Travelscene Amex launches TravelKey

Australia’s leading independent travel agency network, Travelscene American Express, and American Express today unveiled TravelKey, which will allow Cardmembers to redeem Membership Rewards® points for everything from travel to tax to travel insurance.

TravelKey allows immediate redemption of Membership Rewards points for travel bookings at point of sale.  Points can be used to pay for any travel booking, either fully or partially, including for land, cruise, packages, cars, taxes, travel insurance and service fees.  Points can also be used for the best available fare with any airline.  There are no black-out periods, and the points can be used for anyone and across any airline at any time.

“TravelKey provides American Express Cardmembers enrolled in Membership Rewards with even more flexibility, choice and convenience.  Cardmembers will now be able to access the full spectrum of travel solutions at Travelscene American Express’ network of more than 600 member agencies,” Rachel Felton, Vice President, Customer Experience, American Express said.

“TravelKey means you can travel anywhere, at anytime and pay with your American Express Membership Reward Points.  This further entrenches the American Express Membership Rewards program as the leading rewards program within the domestic market,” Ms Felton said.

Travelscene American Express Managing Director Bob Steel said TravelKey was a key differentiator for Travelscene American Express member agents.

“TravelKey is an innovation which will drive even more American Express Cardmembers through our agents’ doors, further entrenching Travelscene American Express’ leadership position and enhancing our members’ businesses. This reflects the many mutually beneficial solutions which Travelscene and American Express have been able to pursue as a result of our alliance in 2003.”

Travelscene American Express member agencies are already embracing the Travelkey opportunity.

Julie Poumes, Toorak Travel, said the significantly higher yield she’d already generated on just two Cardmember transactions made her a convert.

“One Cardmember rang looking to use her points for two Economy flights to London on specific dates.  She was able to redeem her points to offset the cost of the tickets by $800.  The second client came in to book two Business Class fares to the US and we were then able to upsell travel insurance, and accommodation.”

“We generated a 14.28% yield on the two Economy class tickets which is phenomenal as is the $4,000 commission on the US package, which also delivered an impressive yield for us.”

“On top of that, the convenience of Travelkey is mindblowing – it’s a real winner for my business and for Travelscene American Express as a network.  Our office has found the transition to TravelKey particularly stressfree and the convenience both for us as a business and for our customers is fantastic.”

Mr Steel stressed that TravelKey was complementary to existing Frequent Flyer programs.

“TravelKey applies across any airline without restrictions, has no black-out periods, allows for child and infant discounts, one-way redemptions and points and pay options.  The points can be used for anyone and there is no expiry date.”

All Cardmember enquiries and bookings are directed to Travelscene American Express on 13 13 98.

TravelKey is available to Cardmembers enrolled in either the Choices or Ascent Membership Rewards program. It is designed to complement the existing Frequent Flyer programs which are only available to Cardmembers enrolled in Ascent. 12,000 Membership Reward points are equivalent to $100.