Understanding Amex Points and Flight Cancellations
When you book a flight using American Express Membership Rewards points, either directly through Amex Travel or by transferring points to a partner airline, the process of getting those points back upon cancellation is not always straightforward. The core determinant is typically the fare rules of the ticket you purchased. These rules are established by the airline, not by American Express, though Amex Travel's own policies can also play a role, especially for non-refundable tickets or specific booking portals. Understanding these nuances is crucial to avoid losing valuable points.
The most direct answer is that yes, you *can* get Amex points back if you cancel a flight, but the conditions under which this occurs vary significantly. Key factors include whether the ticket was purchased directly through Amex Travel, via a transfer to a frequent flyer program, and the original fare type (refundable vs. non-refundable). If the flight is canceled by the airline, you are generally entitled to a full refund of points and any fees paid, regardless of the ticket's original restrictions. However, if you initiate the cancellation, the outcome depends heavily on the airline's policy and whether Amex Travel acts as the intermediary.
- Points refund depends on booking method and fare rules.
- Airline cancellations typically guarantee point recovery.
- Non-refundable tickets may incur fees or forfeit points.
- Contacting Amex Travel or the airline is essential.
- Travel insurance can offer additional protection.
American Express Membership Rewards are a flexible currency, which is their primary appeal. This flexibility means they can be redeemed for a wide array of travel options. However, this also means that when you use them for flights, you are subject to the specific terms and conditions of the travel provider, which in this case is almost always an airline or an airline's partner. Therefore, before making any booking, it is prudent to familiarize yourself with potential cancellation scenarios and their implications for your points balance. This proactive approach can save you from unexpected point forfeitures.
Navigating these policies can be complex, especially when dealing with multiple entities: American Express, Amex Travel, and the airline itself. This article will break down the typical scenarios, outline what you need to check, and provide strategies to maximize your chances of recovering points when a flight cancellation becomes necessary. The goal is to equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and prevent common mistakes that lead to lost rewards.
How Was Your Flight Booked with Amex Points?
The path to recovering your Amex points begins with understanding precisely how you booked your flight. Different booking methods come with distinct policies and potential pathways for refunds. If you booked through Amex Travel, you are dealing primarily with Amex's platform, though airline rules still apply. If you transferred points to a partner airline's loyalty program (like Delta SkyMiles or British Airways Avios), you are then bound by that airline's specific cancellation and refund policies, and American Express's role is largely concluded once the transfer is complete.
The most critical distinction lies between booking via Amex Travel's portal versus transferring points to an airline's frequent flyer program. Each scenario has unique implications for point recovery.
Booking Directly Through Amex Travel
When you use your Amex card to book flights via the Amex Travel portal, you are essentially using your Membership Rewards points as currency through a dedicated travel agency. In this case, Amex Travel acts as the intermediary between you and the airline. If you need to cancel a flight booked this way, your first point of contact should usually be Amex Travel customer service. They will consult the airline's fare rules associated with your ticket and guide you through the cancellation process. If the ticket is refundable and you meet the airline's criteria, Amex Travel will facilitate the refund of points back to your Membership Rewards account. However, if the ticket is non-refundable, points may only be returned as a travel credit or potentially forfeited, depending on the airline's specific policy for that fare class.
Transferring Points to Airline Partners
Transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to an airline's loyalty program is a popular strategy for leveraging partner airline sweet spots. Once points are transferred, they are no longer Amex points; they become miles or points within that specific airline's program. Consequently, any cancellation or refund request must be handled directly with that airline. American Express cannot retrieve points once they have been transferred. If the airline's policy allows for a refund of miles for a cancelled flight, those miles will be redeposited into your frequent flyer account, not back into your Amex Membership Rewards account. This process can sometimes be more complex, as airline policies vary widely, and some may charge redeposit fees.
It is crucial to remember that once a transfer is initiated, it is generally irreversible. This means that if an airline has a strict policy against refunds for certain award tickets, you might not be able to recover the transferred miles, even if you have a valid reason for cancellation. Always verify the airline's award ticket cancellation policy before transferring your Amex points.
