Australian travellers using reward points to offset the high costs of airline fuel surcharges and taxes

Data released from American Express recently reveals Australian travellers are increasingly turning to rewards points to help them cope with the soaring cost of air travel.  

Emily Hoskins, Manager of Reward Partnerships for American Express, said that since fuel costs had really started to impact the cost of flying, Cardmembers were using significantly more points to pay for flights and other travel.

“In April and May, the average monthly number of points used to pay for travel through Travelscene American Express and American Express Member Travel Services was almost 80% more than the number of points used in January of this year. Increasingly we’re seeing points being used to pay for airline fuel surcharges and taxes,” Emily said.

And with no reprieve in sight, American Express expects this trend to continue.

Emily continues, “In some instances, additional costs associated with the rising price of fuel are adding an extra $1,000 to the cost of an international flight.

People still want to travel but they are becoming savvier about how they pay for it.

“We’re noticing many of our Cardmembers paying for a portion of their travel expenses on their Card and using their Membership Rewards points to pay the balance,” Emily said.

“Cardmembers are enjoying the ultimate freedom that using points for travel provides. If you want to fly you can choose the best available fare with any airline. There are no black-out periods, no restrictions, no need to be a frequent flyer member and points can be used for anyone without the fear of expiry.”

In addition to flights, Membership Rewards points can be used to pay for any travel booking such as land and cruise packages, accommodation, hire cars, taxes, insurance and service fees.  

“American Express Cardmembers have been walking into Travelscene American Express offices across Australia in increasing numbers seeking the flexibility that using points for travel provides,” said Emily.

To make it even easier, from 1 September Cardmembers will also be able to redeem their points for travel through Harvey World Travel.

“Cardmembers will have the choice to use their points for travel at two of Australia’s leading travel agencies with a total of over 740 offices around Australia. We are looking forward to working with Travelscene American Express and Harvey World Travel to meet more of our Cardmember’s travel needs,” Emily said.

Membership Rewards points can also be redeemed for travel through American Express Member Travel Services and online at www.americanexpress.com.au/travel.

Luisa Pastrello, Head of American Express Membership Travel Services, said we are seeing a lot of families using their points for travel to book holidays they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to afford.  

“Travelling as a family is not cheap and it’s not easy to try and get flights for the whole family using frequent flyer points. By using points to pay for all or part of the cost of travel, families can afford to do more on their holidays and can get flights on the airline of their choice when they want to fly. Even during school holidays.

“We recently had a family of six who booked a trip to Los Angeles for the end of the year. By using their points to pay for a large part of the cost of the holiday, they are now able to afford to take the kids to Disneyland for Christmas,” Luisa said.

American Express Cardmembers enrolled in the Choices or Ascent Membership Rewards program can use their points for travel. American Express Membership Rewards has been awarded more 5 Star ratings by Cannex than any other loyalty program in Australia.

Membership Reward points can be redeemed for travel by:

Walking into any Travelscene American Express office across Australia (and any Harvey World Travel office from 1 September)

Calling American Express Member Travel Services on 1300 138 467, or
Online at www.americanexpress.com.au/travel

A Report by The Mole