Amex Platinum shifts travel value from lounge access to booking discounts

Savings on flight bookings now extend to select domestic economy fares for eligible American Express Platinum cardholders. The benefit, known as Platinum Member Airfares, replaces the previous International Airline Program and Recommended Flights. To access the discounts, cardmembers must book through AmexTravel.com. The savings apply to the cardmember and up to seven additional travelers on the same reservation. This expansion comes as American Express removes a physical perk. After October 1, 2026, the Amex Platinum, Business Platinum, and Centurion cards will no longer grant entry to Lufthansa Lounges. Cardholders will lose the ability to access these lounges when flying same-day with the carrier.