Amex Travel Launches A New Cancel For Any Reason Reimbursem*nt Option (2024)

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Even though traveling is surging back, there’s one thing Covid-19 has made apparent: flexibility is paramount. The launch of American Express’ Trip Cancel Guard—a “cancel for any reason” protection—helps travelers protect themselves against uncertainty when booking flights through AmexTravel.com.

What Is Trip Cancel Guard?

Trip Cancel Guard is a new, optional add-on when booking flights through Amex Travel. The benefit will allow you to cancel your flight for any reason and get a 75% refund, as long as the cancellation is processed a minimum of two full calendar days before the scheduled flight. If your trip is scheduled for July 15, for example, you’d need to cancel your flight no later than 11:59 p.m. on July 12 to allow July 13 and 14 as two calendar days in-between.

Although American Express has long offered optional trip protections when booking travel, this easy, flexible option is brand new and designed to meet travelers’ evolving needs.

Eligible flights include prepaid, nonrefundable fares that are purchased on the AmexTravel.com website. You’ll need to pay for your flight in full with an American Express card and select to add on the Trip Cancel Guard option during check-out. You will not have the option to add this benefit later. Customers will have the option to Pay With Points through Amex Travel but flights booked by transferring Membership Rewards to partner programs are not eligible.

Trip Cancel Guard is priced as a percentage of your total flight cost, meaning more expensive flights will correspond to a higher benefit cost.

How Is Trip Cancel Guard Different From Other Travel Insurance?

Unlike travel insurance, Trip Cancel Guard only covers flight costs. You’ll need to protect any other nonrefundable travel costs, such as hotel reservations or tour deposits, using alternate insurance. You also won’t be covered for any emergency expenses that pop up during your travels, such as medical treatments or stolen items.

However, if you are traveling to a destination where your primary medical insurance will still cover you and your hotels have flexible cancellation policies, you may find that Trip Cancel Guard gives you just the little bit of extra coverage you need.

Since Trip Cancel Guard is more limited than travel insurance, the cost can be more affordable than buying a comprehensive policy. On the other hand, some credit cards include trip protection benefits at no cost whatsoever when purchasing travel with that card.

Requesting Reimbursem*nt Through Trip Cancel Guard

American Express designed this benefit with convenience in mind. Not only are there no restrictions on why you decide to cancel and refund a trip—assuming you do it at least two full calendar days before departure—but reimbursem*nt is simple and straightforward too.

First, you’ll need to formally cancel your flight. This can be done directly with the carrier or through American Express Travel. In most cases, it can even be done online in a few clicks. Then, you’ll need to request reimbursem*nt through the American Express Digital Claims Center within 30 days of cancellation. Again, this can be completed online, though phone representatives are available if you run into any difficulties.

Once approved, you’ll receive a reimbursem*nt worth up to 75% of the protected flight’s cost. The cost of the Trip Cancel Guard protection is not refunded.

Is Trip Cancel Guard Worth It?

Many airlines now build in flexibility to their flights, which means you may not need to purchase a separate cancellation benefit. However, even airlines that allow you to cancel your flight at no cost process refunds as an airline credit or voucher with an associated expiration date.

Trip Cancel Guard allows you to receive a cash refund instead of an airline voucher. It can also be purchased on otherwise inflexible tickets, such as basic economy fares or on airlines that don’t allow changes at all. The downside is you’ll need to cancel your ticket two full calendar days in advance for the benefit, while other options may allow more last-minute cancellations.

When comparing options, you’ll need to decide if you’d rather receive a refund for 100% of the ticket price in the form of an airline credit (when purchasing eligible flights) or if you’d rather receive a 75% cash refund in addition to paying an upfront fee for the American Express benefit. You may also want to compare the cost of buying a more comprehensive policy—though “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance can be quite expensive.

Travel Insurance With Cancel For Any Reason Cover

1

AIG Travel

1

AIG Travel

Get A Quote

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

Plan(s)

Worldwide Trip Protector Plus

Maximum CFAR reimbursem*nt

75%

Maximum dollar reimbursem*nt

$75,000

2

C&F Travel Insured

Get A Quote

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

3

TravelSafe

Plan(s)

Classic

Maximum CFAR reimbursem*nt

75%

Maximum dollar reimbursem*nt

$75,000

3

TravelSafe

Get A Quote

Via Forbes Advisor's Website

Bottom Line

Any type of additional flexibility is always a welcome option for customers, especially since there’s still a fair amount of uncertainty when traveling right now. Trip Cancel Guard makes getting a refund easier and more flexible than what airlines offer (if they provide anything at all) and can be more affordable than buying alternate travel insurance policies. Though this benefit won’t make sense for all flights, it’s an innovative option to help protect your purchase.

