American Express has come up with a creative gimmick to sell travel packages to participating merchants that might be of interest to other travel companies.
From now through June 12, one new US vacation destination package will be posted each day at the Going Once Web site (www.amexnetwork.com/goingonce) and once the travel packages start selling at noon, the price drops every 20 minutes or until the limited packages sell out — whichever comes first.
“The first Hawaii package sold out in just four hours,†said a spokesperson.
“AXP chose to focus this summer’s Going Once on domestic locations only and more affordable packages (eight of the nine declining price packages are under $10,000 and five of those are under $5,000). American Express also included two packages for four people, allowing more families to take part in Going Once,†said a spokesperson.
Last winter, card members experienced an average savings of 34% (over retail prices) on packages purchased through the Going Once website.
“In creating this summer’s Going Once, we listened to our card members who said they wanted more affordable travel options, closer to home, but still desired exceptional experiences,†said Luke Gebb, vice president, Network and Merchant Marketing, American Express Merchant Services.
Other packages include trips to New York City, Orlando and Las Vegas, among others.
The Going Once website also features premium travel offers. Examples of some of the offers include 25 percent off the available rate at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, and $20 off a food bill of $50 or more at Border Grill in Santa Monica, California.
