Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. I've had the American Express Platinum Card® for the best part of a decade, and for most of that time, United Airlines has been my selected airline for the card's up to $200 annual airline fee statement credit (enrollment required).
Earlier this year, I used part of my 2026 credit toward a United Economy Plus seat assignment on a flight to Mexico.
A few months later, though, my travel habits had changed.
I now have a large balance of Atmos Rewards points, and I recently status matched to oneworld Sapphire (through Royal Jordanian). As a result, I'm much more likely to fly American Airlines than United for the rest of the year.
That wouldn't normally be a problem. However, when I contacted American Express to ask about switching my selected airline from United to AA mid-year, I was told I'd need to wait until the next January selection window.
So here I am with roughly $130 of airline fee credit left to use — and an airline selection that no longer reflects how I'm actually traveling.
That's what made me realize the Amex airline fee credit is starting to show its age.
The airline fee credit is built on a simple assumption: Cardmembers can pick one airline at the beginning of the year and stick with it for the next 12 months. But travel rarely works that neatly.
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Award availability, elite status opportunities and changing travel plans can completely alter which airline makes the most sense over the course of a year.
When I selected United, it was a logical choice. I had successfully used the credit with United in prior years, and I expected to continue flying the airline regularly.
Since then, though, my travel priorities have shifted. Between my Atmos Rewards balance and my oneworld Sapphire status, American Airlines and its partners, such as Iberia and Qatar Airways, have become a much bigger part of my travel plans.
If my selected airline were AA today, I'd have no trouble using the remaining credit. Main Cabin Extra and preferred seat assignments and inflight purchases would quickly take care of the balance.
Instead, the credit is tied to a decision I made months ago under completely different circumstances.
The specifics of my situation may be unique, but I suspect the underlying problem isn't. Few travelers know exactly how they'll be flying in January for the rest of the year.
Cardmembers holding the American Express Platinum and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express can receive up to $200 in statement credits each calendar year for incidental fees charged by one selected qualifying airline (enrollment require…