Did someone forward this to you? Join our group of travel adventurers and valued email subscribers. Learn more✈️

Welcome

Friends,

The picture in today’s thumbnail was taken a few years ago in Hong Kong. The manager of the airport’s American Express Centurion lounge (pictured next to my brother) opened the Dallas lounge a few years before.

He is a living legend.

I have not been back to that lounge (or Hong Kong) since this photo was taken. However, Cathay Pacific is re-starting the epically long non-stop between DFW and HKG this month. I am hopeful to return.

Anyways.

681 words—let’s get going.

Links

New 100k bonus for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card; I might pick this one up.

Not great optics for Heathrow, but hindsight is 20/20.

Interesting (sponsored) article about airline interlining + merchandising.

Story

I use the American Express Platinum Card to book nearly all of my flights—and for good reason. The annual fee is high ($695 as of writing), but the perks are strong and, in my case, the math checks out. I also pay $175 to add my wife as an authorized user. That gets her nearly all of the card’s benefits and makes family travel smoother. She also gets lounge access when traveling without me. Huzzah!

Here’s why I love this card specifically for flights:

First, you earn 5x points when booking directly with the airline or through Amex Travel. That’s hard to beat. If you’re booking a few thousand dollars a year in flights—or just paying taxes and fees on points redemptions—that multiplier goes a long way. Amex points transfer to all kinds of airline partners, so they’re also super flexible.

Second, Amex includes a 24/7 Global Assist Hotline for cardholders traveling more than 100 miles from home. If you need help abroad—say you lose your passport, need legal referrals, or a medevac—they’re available and in the case of medevacs cover the cost of transport. I haven’t had to use it yet, but I love that it’s there.

Third, this card is huge on lounges and premium travel perks. I get access to Amex Centurion Lounges (which I love, though they are often super crowded), Delta Sky Clubs (when flying Delta), and Priority Pass lounges around the world. The card also includes Amex’s Fine Hotels & Resorts program (we’ve used this a few times with great success), and the International Airline Program for premium cabin discounts—especially on long-haul business class (I saved $450 on an already cheap ticket last year).

Fourth, CLEAR and Global Entry are fully covered. That came in handy recently: my whole family flew back from Australia, and thanks to Global Entry we cleared customs in two minutes flat while the main line stretched for (literal) hours. With two little kids and jet lag, that benefit alone was worth its weight in gold.

Fifth, you get up to $200 in statement credits per year for incidental airline fees. Think seat selection charges, upgrades, or overweight baggage fees on your selected airline. It takes a little intention, but I always max it out.

There are also a bunch of other, coupon book like perks that I will not bore you with here. Schedule time with me if you want to talk through how to get the most out of your card (it will be more than worth what you pay for it).

Big Picture: Yes, the Amex Platinum Card has a hefty annual fee, but I get material value each year—plus perks that make travel better for our family. If you fly more than a few times a year, it’s worth a look.

Happy flying.

Remember, this life you are living has meaning. Thank you for reading. I am grateful you are here and would love to hear from you. If you'd like to write me a note, simply reply to this email. Otherwise I'll see you in the next one.

Be well today. -Tommy

P.S. If I can ever help you plan your next travel adventure (slash help make your points go farther), I’d be delighted. You can schedule time together here.