Amex Travel Credit - covid implication

[Chicken]

Does anyone know if you make a hotel booking for a few months time using the credit and then need to change the dates, are there any fees for this?

"Your Travel Credit is available for single redemption only and will not be refunded in cash or credit if your booking is cancelled.Only the amount of the booking paid with your American Express Card will be refunded to your Card. Refunds for your booking are subject to supplier cancellation policies and any amount refunded is after deducting the supplier fees. A cancellation fee of $55 per person, plus all charges imposed by supplier(s) is applicable only for flight bookings."

AmEx is currently using Expedia, so subject to any fee they have to pay.

For what it is worth, it would be easier if you just contact the property direct, and ask them to change the date.

 

[daft009]

For what it is worth, it would be easier if you just contact the property direct, and ask them to change the date.

I just booked a stay, before I booked I asked the property direct if I could move dates without issues and they said yes.

Booked 2 nights to use a TC and another 2 nights to use another TC. Then got them to join it

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Thank you both for your responses! Will see what I can come up with!

 

[jules.]

I thought that was if the card had been cancelled in the interim period?

I have x2 $400 credits expiring in March and April. I'm planning to cancel my Explorer card in April when my membership year is up as the annual fee is no longer worth it. If I just book a hotel overseas, would I be refunded in cash (assuming our borders will still be closed)?

 

[Daver6]

I have x2 $400 credits expiring in March and April. I'm planning to cancel my Explorer card in April when my membership year is up as the annual fee is no longer worth it. If I just book a hotel overseas, would I be refunded in cash (assuming our borders will still be closed)?

I somewhat doubt it. Just because you can't travel to your destination isn't reason enough to get a refund. Normally you only get money back on a non-refundable cancellation if the hotel cancels on you.

 

[gapmatt]

Got $450 expiring tomorrow 17/2 and another $400 expiring in 7 days.
Anyone know what happens if I used the credit to book a refundable flight and then cancel the flight later on? Do I get refunded back with an extended travel credit or get cash back?

 

[JohnM]

IME, you'll get a credit. I'd say Buckley's of getting cash.

 

[daft009]

IME, you'll get a credit. I'd say Buckley's of getting cash.

My friend got a cheque as they had closed their card when the borders got shut and they needed to cancel their flights

 

[gapmatt]

interesting, I'll be calling them up tomorrow morning to try and request an extension first.
Can't travel anywhere at the moment

 

[JohnM]

My friend got a cheque as they had closed their card when the borders got shut and they needed to cancel their flights

I wasn't taking into account a card closure, I must say.

 

[astrosly]

Don't forget that if you cancel even a refundable fare there are AmEx agent fees that you have to pay which I think the cancellation is $55.

 

[gapmatt]

FYI, just called up Amex this morning, they were able to extend my both my travel credits (expiring 17/2 and 27/2) until 31 March 2021.
They said they extend on a quarterly basis.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

FYI, just called up Amex this morning, they were able to extend my both my travel credits (expiring 17/2 and 27/2) until 31 March 2021.
They said they extend on a quarterly basis.

I used the online chat about two weeks ago and they said they couldn't extend the credits! Mine also expires today! Just having to book for some random dates in 6 months time to use the credit

 

[DC3]

I used the online chat about two weeks ago and they said they couldn't extend the credits! Mine also expires today! Just having to book for some random dates in 6 months time to use the credit

Maybe worth phoning, and HUACA if necessary, until you get a better response?

 

[ADLhighflyer]

Maybe worth phoning, and HUACA if necessary, until you get a better response?

I guess I can only try

 

[gapmatt]

I used the online chat about two weeks ago and they said they couldn't extend the credits! Mine also expires today! Just having to book for some random dates in 6 months time to use the credit

Online chat generally goes nowhere tbh. I called up last night and AMEX UK team picked up the call, they said to call in the morning and speak to the Australian team to which i did, however the person who gave me the extension was based in Manila.

 

[Ktan89]

I've called twice the start of this month and both times they told me that extension offer is no longer available. They told me to book something refundable and due to covid, if I do end up cancelling the booking, they will give me the credit back. I asked them if they are sure because the T&C says that you will forfeit your travel credit and they said yes, as long as the booking refunds the funds back to Amex.
I'm annoyed now they couldn't just extend my expiry and have a uniformed process for all members.

 

[ADLhighflyer]

I've just come off the phone. They aren't able to extend the travel credit, but as using for a hotel booking if I need to change the dates then I'd only need to pay the additional amount if the room cost is higher at the time of the change to the new dates. Not thrilled, but will try and make this work as best I can

 

[DC3]

I've called twice the start of this month and both times they told me that extension offer is no longer available. They told me to book something refundable and due to covid, if I do end up cancelling the booking, they will give me the credit back. I asked them if they are sure because the T&C says that you will forfeit your travel credit and they said yes, as long as the booking refunds the funds back to Amex.
I'm annoyed now they couldn't just extend my expiry and have a uniformed process for all members.

The problem may be getting through to someone who knows what they are talking about. Not easy it seems, and frustrating.

 

[gapmatt]

Damn that's unfortunate and frustrating.

The lady on the phone mentioned that not all card holders are eligible for the extension. Wasn't sure if she was just saying that to make it feel like they went above and beyond for me.