American Express

(Dive Travel Business News -  October 18, 2011) -- With the U.S. holiday season beginning with American Thanksgiving in November, the latest American Express Spending & Saving Tracker Survey has been released. According to the new study, holiday travel will remain flat from 2010 with three in ten Americans planning to travel this upcoming holiday season. However, the survey also indicates holiday travel spending will rise about 8 percent this year, with forty-two per cent of travelers expecting to increase their holiday travel budget compared to last year. The average family of four intends to spend $2,636 on holiday travel, or $659 per person, an increase of nearly $200 from last year.

(Dive Travel Business News - December 2, 2010) -- American Express is offering Platinum Card members a new suite of benefits that are worth hundreds of dollars, including an airline fee credit of up to $200, a 20 percent travel bonus and a travel app. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - July 10, 2010) -- In the recently published American Express Global Customer Service Barometer, a majority of survey respondents report that quality customer service is more important to them in today's tough economic environment (61 %). They also say they will spend an average of 9 % more when they believe a company provides excellent service.

The new American Express report indicates that customers want and expect superior service but companies haven't done enough to improve their approach to service in this economy. Highlights of the survey include:

• Nine out of ten Americans (91 %) consider the level of customer service important when deciding to do business with a company. 

• Only a little more than a third of Americans (37 %)  believe that companies have increased their focus on providing quality service. About one quarter (27%) feel businesses have not changed their attitude toward customer service.  Another 28% say that companies are now paying less attention to good service. read more »

(Dive Travel Business News - May 27, 2010) -- A recent survey by American Express indicates family travel is still strong despite current economic realities.

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker, found that more than half (51%) are planning a vacation this summer -- even more so among affluents (73%) and young professionals (83%). The average family of four will spend $4000 on a summer vacation.  

The most popular trips after family outings:
• Couples trips (26 percent)
• Trips with friends such as “girlfriend getaways” and “mancations” (10 percent)
• A “staycation”—intending to enjoy time off and attractions near home (11 percent)
• Experiential or adventure vacations such as a culinary retreat or hiking trip (7 percent)
 • Educational vacations (4 percent)

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(DiveTravelBusinessNews - Nov 28, 2009) -- Beginning in January 2010, American Express will not award miles or points earned during a billing period for which cardholders' accounts are past due. Once cardholders are current on their payments, American Express will charge a $29 fee to restore the missing miles, on top of the late payment fee. American Express is linked to the loyalty programs of Delta, JetBlue, Hilton and Starwood.  

Withholding miles from latepaying cardholders makes sense because American Express must purchase the miles and points from their mileage partners, and if the cardholder doesn't pay his or her bill, American Express is awarding miles without being compensated for them. However, charging a reinstatement fee is high-handed: This process is automated and costs Amex nothing. 

American Express issues more travel-rewards cards than any other financial institution, so there is a strong possibility they will set the standard for other rewards-based cards.  Make sure your client is cognizant of billing dates and pay them on time so as not to pay a reinstatement fee. read more »

(American Express - Sept 14, 2009) - A new survey from American Express  reports that 30 percent of U.S. consumers plan to adjust this year’s travel plans for Thanksgiving -- historically one of the busiest travel days of the year -- but only 21 percent expect those expenses to decrease compared to last year.

The American Express Spending & Saving Tracker is the second in a monthly series of reports about consumers’ views on the economy and what is motivating them to spend and save. The research sample of 2,009 adults included the general U.S. population, as well as two sub-groups -- the affluent and young professionals. Respondents whose plans are changing said they’ll rely more on automobile travel, stay for a shorter time and cash-in rewards to help pay for holiday trips. The most significant changes are from the young professionals -- 37 percent said they’ve adjusted their plans versus the affluent and general population (both 30 percent). read more »