Flights Paid with Cash on an Amex Card
If you paid for your flight with cash using an American Express card, and you are seeking to understand if you get points back upon cancellation, the answer is usually no, not directly. When you pay cash, you typically earn Membership Rewards points based on your card's earning rate for that purchase. If you cancel the flight and receive a refund from the airline, those earned points are usually not clawed back by American Express. However, the original points you earned for booking the ticket will be refunded *by the airline* if the ticket is refundable. If you are seeking to recover the cash refund, that is governed by the airline's ticket policy. The points earned from spending are generally kept, but the original value of the ticket (cash or points) is what you reclaim from the airline.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
The distinction between refundable and non-refundable tickets is perhaps the most significant factor influencing whether you can recover your Amex points upon cancellation. Airlines price their tickets differently based on flexibility, and this directly impacts the refundability of both the cash fare and any points used to book an award ticket.
Understanding the fare type is paramount before you book.
Refundable Tickets
If you booked a flight with Amex points that was explicitly classified as a refundable ticket, you generally have a much higher likelihood of getting your points back. For these tickets, the airline's policy typically allows for a full refund of the fare or miles upon cancellation, provided you adhere to any specified deadlines for cancellation (e.g., canceling at least 24 hours before departure). When you cancel a refundable award ticket booked through Amex Travel, Amex will process the refund according to the airline's terms, and the points should be redeposited into your Membership Rewards account. If you transferred points to an airline, you would deal directly with the airline, and they would redeposit the miles into your frequent flyer account.
Non-Refundable Tickets
The majority of flight bookings, especially those made with points using limited-time offers or at lower redemption rates, fall into the non-refundable category. For these tickets, getting points back is more challenging and often comes with caveats. Airlines may offer a travel credit or voucher for the value of the ticket, minus any applicable fees. If you booked through Amex Travel, they would typically help you secure this travel credit. However, if the airline's policy for that specific non-refundable fare dictates that cancellation results in forfeiture of the fare or miles, then neither Amex Travel nor the airline can magically reinstate your points. Some airlines might allow you to change the flight date for a fee, which could be a way to salvage the value of your booking without losing your points entirely.
When dealing with non-refundable tickets, it's vital to check if the airline offers waivers or goodwill gestures, especially if the cancellation is due to extenuating circumstances like illness or a significant travel disruption caused by the airline itself. In such cases, airlines may be more flexible, even with non-refundable fares.
Fees Associated with Cancellations
Even with refundable tickets, or in situations where an airline offers a refund for a non-refundable ticket, there's often a chance of associated fees. These fees are applied by the airline and can be deducted from the cash refund or, in the case of award tickets, from the number of miles redeposited. American Express Travel may also have its own service fees for processing cancellations or changes, separate from airline fees. If you transferred points directly to an airline, the airline's fee structure for award ticket cancellations or redeposits will apply. It is imperative to understand these potential fees upfront, as they can reduce the net value of your recovered points or cash.
For example, some airlines charge a fixed fee to redeposit award miles into your account after cancellation. This fee must be weighed against the value of the miles. If the fee is high, it might be more sensible to try and change the flight date, if permitted, rather than cancel outright.
Airline-Initiated Flight Cancellations
What happens if the airline cancels your flight, rather than you canceling it? This scenario is significantly different and generally more favorable for the traveler seeking to recover their points. When an airline cancels a flight, especially for operational reasons, schedule changes, or weather events, they are typically obligated to offer passengers options. For award tickets booked with Amex points, this usually means a full refund of the miles and any taxes or fees paid, or the option to be rebooked on a different flight at no additional cost.
Airline cancellations almost always result in full point recovery.
Your Rights When the Airline Cancels
If an airline cancels your flight, regardless of whether the ticket was originally refundable or non-refundable, you are generally entitled to a full refund of the fare paid. For award tickets booked using Amex Membership Rewards points, this means the airline or Amex Travel (acting on behalf of the airline) should redeposit the exact number of points back into your account. This applies whether you booked through Amex Travel or transferred points to a partner airline. The airline's obligation to refund is usually more robust when they are the ones making the change to the travel itinerary.
You may also have the option to accept a rebooked flight. If the new flight is inconvenient or significantly alters your travel plans, you can usually refuse it and opt for the refund instead. It is important to be aware of your rights and to communicate clearly with the airline or Amex Travel about your desired outcome. Do not feel pressured to accept a rebooking if it does not suit your needs.
