increased Minimum Spend: The minimum spend requirement for the public offer (80K) and Resy Offer (100k) both increased from $6,000 to $8,000 in 6 months.
New Welcome Bonus Restrictions: Amex added language that if you received a welcome bonus on the other versions of the Schwab or Morgan Stanley Platinum, you might not be eligible for a bonus:
- You may not be eligible to receive a welcome offer if you have or have had this Card, the Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Charles Schwab, the Platinum Card® from American Express Exclusively for Morgan Stanley or previous versions of these Cards.
New Name for No Annual Fee Cards: Amex is renaming the no-annual fee authorized users card of the Amex Platinum from the confusing Gold Card (that wasn’t a true Amex Gold) to the “Companion Card.” Business Platinum no annual fee cards are being renamed to Employee Business Expense Card instead of Employee Business Green Rewards Card.
New Aer Lingus Routes
Aer Lingus is launching two new routes from Dublin (DUB) to Minneapolis (MSP) and Denver (DEN).
Denver’s flight starts May 17, 2024, and is flown 4x per week with an Airbus A330-200.
Minneapolis launches April 29, 2024, and is flown 4x per week with an A330-200, which switches the A321XLR in winter 2024.
New International Delta Sky Club at Boston
Delta opened its newest Sky Club in Boston’s Terminal E for international passengers to go along with the two Sky Clubs in Terminal A.
This new Sky Club is 21,000 square feet with seating for 400 guests and offers great views of the Boston Harbor and the Boston skyline.
It also features five shower suites, two family rooms, one premium bar, two full beverage bars, and six soundproof booths.
The lounge is open from 1:30 PM to 10:45 PM (10:15 PM on Wednesdays).
New IHG Brand Garner
IHG Hotels & Resorts has introduced a new midscale brand named “Garner.”
This brand is set to open its doors by the end of 2023, and Garner has an ambitious plan to launch 500 new hotels in the U.S. over the next ten years.
The Garner brand focuses on a comfortable stay at an affordable price with a complimentary hot breakfast.
Deals
- 145% Bonus on Purchased LifeMiles through August 30, 2023. This is equivalent to 1.35 cents each, which means you can book a business class flight to Europe for about $1,700 + taxes and fees.
- United and VRBO promotion for 2,000 bonus miles when you book by August 31, 2023, on top of the 3 miles per dollar you normally get.
- Breeze Promo for $50 Off with Promo Code EZ50 until the end of today (August 17, 2023 11:59 EST).
- 4x Fuel Points at Kroger Brands on Gift Cards from August 18th to August 20th.
Travel News
- Delta is expanding its frequencies to China with a daily flight from Seattle to Shanghai and 3x weekly flight from Detroit to Shanghai. Delta is also resuming 4x weekly flight from Los Angeles to Shanghai starting March 2024.
- LATAM is launching a new route between Lima (LIM) and London (LHR) starting December 1, 2023 and will be offered 5x weekly using a Boeing 787-9.
