Picked Spirit for your Amex airline benefits? How to update your selection after Spirit’s shutdown – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Spirit Airlines has ended operations, leaving American Express cardholders who chose it for key travel perks in need of a quick adjustment. Holders of select premium cards must select a new qualifying airline to keep accessing statement credits and bonuses. Prompt action ensures these valuable benefits remain usable through the rest of the year.
Impacted Cards and Their Travel Perks
Certain American Express cards tie airline incidental fee credits – and in one case, a points rebate – to a selected carrier. The American Express Platinum Card offers up to $200 annually in credits for fees like checked bags or seat upgrades. Enrollment is required for all these perks, and the choice of airline matters directly for eligibility.
The Business Platinum Card from American Express mirrors the $200 credit but adds a 35% rebate on points used for flights on the chosen airline, capped at one million points returned per year. The American Express Corporate Gold Card provides a smaller $100 credit with the same usage rules. Spirit’s exit from the market removes it from the list of options across these cards.
| Card | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| American Express Platinum Card | Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit |
| Business Platinum Card from American Express | Up to $200 annual airline incidental fee credit; 35% points rebate on flights with selected airline (up to 1M points/year) |
| American Express Corporate Gold Card | Up to $100 annual airline incidental fee credit |
Steps to Update Your Airline Selection
Cardholders who picked Spirit need to make a change without delay to avoid losing access to credits. The process is straightforward and available through familiar channels. American Express has confirmed these methods work for all affected cards.
Start a chat directly in the American Express mobile app for immediate assistance. Alternatively, dial the customer service number printed on the back of your card. Representatives can guide the switch and confirm the update takes effect right away. This applies equally to personal, business, and corporate variants.
Remaining Eligible Airlines and Credit Details
Five major U.S. carriers now fill the gap left by Spirit. Cardholders can choose from Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, or United Airlines. The selection for the fee credit on the Business Platinum also determines eligibility for its points rebate.
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- JetBlue
- Southwest Airlines
- United Airlines
Credits cover a range of incidentals, from baggage fees and advance seat purchases to onboard purchases like meals or Wi-Fi. They do not apply to airfare itself. Major airlines have stepped in with rescue fares for stranded Spirit passengers, but Amex credits focus on these add-ons with the new carrier.
Key Reminder: Update soon to maximize remaining credits – hundreds of dollars could be at stake depending on your card and usage.
Spirit’s shutdown disrupts plans for many travelers, but Amex provides clear paths to maintain benefits. Cardholders should review their selections today via app or phone to stay on track.