Steps to Take After an Airline Cancellation
If the airline cancels your flight, the first step is to understand the options they present. They will likely send an email or notification. You will typically have a choice between accepting a rebooked flight or requesting a full refund. If you wish to have your Amex points returned, you should explicitly request a refund of the fare paid in points. If you booked through Amex Travel, inform them that you want to cancel and receive a full refund of points. If you transferred points to an airline, contact that airline directly to request the refund.
Be prepared to potentially wait for the points to be redeposited. Airlines and Amex Travel can take several business days, or sometimes longer during peak periods, to process refunds. Keep records of all communications and reference numbers. If you are not satisfied with the airline's response, you may need to escalate the issue through their customer service channels or, as a last resort, consider filing a dispute if the refund is unjustly denied.
Compensation Beyond Point Refunds
In some cases, particularly for significant delays or cancellations due to airline fault, you might be entitled to additional compensation beyond a refund of your points. This compensation is usually in the form of cash, travel vouchers, or frequent flyer miles, depending on the airline and the specific regulations of the country where the flight was scheduled to depart or arrive. While your primary concern might be recovering the Amex points, be aware of any other compensation you may be eligible for. This is separate from the refund of your points, and you should pursue it in addition to getting your award ticket value back.
The Role of Travel Insurance and Amex Card Benefits
When unexpected events disrupt travel plans, travel insurance and the built-in benefits of premium American Express cards can be invaluable. These protections can help mitigate financial losses, including the potential forfeiture of Amex points, by covering non-refundable expenses or providing reimbursement for cancellations under specific circumstances. Understanding what your insurance and card benefits cover is a critical part of managing risk in travel.
Do you get amex points back if you cancel flight? Travel insurance can ensure you recover value.
American Express Card Travel Benefits
Many American Express cards, particularly The Platinum Card® and the Business Platinum Card®, offer robust travel protection benefits. These can include trip cancellation and interruption insurance, trip delay insurance, and car rental loss and damage insurance. If you booked your flight using points from one of these cards, and a covered reason (such as severe illness, jury duty, or a natural disaster at your destination) leads to a cancellation, you might be reimbursed for the value of the points lost, or for non-refundable expenses incurred due to the cancellation. It is imperative to read the specific terms and conditions for your particular Amex card, as coverage details and claim processes vary.
For example, Amex's Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance typically covers prepaid, non-refundable travel expenses if your trip is canceled or interrupted for a covered reason. If you paid for a flight with points, the airline's policy on refunding those points is still the primary factor. However, if you incurred additional non-refundable expenses (like pre-paid hotel rooms or tours) due to the cancellation, and the flight points are lost, the insurance could help recoup those other costs. Some policies may offer reimbursement for the value of forfeited award tickets under specific circumstances.
Purchasing Travel Insurance Separately
Even if your Amex card doesn't offer extensive travel protection, or if you want broader coverage, purchasing separate travel insurance is a wise consideration. Policies vary widely in what they cover, so it's important to compare them based on your needs. Look for policies that specifically mention coverage for trip cancellation and interruption, and crucially, understand what constitutes a 'covered reason' for cancellation. Common covered reasons include unforeseen illness or injury to you or a traveling companion, death of a family member, significant travel delays, or natural disasters.
The question, "is flight insurance worth it" or "does travel insurance cover flight cancellation," is answered by reviewing the policy details. If you have a non-refundable flight booked with points, and your reason for cancellation is covered by your travel insurance policy, the insurer may reimburse you for the value of the lost points, or cover associated non-refundable expenses. The payout might be in cash, which you could then use to repurchase a similar flight or redeem for new travel opportunities. The cost of travel insurance varies based on the trip cost, duration, and coverage level; you can typically check how much is flight insurance by getting quotes from various providers.
Some travel insurance policies also cover the cancellation of award tickets. This is often based on the airline's non-refundable policy, where the insurance steps in to cover the lost value. It's important to understand how does flight insurance work, especially concerning award tickets – does it reimburse the cash value of the miles, or provide a credit equivalent to the cash fare you would have paid? This detail is critical for maximizing your recovery.
A key point is when you can buy travel insurance. Generally, you can buy travel insurance after booking a flight, but some of the best coverage, especially for pre-existing conditions or certain "cancel for any reason" benefits, often requires purchasing the policy within a short window (e.g., 14-21 days) of making your initial trip deposit or booking.
