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The International Airline Program for Platinum Amex cards now includes Austrian, Brussels Airlines & Emirates
Outside of RWRDS Canada, quite possibly the least talked about benefit of the Platinum Card from American Express and the Business Platinum Card from American Express are the card’s International Airline Program benefit. This benefits provides discounts in premium economy, business and first class on 16 major airlines flying within Canada and from Canada to the World. It also provides discounts on WestJet economy class (except Ultra Basic).
Over the past couple of years the program has seen some airlines come and go with a net gain of two between 2022 and now. The program has seen the following airlines added:
- Austrian Airlines
- Brussels Airlines
- Emirates
And the following are no longer participating:
- Alitalia (Which is now ITA Airways)
I think the highlight is seeing Emirates in the program especially given the airline’s popularity with it’s premium cabins. It’s great that travellers with either Platinum Card will be able to get a discount on these flights!
You’ll notice on Amex’s graphic of participating airlines that British Airways is no longer represented but when I tried an actual flight search BA still shows up as an IAP participating airline.
For anyone who purchases premium cabin fares or lots of economy class fares with WestJet, this discount can more than pay for the annual fee on either of the Platinum Cards.
You can learn more about IAP in our Ultimate Guide to the American Express International Airline Program
- Click here to apply for the Platinum Card from American Express
- Click here to apply for the Business Platinum Card from American Express
Image via American Express
New Amex Offer for Estee Lauder
Estee Lauder returned to Amex Offers this week with this statement credit promotion:
Spend at least $100 in qualifying purchases using your registered Card at www.esteelauder.ca/ by 30/06/2025 and earn a one-time $20 statement credit. Terms apply.
Simply log in to your Amex account or go onto the Amex app to see if these offers have been sent to you and to register for them. You can find this and many more offers in our Guide to American Express Canada ‘Amex Offers’
Personally I received this offer on The Platinum Card from American Express but you may receive it on a different card. It is also available to holders of Scotiabank American Express Cards who simply need to register for the offer here.
Image via American Express
American Airlines adding free in flight Wi-Fi
American Airlines is the next airline to be adding free inflight Wi-Fi on their flights. The service will launch in January 2026 and like most airlines offering free Wi-Fi, you have to be a member of the loyalty program to receive for it free so you’ll just have to make sure you join the AAdvantage program prior to any American Airlines flight you take starting in 2026.
Beginning in January 2026, American will offer complimentary Wi-Fi on all aircraft equipped with Viasat and Intelsat high-speed satellite connectivity, accounting for roughly 90% of its fleet. To prepare for the launch, American conducted a limited-time complimentary Wi-Fi test on select routes, allowing the airline to gauge the strength of its service, which surpassed performance expectations. American is also on pace to outfit more than 500 regional aircraft with high-speed Wi-Fi by the end of 2025, in time for next year’s complimentary Wi-Fi service.
Image via American Airlines
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No other resource in Canada provides you with so many ways to earn More Miles More Points More Rewards. Come be part of the RWRDS Canada community and make the most of your loyalty programs and credit card rewards!
Posts since our last update:
- O Canada! Earn 10% cash back on Choice Hotels stays in Canada (and you’ll earn points too)
- RWRDS Daily Update April 15: Flying with Condor this month? Be sure to “Match the Stripes”!
Canadian Bonus Offers
GHA DISCOVERY
– Worldwide Earn 5 bonus DISCOVERY Dollars (D$) for stays at all the participating hotels of the GHA Green Collection by GHA DISCOVERY in Canada or Worldwide. Book now for stays until May 31, 25. More…
Hilton Honors
– Worldwide Earn 2x Elite Qualifying Nights for your next stay at any participating Hilton Hotel in Canada or Worldwide. Targeted offer – may not work for everyone. Register and book now for stays Dec 31, 25. More…
Preferred Hotel Group I Prefer
– Worldwide Earn 2x I Prefer points for stays of 2 or more nights on the VIP rate at participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts properties in Canada and worldwide. Book by Apr 30, 25 for stays May 1 – 31, 25. More…
Other Bonus Offers
Cathay Pacific Cathay
– Earn 3x Asia Miles when you shop at any of the 9 Bicester Collection Shopping Villages in Europe. Offer valid to May 20, 25. More…
Marriott Bonvoy
– Samoa Mulifanua Earn 5,000 bonus Bonvoy points for stays at The Sheraton Samoa Beach Resort. Book now for stays until May 31, 25 More…
– United Kingdom (UK) London Earn up to 15,000 bonus Bonvoy points for stays of 2+ nights at The Park Tower Knightsbridge, a Luxury Collection Hotel, London Book now for stays until Jun 22, 25 More…
Deals:
Wealthsimple: Get a $50 cash bonus when you open your first Wealthsimple account and fund at least $500 within 30 days. Plus get up to 2.75% interest on your Cash account today. Click here to get this deal.
IHG: Save 10% off Best Flexible Rate or 15% off the non-refundable rate at participating properties in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean. Book by Jun 2 for stays until Nov 17, 25. Click here to book this offer.