ASTA Petitions American Express to Restore Advisor Booking Access

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) is urging American Express to reverse a policy change that restricts travel advisors from booking Privileges programs for clients through RezSaver. The trade group has initiated a public petition, urging the card issuer to reinstate a verified method for advisors to secure these perks.

Currently, Centurion and Platinum cardholders must book eligible portions of their trips directly through American Express Travel to access benefits, effectively removing that segment from the advisor’s control. This shift means advisors lose oversight of part of the itinerary, which can complicate trip management and coordination.

ASTA argues that this policy creates challenges, particularly when travel plans need adjustments. An advisor managing multiple aspects of a trip, flights, hotels, cruises, and ground transportation, can efficiently rework the itinerary if needed. However, a hotel or other service booked separately through American Express Travel becomes harder to manage, potentially causing delays or disruptions.

Zane Kerby, ASTA’s president and CEO, criticized the necessity of the booking requirement, stating that American Express could verify cardholder eligibility without forcing them to book through American Express Travel. The petition is open to advisors, travelers, and industry partners, aiming to restore advisors' ability to book Privileges programs on behalf of their clients.