How to Initiate a Cancellation and Request a Refund
When you find yourself needing to cancel a flight booked with American Express points, a structured approach is essential to ensure you follow the correct procedures and maximize your chances of recovering your points. The process often involves direct communication with the booking entity and understanding the associated policies before you act.
Always verify the cancellation policy before initiating the process.
Step 1: Identify Your Booking Method
The very first step is to confirm how you booked the flight. Was it through the Amex Travel portal, or did you transfer points to an airline partner program? This dictates who you need to contact.
- Booked via Amex Travel: Your primary contact is Amex Travel customer service.
- Transferred to Airline Partner: Your primary contact is the customer service of that specific airline.
If you paid cash on an Amex card for a flight that is now being cancelled and refunded by the airline, you will deal with the airline for the refund. The points earned from spending are generally not affected unless the refund is partial and proportional.
Step 2: Check the Fare Rules and Airline Policy
Before contacting anyone, try to find the fare rules associated with your ticket. If you booked through Amex Travel, you may be able to find these details on your booking confirmation or by logging into your Amex Travel account. If you transferred points, the fare rules were part of the award ticket confirmation from the airline. These rules will explicitly state whether the ticket is refundable, non-refundable, or if changes incur fees. If the airline has recently changed its policy (e.g., due to a major disruption), check their official website for the most current information. This research will help you understand what to expect and what your rights are.
Step 3: Contact the Appropriate Party
For Amex Travel Bookings: Call the Amex Travel customer service number relevant to your card. Explain that you need to cancel a flight and wish to have the Membership Rewards points refunded. Be prepared to provide your booking reference number. If the ticket is refundable, they will guide you through the process. If it's non-refundable, they will explain the options available, such as receiving a travel credit. If you have travel insurance through your Amex card, this is also the time to inquire about filing a claim if the cancellation is for a covered reason and you are forfeiting points.
For Airline Partner Bookings: Contact the customer service of the airline whose miles you used. State that you wish to cancel an award ticket and request a redeposit of miles. Have your frequent flyer number and award ticket details ready. They will inform you about their policy regarding cancellations, potential fees for redepositing miles, and whether the miles are refundable at all. If the airline has a robust cancellation policy for award tickets, they will process the redeposit. If not, you may have to accept a travel voucher or potentially forfeit the miles, depending on the airline's specific rules.
Step 4: Follow Up and Document Everything
Once a cancellation request is submitted, follow up to ensure it is being processed. Ask for a confirmation of the cancellation and the refund status. Note down the date, time, and the name of the representative you spoke with. If points are to be redeposited, ask for an estimated timeframe. If you are not receiving the expected refund or if the process is taking too long, use your documentation to escalate the issue. If Amex Travel is handling it, and you are dissatisfied, you might need to speak to a supervisor or explore other avenues. If it's an airline partner, you may need to contact the airline's loyalty program support.
If you purchased separate travel insurance, begin the claims process as soon as possible after confirming the cancellation and the potential loss of points. Most travel insurance policies have deadlines for filing claims, so prompt action is crucial.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When dealing with flight cancellations and the recovery of American Express Membership Rewards points, travelers can easily fall into traps that result in the loss of valuable rewards. Being aware of these common pitfalls can save you significant frustration and prevent the unnecessary forfeiture of points. The complexities of airline policies, booking platforms, and loyalty programs create several potential missteps.
Preventing point loss requires vigilance and attention to detail.
Pitfall 1: Assuming All Award Tickets are Refundable
A frequent mistake is assuming that because you used points, the ticket is automatically refundable or easily transferable. This is rarely the case. Award ticket rules are set by the airline and can be just as restrictive, if not more so, than cash tickets. Non-refundable award tickets mean your points may be lost if you cancel, or you might incur significant redeposit fees. Always check the specific terms of the award ticket before you book, and understand that 'non-refundable' often means points are forfeited if you cancel yourself.
Pitfall 2: Waiting Too Long to Cancel or Change
Many airlines and booking platforms have strict deadlines for cancellations and changes. If you miss these deadlines, you may forfeit your ability to get a refund or even a travel credit. For example, some airlines require cancellations at least 24 hours before departure, while others might have tighter windows. If your airline cancels the flight, the timeline for requesting a refund might also have a limit, though typically this is more lenient. Act as soon as you know you need to cancel.
