3 Underrated Airport Perks of the Amex Platinum (Besides Lounge Access)

The American Express Platinum Card® unlocks access to over 1,550 airport lounges around the world -- more than any other credit card company on the market (terms apply).

But lounge access is just the beginning of what you get for this card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees). The Platinum Card® packs in way more airport-related benefits that can save you just as much stress and money before and after flying.

Here are three airport perks that deserve just as much hype.

1. Skip the lines with TSA security and customs

Long security lines and customs delays are some of the biggest travel buzzkills. Waiting 45 minutes just to take your shoes off? No thanks.

That's where expedited screening programs come in. And the Platinum Card® helps foot the bill.

You can get reimbursed for these popular travel programs:

• Global Entry: Up to $120 in statement credits every four years (includes TSA PreCheck® access)
• TSA PreCheck®: Up to $85 in credits every 4.5 years
• CLEAR® Plus: Up to $209 per year for faster ID checks at select airports and stadiums
• Terms apply

With TSA PreCheck® and CLEAR® Plus, you can breeze past most lines at TSA checkpoints. And when traveling abroad, Global Entry lets you skip the passport control hassle and re-enter the U.S. faster.

I've been a Global Entry member for years and it's saved me hours of waiting in lines on my trips home to Australia visiting family. And when coming back home to the U.S.

2. Get reimbursed up to $200 in airline fees

You know those sneaky travel charges like the $35 bag fee, the $15 wifi pass, the $8 snack box? They add up fast -- especially if you fly with kids.

The Platinum Card® offers up to $200 per calendar year in airline incidental fee credits. That means you'll be reimbursed when you use the card for things like:

• Checked baggage fees
• Seat selection upgrades
• Pet travel charges
• In-flight snacks and drinks
• Itinerary change fees
• In-flight entertainment
• Terms apply

This benefit doesn't cover airfare, gift cards, or frequent flyer point purchases. And it only applies to a select airline that you specify in advance.

But it does take the sting out of all the "little extras" that can turn a budget-friendly trip into a nickel-and-dime annoyance.

3. Built-in travel insurance that actually helps

Is it just me or does it feel like there's a 50% chance something will go wrong with your flight these days? Delays, missing bags, cancelled flights, etc.

With the Platinum Card®, you're automatically covered with travel protections when you use the card to pay for your trip. With a $895 annual fee, the travel protections are truly valuable. Here's what's included:

• Trip delay insurance: Up to $500 per trip if your flight is delayed 6+ hours.
• Trip cancellation or interruption insurance: Coverage up to $10,000 per trip for eligible reasons like illness or severe weather.
• Baggage insurance: Up to $3,000 per person if your checked or carry-on bags are lost, damaged, or stolen.
• Rental car insurance: Coverage for damage or theft when you decline the rental company's collision damage waiver.
• Terms apply

This is the kind of stuff you hope you never have to use. But when things go sideways, it's nice to know your travel credit card has the right protections to save you from serious out-of-pocket costs.

The bottom line

Airport lounge access is definitely an amazing perk of the Platinum Card®. But it's far from the only cool thing you get at the airport.

If you're looking for a premium travel card with serious VIP perks, compare our top luxury credit cards today and find the one that fits your travel habits best.