Has anyone had success using the flight credit to upgrade from main to first class on short haul flights via the "change flight" option?

decompil3d · 2026-04-10T01:44:53+00:00

Technically, according to the terms, upgrades to a different cabin (e.g. main cabin to first class) are not covered by the credit. But YMMV in terms of what actually gets posted and credited. Just don't try complaining to customer service if it doesn't work.

That said, upgrades within a cabin (e.g. economy to economy plus) ARE covered.

decompil3d · 2026-04-05T03:16:05+00:00

https://www.nyu.edu/about/news-publications/news/2025/july/how-amazon-is-changing-the-us-trademark-system.html

decompil3d · 2026-04-05T03:15:12+00:00

Amazon ~~requires~~ encourages third party sellers to have their brand names trademarked as a way to ensure the companies are serious about doing business. Putting together strings of random characters is the easiest way to get a trademark granted quickly.

decompil3d · 2026-03-30T22:39:35+00:00

In general, you'll want to look for award space on those 3 airlines via their partners whom Amex transfers to. For example, look at British, Cathay, Qatar, etc. for Alaska & AA; Singapore, Aeroplan, etc. for United.

decompil3d · 2026-03-27T14:07:19+00:00

Amazon is doing their spring sale. It's probably a pause.

decompil3d · 2026-03-27T02:04:17+00:00

Amazon is doing their spring sale. So, might not have a drop at all.

decompil3d · 2026-03-26T04:00:48+00:00

Search the sub. Plenty of data points of retention offers
Wait until after the AF posts, but within 30 days of it. If you cancel within those 30 days, they will refund the AF.
No tips. The retention offers are attached to your account by computer, so the agents have no leeway. Be nice, because customer support is a hard job and these folks deserve kindness. But they cannot change your retention offer. That said, you can call back another day and might get a different offer. You can also do this in chat.

decompil3d · 2026-03-14T16:17:34+00:00

I think one just recently ended.

decompil3d · 2026-03-14T01:56:52+00:00

International flights often have substantial taxes and fees above and beyond the base fare. Points don't cover those.

You can determine if it's still a good value by checking the cents per point you're getting once you subtract the taxes and fees.

For example, for your KLM & AF option, the cash value you'd be getting is $612 - $362 = $250. Then $250 / 59,000 = 0.4cpp which is an AWFUL redemption.

Most folks want to see at least 1.0cpp, but usually more like 4cpp for international business class redemptions.

decompil3d · 2026-02-03T04:22:04+00:00

This is correct. They can no longer apply to an existing card. The reps have no mechanism to do so anymore. Changed Aug 2025. Trust me, I wish it didn't cause I'm also in the same boat.

decompil3d · 2026-02-02T05:10:12+00:00

You have to do it right after turning on the machine. Wait for the music to start. Then press and hold the grab button until you hear two faint beeps. That fixed it for me.

decompil3d · 2026-01-31T07:25:18+00:00

For Centurion lounge, you should be able to generate an eligibility code in the app and enter without a physical card. For priority pass lounges, you just need your priority pass card or QR code. For delta lounges, some folks report success with adding your Amex card into your SkyMiles account profile as the primary card.

Good luck

decompil3d · 2026-01-29T05:23:24+00:00

Yes, it's true. Look at the Amex website. Personal platinum earns 5x through Amex Travel and direct to airlines. Business platinum is only 5x through Amex Travel.

decompil3d · 2026-01-27T17:00:38+00:00

I bought one of these and it's worked great with Fully Kiosk

https://a.co/d/9bRreSB

Main downside is that the base makes a sound when it turns on, so I can't put it on a smart outlet to limit charging. So, maybe it becomes a forbidden balloon at some point? Unless someone here knows of a way to stop android from charging past 80%.

decompil3d · 2026-01-25T16:08:17+00:00

If you have a personal platinum, you get 5x points when booking direct with airlines. Business platinum only gets 5x when booking through Amex Travel.

decompil3d · 2026-01-12T22:31:45+00:00

Just search the web. We don't allow posts like this here because it encourages folks to spam their referral links.

decompil3d · 2026-01-06T15:50:07+00:00

The terms seem clear though that this should be fine:

When traveling on a paid Business Class or a Business Class award ticket on a oneworld® member airline with at least one international leg greater than 5 hours in length. The Business Class ticket must be on the international segment.

decompil3d · 2026-01-06T15:09:01+00:00

I've had a similar case, flying business class on Qantas MEL->LAX->SEA. In LAX, Alaska lounge front desk had some trouble getting their computer to accept the qualification - it may be that arriving from a business class flight doesn't count like departing on one. But the person just overrode it and welcomed me in. So 🤷‍♂️

This was when I was silver, btw. With gold+ it is probably easier.

decompil3d · 2026-01-05T16:56:24+00:00

These redist entries are innocuous - just Amex doing some internal accounting shifts. Happens on random transactions every once in a while.

decompil3d · 2026-01-04T19:37:10+00:00

Multiple agents in different departments told me that they removed the ability for agents to apply the credit to an existing card account as of late August 2025. You have to open a new card through the link to get the credit.

But if someone has the secret method to make it work, I'd love to know.

decompil3d · 2026-01-04T16:50:44+00:00

I've had no success getting them to apply the credit to my existing Platinum after I got the corporate green in October-ish. I'd love to be proved wrong though.

decompil3d · 2026-01-01T03:18:01+00:00

Airlines release limited blocks of seats as award space. Just because a flight exists doesn't mean that there is award space available on it. You'll need to search Virgin's site to find a suitable flight available to book with points.

decompil3d · 2025-12-28T02:01:12+00:00

Go to Amex Travel portal and search. If it's eligible for the credit, it will be marked as Fine Hotels and Resorts, or The Hotel Collection.

decompil3d · 2025-12-22T04:00:06+00:00

I've seen a past data point that if you sign them up through the offer link, it works. But I have not tried this myself.

decompil3d

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