Amex Travel Launches A New Cancel For Any Reason Reimbursem*nt Option (2024)

FAQs

What is the cancellation policy for American Express travel? ›

With Trip Cancel Guard, you can cancel your flight for any reason up to 2 full calendar days before departure and receive up to 75% reimbursem*nt when an airline credit or voucher is not available or expires. Available exclusively with flights booked on AmexTravel.com.

Does Amex refund if I cancel my flight? ›

To change or cancel your booking contact our 24 Hour Cardmember Helpline. Airline or supplier charges and cancellation fees may apply. Refunds will only be provided by the airline or supplier in accordance with their terms and conditions. Refunds can take up to eight weeks to process.

Does American Express reimburse for travel? ›

We will reimburse you for the nonrefundable amount paid to a Travel Supplier with your Eligible Card if a Covered Loss causes an Eligible Traveler's Trip Cancellation, subject to the cancellation provisions in effect at the time the Travel Supplier is notified of cancellation.

How to claim Amex trip cancellation insurance? ›

To file a claim, you'll need to contact your benefit administrator. The phone number and timeframe will vary according to the type of insurance you're using: Trip cancellation, interruption or delay insurance: Within 60 days, call 844-933-0648. Baggage insurance: Within 30 days, call 800-228-6855 or online.

Does American reimburse for cancelled flights? ›

Compensation for American Airlines Canceled Flights

If your flight is canceled by American Airlines, you're entitled to a full refund, even if you purchased a non-refundable ticket.

Do you get your money back if you cancel a flight on American Airlines? ›

Yes, American Airlines allows you to cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking by phone at 𝟭~𝟴𝟯𝟯-𝟰𝟯𝟵-𝟮𝟲𝟳𝟮 for a full refund, as long as the ticket was purchased at least two days prior to departure. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to make changes shortly after booking their flight.

Does American Express reimburse for cancelled flights? ›

Amex® Travel Insurance can protect you from financial losses when your trip is cancelled or interrupted due to an unexpected event. What's included? Coverage is available for cancellations, interruptions and accidents that may occur before or on your trip.

Can you get a refund on Amex travel? ›

Flight bookings made through American Express Travel are eligible for a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. After 24-hours, some fares are non-refundable.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel my flight? ›

Canceling a nonrefundable fare will result in an e-credit for the full amount paid (minus any cancellation fees, depending on fare type and route). However, if you cancel a refundable ticket, you'll get the amount paid refunded back to your original form of payment.

What is a covered reason for trip cancellation? ›

Here are some examples: The unexpected death, sickness or injury of you, a travelling companion, or a family member. You need to attend the birth of a family member's child. Travel carrier cannot get you to your destination due to a natural disaster or severe weather.

Does American Express offer travel compensation? ›

American Express only offer Medical Assistance and Expenses, Cancelling, Postponing and Abandoning Your Trip, Cutting Short Your Trip, Personal Belongings, Money and Travel Documents and Legal Assistance and Compensation (pursuit) insurance underwritten by Inter Partner Assistance.

Is American Express good about refunds? ›

If you try to return an eligible item within 90 days from the date of purchase and the merchant won't take it back, American Express may refund the full purchase price excluding shipping and handling, up to $300 per item, up to a maximum of $1,000 per calendar year per Card account, if you purchased it entirely with ...

Can you cancel an AmEx travel reservation? ›

You can cancel and rebook your reservation on amextravel.com or by calling a representative of amextravel.com at 1-800-297-2977.

What qualifies for trip cancellation insurance? ›

Some examples of covered reasons could be: Sickness, injury, death, or quarantine of a member of your travel party. A delay that causes you to miss or interrupt any part of your covered trip due to weather, mechanical reasons, or travel advisory.

What type of cancellation does travel insurance cover? ›

The main circ*mstances you'll be covered for with travel cancellation insurance include: If you, a close relative or someone travelling with you becomes ill or dies. If someone you're planning to stay with becomes sick or dies. If you or your travelling companion become pregnant and are told not to travel.

What is the cancellation period for Amex card? ›

The cancellation period will expire after 14 days from the day of the conclusion of the service contract. To exercise the right to cancel, you must inform American Express by calling the customer services contact number on the back of your card.

Can I cancel my Amex card and get a refund? ›

You will remain liable for all outstanding charges associated with your Account. If applicable, you will receive a pro-rata refund of your annual Card membership fee that you have paid in advance according to the period of your Account usage.

Is it a good idea to cancel a American Express card? ›

Closing a credit card can reduce your overall available credit, which could cause your credit utilization ratio — which accounts for 30 percent of your FICO score — to increase.

Does American Express give you travel insurance? ›

You can travel with confidence knowing your trip is backed by the same quality service from American Express that you've come to know and trust. Amex® Travel Insurance offers four pre-packaged plans that may be topped up or extended based on the coverage you're looking for.

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