Pitfall 3: Not Understanding Transferability of Points
Once Amex Membership Rewards points are transferred to an airline partner, they are no longer under Amex's purview. A common error is thinking Amex can help retrieve points after a transfer, or that their policies will apply. This is incorrect. You are bound entirely by the airline's loyalty program rules. If the airline's policy is unfavorable for cancellations, Amex cannot override it. Always confirm the airline partner's award ticket cancellation policy before you make the transfer.
Pitfall 4: Not Reading the Fine Print on Travel Insurance and Card Benefits
Even with travel insurance or card benefits, assuming coverage without verification can lead to disappointment. The terms and conditions of these protections are highly specific. A 'covered reason' for cancellation might not align with your personal situation, or the policy might have exclusions. For instance, a policy might cover cancellation due to illness but not for changing your mind about the trip. Always read the policy documents carefully, or call the benefit provider to clarify coverage related to award tickets and point recovery.
Pitfall 5: Forgetting About Airline-Imposed Fees
When an airline does allow for cancellation and point redeposit, they may charge a fee. This is especially common for award ticket redeposits. If the fee is substantial, it might negate the benefit of getting the points back. For instance, a fee of 5,000 miles to redeposit an award ticket worth 25,000 miles might be acceptable, but a fee of 15,000 miles might make it uneconomical. Always inquire about and factor in any cancellation or redeposit fees before proceeding. If the fee is too high, exploring flight change options might be a better alternative if available.
Comparing Amex Travel vs. Direct Airline Booking for Flexibility
When planning travel with American Express Membership Rewards points, a key strategic decision involves how you book: directly through the Amex Travel portal or by transferring points to an airline's loyalty program. Each method offers different advantages and disadvantages, particularly concerning flexibility and ease of cancellation. Understanding these differences can help you choose the booking path that best suits your risk tolerance and travel plans.
Flexibility in flight bookings often hinges on the booking platform.
Amex Travel Portal: Centralized Control, Airline Rules
Booking through Amex Travel provides a single point of contact for your flight reservations. This means that if you need to make changes, inquire about policies, or cancel a flight, you generally deal with Amex Travel customer service. They act as your advocate and intermediary with the airline. This can simplify the process, especially if you are unfamiliar with airline-specific procedures. Amex Travel agents can look up the fare rules for you and explain the implications. If the ticket is refundable, Amex Travel will process the refund and redeposit your points. For non-refundable tickets, they will help you navigate the airline's offer of travel credits or other alternatives.
However, it's crucial to remember that Amex Travel operates under the airline's rules. While they manage the transaction, they cannot override an airline's non-refundable policy or waive airline-imposed fees. The advantage is convenience and a single customer service interaction, but the underlying flexibility is still dictated by the airline. This is particularly true for standard cash fares booked through Amex Travel, which earn points and are subject to airline rules. For award bookings through Amex Travel, the same principle applies: the fare rules of the award ticket are set by the airline, and Amex Travel facilitates the process.
Airline Partner Transfers: Direct Control, Airline-Specific Policies
Transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to an airline partner program offers significant benefits, often including access to better award availability or lower redemption rates (sweet spots) on specific carriers. However, once points are transferred, they become the airline's miles or points, and American Express no longer has control over them. This means all interactions concerning the booking, changes, or cancellations must be handled directly with the airline's loyalty program.
The advantage here is direct communication with the entity that sets the rules. You can speak directly to the airline's award travel desk and understand their policies firsthand. If the airline has a generous policy for award ticket changes or cancellations, this route can be highly flexible. Conversely, if the airline has strict or punitive policies (e.g., high redeposit fees, no refunds on award tickets), then this direct control can become a disadvantage, leaving you with fewer options if you need to cancel. It requires more diligence on your part to research the specific airline partner's award ticket rules beforehand.
For example, airlines like United or American Airlines might have different policies for redepositing award miles than, say, Singapore Airlines or Air Canada. If you anticipate potential changes or cancellations, it might be wiser to book through Amex Travel if the ticket price (in points) is similar, to benefit from their customer service. Alternatively, if you are confident in your travel plans or have researched a specific airline's flexibility extensively, transferring points might yield a better redemption value.
