Hi, When searching online through the Amex Travel website, I find that only the cheapest fare type is displayed and available on the website. Do you have to call Amex to book a more flexible ticket, or a business fare?
Yes it's possible. I was looking to book a VA Freedom fare domestically, and ask them to look up the 'L' booking class (the cheapest Freedom fare class). They found it and it was priced same as the VA website. You need to call them up to do this.
on another note... the fares on the amex platinum travel site are disappointing...essentially the same price as booking directly through the relevant airlines website
on another note... the fares on the amex platinum travel site are disappointing...essentially the same price as booking directly through the relevant airlines website
I find it's good for overseas-based carriers when booking overseas-based flights (e.g. LA to New York return, if you're in LA for work but are taking your own side trip), because the tickets price in AUD for the journey that would normally be priced in USD, so you can save a little by paying in your own currency and also avoiding AMEX's 3% international transaction fees.
For local carriers (Qantas and VA), the advantage is that you don't pay a credit card surcharge when you book via AMEX Travel, although you have to watch out for AMEX's own change and cancellation fees which are levied on top of the fees charged by the airlines, which can negate the benefit should your ticket need to be amended or cancelled unless under airport control (such as on the day of departure when the airline can do it at the airport).
hakkinen5
hakkinen5
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 20 Aug 2014
Total posts 195
Hi, When searching online through the Amex Travel website, I find that only the cheapest fare type is displayed and available on the website. Do you have to call Amex to book a more flexible ticket, or a business fare?
Thanks
bl5965
bl5965
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 13 Nov 2015
Total posts 83
Yes it's possible. I was looking to book a VA Freedom fare domestically, and ask them to look up the 'L' booking class (the cheapest Freedom fare class). They found it and it was priced same as the VA website. You need to call them up to do this.
mnc
mnc
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 06 Aug 2017
Total posts 37
on another note... the fares on the amex platinum travel site are disappointing...essentially the same price as booking directly through the relevant airlines website
Chris C.
Chris C.
Member since 24 Apr 2012
Total posts 1,116
I find it's good for overseas-based carriers when booking overseas-based flights (e.g. LA to New York return, if you're in LA for work but are taking your own side trip), because the tickets price in AUD for the journey that would normally be priced in USD, so you can save a little by paying in your own currency and also avoiding AMEX's 3% international transaction fees.
For local carriers (Qantas and VA), the advantage is that you don't pay a credit card surcharge when you book via AMEX Travel, although you have to watch out for AMEX's own change and cancellation fees which are levied on top of the fees charged by the airlines, which can negate the benefit should your ticket need to be amended or cancelled unless under airport control (such as on the day of departure when the airline can do it at the airport).