Amex preferred – Misryoum explains how eligible Amex cardmembers can update their preferred airline selection after Spirit ceases operations.
Spirit’s shutdown has turned a routine credit-card setting into something travelers need to fix quickly: updating their “preferred airline” on American Express.
Misryoum reports that if you chose Spirit Airlines for specific Amex benefits tied to an eligible card. you may have to switch to another qualifying carrier to keep getting the airline-related perks for the remainder of the year.. This matters most for cardmembers holding the American Express Platinum Card. The Business Platinum Card from American Express. or the American Express Corporate Gold Card.
In practice. the change is tied to benefits like an airline incidental fee statement credit and. for certain cards. a bonus when using Pay with Points on flights with the selected airline.. Once your preferred airline is no longer eligible. those rewards can’t be used the same way until you update the selection.
The update process is straightforward: start by opening the American Express app and initiating a chat with a representative, or call the number on the back of your card to make the change. Misryoum recommends doing this as soon as possible so you do not miss out on time-sensitive benefits.
An important nuance for travelers using the Pay with Points bonus is that the airline you select is also the one that can be used to apply that bonus. So even if you plan to fly a different carrier soon, it’s worth aligning your selection with the airline you intend to use for those transactions.
Meanwhile. Misryoum notes that Spirit is no longer listed as an eligible option for these benefits. so cardholders should be ready to pick from the remaining qualifying airlines available in the Amex selection flow.. The incidental credits can generally apply to a range of airline purchases. including items such as baggage fees. seat assignments. and inflight purchases.
At a time when travel plans can change fast, a small administrative update can protect real value. Checking your Amex preferred airline setting now can help you keep rewards working when you’re trying to manage tickets, fees, and upgrades.
Before you select your new carrier, take a moment to confirm the specific benefit attached to your card and make sure your airline choice matches how you plan to use the rewards.