walkabout

There have been a few threads on here regarding the American Express check cards and the consensus seems to be that they are not a bargain. However, in Sunday's travel section of the San Diego Union-Tribune there was a small article saying that if you load the card with at least $300 or buy $1000 in regular traveler's checks, you can receive a certificate for a free companion airfare ticket. This might make it worthwhile for some people.

To qualify, the ticket must be at least $349 if you travel between Sept.15 and Jan. 15,2006, or at least $379 for travel from Jan. 16 to Sept. 14, 2006.

For more info, call 888-723-3297 or go to www.american express.com/companionair

(If this has been posted previously, please excuse me for repeating it. And no, I don't work for American Express!).

grandmere

And the travel must be w/in the continental US.

rex

Alas... some of the fine print might squash some anticipated uses...

(my own emphasis added)...

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...the recipient of the Companion Activation Certificate must purchase one adult round-trip fare from API, when the minimum available published coach class round-trip fare-<b>before taxes, pfc's and surcharges</b>- (on any of the six major U.S. carriers) is not less than $349.00 during low season (9/15-1/15) or not less than $379.00 during high season (1/16-9/14). Fares lower than $349.00 (low season) or $379.00 (high season) do not qualify for this offer. This offer is valid between most major airports <b>within the continental 48 United Sates</b> [sic]. Under the terms of this offer <b>all tickets must be purchased through API</b>...

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A good setup to not be able to get much good out of this deal...

Best wishes,

Rex

rex

There's more...

Minimum 14-day advance purchase of tickets through API.

A Saturday night stay is required.

Seasonal/Holiday blackouts apply.

Availability may be limited during certain peak times to certain destinations

Christina

I wasn't sure what you meant by this, as most people use the term &quot;check card&quot; to mean a debit card. I knew recently there had been some threads about the prepaid amount travel card, which they call a Travelers Cheque Card.

It does sound okay, but it's only for US domestic travel, and only on the specified major airlines, blackout dates etc and you still have to pay the taxes.

walkabout

Well, that's what I get for reading the article only and not researching the offer myself. You could probably buy two tickets on your own without all these restrictions and come out better.

I'm embarrassed that I even posted this, because I should have read the fine print. Thank you all for educating me (and others) about this &quot;deal.&quot;

platzman

Thanks for the info, Rex. Frankly, this card is just not worth the bother.
You can just as easily buy your own dad-gum ticket with the money you save from avoiding all the fees!

grandmere

Hey, walkabout, don't beat yourself up; we all do that. I was about to post about it myself (or sign up for it) a few days ago until I forced myself to read the fine print.

suze

topping another check card thread for bella c

artlover

Oh, bummer. Guess it's like the old chiche says...&quot;if it sounds too good to be true, it probably isn't...&quot; oh well, but thanks for posting (I saw the add too and was going to use it as a bribe until now...) I'll find another way...us &quot;travelholics&quot; always do, right?