ASTA Petitions American Express to Restore Travel Advisor Access to Cardholder Benefits

The American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has launched a petition urging American Express to reinstate travel advisor access to key cardholder benefits. On September 15, American Express shifted its Cruise Privileges Program, Fine Hotels + Resorts, and The Hotel Collection benefits to exclusive bookings through American Express Travel, cutting out advisors who previously booked these perks via the RezSaver platform.

ASTA argues that this change forces cardholders to choose between using their travel advisor or claiming their American Express benefits. The association warns that splitting bookings between advisors and American Express Travel creates fragmentation, jeopardizes advisor compensation, and complicates trip management. Advisors may struggle to handle changes or disruptions across the entire itinerary if parts are booked separately.

The petition also cautions suppliers participating in American Express' Travel program that maintaining this restriction could harm their relationships with travel advisors. ASTA encourages these suppliers to voice their concerns and reconsider their partnership with American Express if the policy remains unchanged.

Zane Kerby, ASTA's president and CEO, emphasized the negative impact on travelers. He stated that American Express is forcing cardholders to remove portions of their trip from their advisor's oversight just to access card benefits, which adds unnecessary complexity and increases the risk of service disruptions.