Amex Travel Launches A New Cancel For Any Reason Reimbursem*nt Option (2024)

Even though traveling is surging back, there’s one thing Covid-19 has made apparent: flexibility is paramount. The launch of American Express’ Trip Cancel Guard—a “cancel for any reason” protection—helps travelers protect themselves against uncertainty when booking flights through AmexTravel.com.

What Is Trip Cancel Guard?

Trip Cancel Guard is a new, optional add-on when booking flights through Amex Travel. The benefit will allow you to cancel your flight for any reason and get a 75% refund, as long as the cancellation is processed a minimum of two full calendar days before the scheduled flight. If your trip is scheduled for July 15, for example, you’d need to cancel your flight no later than 11:59 p.m. on July 12 to allow July 13 and 14 as two calendar days in-between.

Although American Express has long offered optional trip protections when booking travel, this easy, flexible option is brand new and designed to meet travelers’ evolving needs.

Eligible flights include prepaid, nonrefundable fares that are purchased on the AmexTravel.com website. You’ll need to pay for your flight in full with an American Express card and select to add on the Trip Cancel Guard option during check-out. You will not have the option to add this benefit later. Customers will have the option to Pay With Points through Amex Travel but flights booked by transferring Membership Rewards to partner programs are not eligible.

Trip Cancel Guard is priced as a percentage of your total flight cost, meaning more expensive flights will correspond to a higher benefit cost.

How Is Trip Cancel Guard Different From Other Travel Insurance?

Unlike travel insurance, Trip Cancel Guard only covers flight costs. You’ll need to protect any other nonrefundable travel costs, such as hotel reservations or tour deposits, using alternate insurance. You also won’t be covered for any emergency expenses that pop up during your travels, such as medical treatments or stolen items.

However, if you are traveling to a destination where your primary medical insurance will still cover you and your hotels have flexible cancellation policies, you may find that Trip Cancel Guard gives you just the little bit of extra coverage you need.

Since Trip Cancel Guard is more limited than travel insurance, the cost can be more affordable than buying a comprehensive policy. On the other hand, some credit cards include trip protection benefits at no cost whatsoever when purchasing travel with that card.

Requesting Reimbursem*nt Through Trip Cancel Guard

American Express designed this benefit with convenience in mind. Not only are there no restrictions on why you decide to cancel and refund a trip—assuming you do it at least two full calendar days before departure—but reimbursem*nt is simple and straightforward too.

First, you’ll need to formally cancel your flight. This can be done directly with the carrier or through American Express Travel. In most cases, it can even be done online in a few clicks. Then, you’ll need to request reimbursem*nt through the American Express Digital Claims Center within 30 days of cancellation. Again, this can be completed online, though phone representatives are available if you run into any difficulties.

Once approved, you’ll receive a reimbursem*nt worth up to 75% of the protected flight’s cost. The cost of the Trip Cancel Guard protection is not refunded.

Is Trip Cancel Guard Worth It?

Many airlines now build in flexibility to their flights, which means you may not need to purchase a separate cancellation benefit. However, even airlines that allow you to cancel your flight at no cost process refunds as an airline credit or voucher with an associated expiration date.

Trip Cancel Guard allows you to receive a cash refund instead of an airline voucher. It can also be purchased on otherwise inflexible tickets, such as basic economy fares or on airlines that don’t allow changes at all. The downside is you’ll need to cancel your ticket two full calendar days in advance for the benefit, while other options may allow more last-minute cancellations.

When comparing options, you’ll need to decide if you’d rather receive a refund for 100% of the ticket price in the form of an airline credit (when purchasing eligible flights) or if you’d rather receive a 75% cash refund in addition to paying an upfront fee for the American Express benefit. You may also want to compare the cost of buying a more comprehensive policy—though “Cancel For Any Reason” (CFAR) insurance can be quite expensive.

Bottom Line

Any type of additional flexibility is always a welcome option for customers, especially since there’s still a fair amount of uncertainty when traveling right now. Trip Cancel Guard makes getting a refund easier and more flexible than what airlines offer (if they provide anything at all) and can be more affordable than buying alternate travel insurance policies. Though this benefit won’t make sense for all flights, it’s an innovative option to help protect your purchase.