MANILA, Philippines - As more Filipinos venture abroad for business as well as pleasure, the more savvy among them are realizing the many perks of traveling with an American Express Platinum credit card.
Foremost among these is the Platinum Concierge Service, which can assist card members within the Philippines and Asia-Pacific to make restaurant, spa and hotel bookings; provide information on car rental and taxi companies; and source and purchase tickets to concerts, to name a few of the details that can stress the traveler.
Especially on the road, relates Ma. Nannette Regala, first vice president of BDO, the issuer of American Express credit cards in the Philippines, the Platinum Concierge Service can provide invaluable assistance. A concierge recalls the frustration of a card member who wanted to dine in a haute cuisine restaurant in Shanghai, China. M on the Bund is known to offer one of the most picturesque views of the Chinese metropolis and melt-in-the-mouth roasted lamb. Booked way in advance, it could not accommodate the client who took her chances and walked into the restaurant. Fortunately, the Platinum Concierge Service got a booking for her and facilitated a dinner the client will long remember.
A 24/7 Customer Service Hotline and any American Express Travel Services Office worldwide are also available to book, issue and deliver airline and cruise ship tickets, make hotel reservations, travel arrangements and assist in visa and passport processing, according to Regala. In addition, card members and a companion departing through the Ninoy Aquino International Airport enjoy free access to the MIASCOR Lounge, complimentary Internet access and an assortment of refreshments.
The same hotline can provide travel emergency assistance by referring and arranging for medical service providers as well as legal counsel, guaranteeing hospitalization expenses, sourcing essential medicines, even replacing and dispatching lost spectacles or contact lenses for the card member abroad.
Regala describes the rationale behind the range of perks that come with an American Express Platinum credit card this way: “We wanted a card that would take care of our card members.”
For more information on American Express Platinum credit cards and its concierge services, call the 24-hour customer service hotline at 81-417.