Amex Platinum Edge changed to $200 Travel Credit for existing cardholders

[blueythecat]

It looks like the Amex call centre is a bit overloaded dealing with the rush before the big Edge devaluation next week. I tried booking my free VA flight today and ran into a 'very long wait anticipated' message when I tried on a couple of occasions. It is difficult to sit on the phone for an extended period of time during business hours so may have to camp out on the weekend to get it booked.

Those wanting to book better not leave it up until the last day next week as you could be disappointed.

Edit: I was able to get through this morning in 10 minutes by calling just before opening. Just over $600 in value this week, only $200 next week.

I too had good luck early in the morning, but a massive wait later in the day. Morning might be the time to call.

 

[Steady]

7.10 this morning I got the Filipino call centre

 

[samas]

called in at 0850 SYD time (0550 for me in Perth).
Was on hold for 40 minutes (on my bluetooth headset so was productive doing other things in the interim). As luck would have it I sat on the throne just a few seconds before my call was answered...

Julie was great, got my 1st preference flights for PER-ADL at christmas time.

Julie was not normally part of the team and was working off her notes, but did the booking faster than the agents normally do! She mentioned a number of staff have all been pulled in from other departments to help with demand. She normally does travel but first time she's done put "the free flights hat on" in her words


EDIT: After choosing option 2 whilst I was transferring from speaker phone to bluetooth earpiece I thought I heard something about them being open 24 hours but I missed the full spiel. I know in the past it was only Sydney business hours you could book.

 

[kylebb]

The statement is that you may wish to call back in 24 hours due to "unforseen" high call volume. I will have to try to call earlier on Monday

 

[Haplo]

I got the same response from Amex when trying to book the free flight "call back tomorrow". I might ask Platinum Travel Service to short cut the queue for me if I am not getting any luck with the wait time.

Hopefully Amex extends this for a few days if their call centre is experiencing melt down.

 

[blingy90]

Both myself and my partner had the offer extended for a month due to the extensive wait times for redemption

 

[hummel]

Both myself and my partner had the offer extended for a month due to the extensive wait times for redemption

I spent 90min total on hold yesterday to book for my wife. Then I had a look at the confirmation and they didn't spell her surname correctly - even though its the same as the account holder!

Not sure I can be bothered calling back again so might just tell her to self check-in.

 

[tdrift]

Just to quote blingy90 and the one month extension - I am currently on hold and was told that the deadline has been extended by one month to the 28th April for everyone due to the flood of redemptions.

Estimated wait time on hold at the moment is 20mins, so for those who are yest to redeem, get in now while the wait-times aren't as ridiculous as what hummel experienced

Both myself and my partner had the offer extended for a month due to the extensive wait times for redemption

 

[Skrambled]

Glad I redeemed my flight a few weeks ago now Think today might be the day I call to cancel though. Just trying to decide where to send my warehoused points.

 

[pauly7]

Guys don't panic just email Amex through secure messaging and they will give you a months extension I just got that and they are personally calling me back to book the flight as well.

 

[Skrambled]

Cancelled this afternoon. a very helpful CSR but no offer of points at all - bit surprising. I was willing to transfer to the Essentials card so I could keep the points haul in MR but apparently this can't be done and a new application is required. Decided against the credit check hit as I'd rather apply for another card.

 

[kamchatsky]

My edge card now has $200 Travel Credit shown online. I have just used it to book 2 one-way SYD-MEL at $99 each (yes I give Amex $2). Worked out good for us as we were not planning to use a return ticket. It books under Gateway fare so will get some SCs and velocity points.

Having said that though, I would miss using Virgin return ticket, even though we travel less domestically. If we do, I will just redeem Velocity points instead.