ASTA Petitions Against American Express Travel Benefits Restriction

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a petition to reverse American Express' decision to eliminate travel advisors' access to its Privileges programs through RezSaver. The current restriction forces eligible Centurion and Platinum cardmembers to choose between qualifying travel benefits and having their advisor book and service that portion of their trip.

According to ASTA President and CEO Zane Kerby, this decision 'introduces unnecessary complexity and creates more opportunities for service disruptions when timing and coordination are critical.' He added that 'cardmembers should not have to surrender the advisor relationship they value to use benefits for which they qualify.'

The petition argues that travel advisors recommend suppliers, coordinate complete itineraries, and assist clients before, during, and after travel. When a cruise or hotel booking must move to American Express Travel to qualify for benefits, the itinerary becomes fragmented, potentially jeopardizing booking ownership and advisor compensation.