When to Choose Which Method
Choose Amex Travel if:
- You value a single point of contact for customer service.
- You are less familiar with specific airline award policies.
- You are booking a standard flight where points are redeemed at a fixed rate.
- You want the possibility of earning a travel credit if the ticket is non-refundable but the airline offers it.
Choose Airline Partner Transfers if:
- You have identified a specific airline sweet spot offering a significantly better redemption value.
- You have thoroughly researched the airline partner's award ticket cancellation and change policies and find them favorable.
- You are confident in your travel dates and less likely to need to cancel or change.
- The airline's direct award booking portal offers better availability or a simpler interface for complex itineraries.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your comfort level with managing airline loyalty programs and your assessment of the likelihood of needing to change or cancel your booking. Always compare the total point cost, potential fees, and the flexibility offered by both routes before committing your Membership Rewards points.
Maximizing Point Recovery: Proactive Strategies
The best way to ensure you recover your Amex points if you cancel a flight is to implement proactive strategies before and during the booking process. By understanding the potential risks and planning accordingly, you can significantly increase your chances of retaining the value of your Membership Rewards points, even when travel plans change unexpectedly.
Proactive planning is the most effective strategy for point recovery.
Strategy 1: Prioritize Refundable Fares or Flexible Award Tickets
When booking flights with Amex points, if given a choice between different fare types, always lean towards the option that offers greater flexibility. While refundable tickets or award tickets with lenient cancellation policies often cost more points, the peace of mind and the ability to recover your points can be well worth the premium. If you are transferring points to an airline, specifically look for award charts or booking tools that highlight flexible award tickets. If booking via Amex Travel, look for indicators of refundability and read the terms carefully.
Consider the total cost. If a non-refundable ticket saves you only a few thousand points but carries a high risk of forfeiture, the math often favors the slightly more expensive, refundable option. Your Membership Rewards points are valuable, and protecting their value should be a priority.
Strategy 2: Understand Airline Award Policies Before Transferring Points
This cannot be stressed enough: before transferring Amex Membership Rewards points to any airline partner, thoroughly research that airline's policy on award ticket cancellations, changes, and redeposits. Websites dedicated to travel rewards often provide detailed breakdowns of these policies for major airlines. Look for information on whether there are fees associated with redepositing miles, and under what circumstances miles can be returned. If an airline has a reputation for strict or costly award ticket policies, it might be prudent to avoid transferring points to them for bookings you are not absolutely certain about.
How many Amex points for a flight is less important than understanding the rules governing those points once they are in an airline's system. The value of your points is contingent on your ability to use them, which includes the flexibility to get them back if needed.
Strategy 3: Leverage Travel Insurance and Amex Card Benefits
If your Amex card offers trip cancellation or interruption insurance, familiarize yourself with its coverage. Understand what constitutes a 'covered reason' for cancellation. If your circumstances might lead to a cancellation, consider purchasing additional travel insurance. For "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) policies, understand that they typically reimburse only a percentage of non-refundable costs and often require purchasing the policy shortly after booking. While these policies may not directly refund your points, they can reimburse you for the cash equivalent or for other non-refundable expenses that are lost due to the cancellation, indirectly compensating for the lost value of your award ticket.
Strategy 4: Consider the Timing of Your Booking
Sometimes, booking further in advance can offer more options, including potentially more flexible award ticket inventory. Conversely, last-minute bookings, while sometimes offering unique deals, can also come with highly restrictive fare rules. If you anticipate needing flexibility, booking well in advance is often beneficial. If you must book last minute, pay extra close attention to the fare rules, as these tickets are often non-refundable and non-changeable.
Always screenshot or save the booking confirmation page, including any links to fare rules or terms and conditions, immediately after booking. This record can be invaluable if details are later changed or become inaccessible.
Strategy 5: Maintain Open Communication Channels
Keep your contact information updated with both American Express and any airline loyalty programs you use. Ensure you can receive important notifications about your bookings. If you receive an email about a flight change or cancellation, respond promptly and clearly state your desired outcome. If you are uncertain about any aspect of the process, do not hesitate to ask for clarification from Amex Travel or the airline. Proactive communication can resolve issues before they become significant problems and help ensure you get Amex points back if you cancel flight arrangements.