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How Can I Check Plane Amenities When Booking a Flight?

Oct. 25, 2015
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3 min read
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How Can I Check Plane Amenities When Booking a Flight?
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TPG reader Thuyen sent me a message on Facebook to ask about how to determine in-flight amenities:

“I was recently on a transatlantic flight and had no seatback entertainment. How can I ensure I'll be on a newer plane, especially on longer flights?”

In-flight amenities can make the difference toward having a comfortable and productive flight, so it's important to know what you can expect when boarding a plane. However, airlines operate a wide variety of aircraft, which come in a number of different configurations that are continually being updated, so keeping track of onboard amenities can be tricky.

There are several ways to check for in-flight amenities. The best place to start is by paying close attention during the booking process, as some amenities (like personal televisions) are indicated when you select your flights (depending on the airline). You can also check SeatGuru for details about the aircraft layout and your individual seat, though I recommend cross-referencing that with information provided by the airline to avoid mistakes. Google Flights also recently added in-flight amenities to its search results, so you can get a sense of what's offered there.

Unfortunately, you don't always get what's advertised. Airlines often have to substitute aircraft due to delays or mechanical issues, which can lead to changes in amenities. Even worse, these substitutions frequently come at the last minute, when it's too late in the game for you to alter your flight plans.

In-flight amenities (like seatback entertainment) can make a huge difference, especially on longer flights.

If you're really depending on a certain feature (like Wi-Fi or power outlets), it's worth checking your itinerary for equipment swaps in the days or hours leading up to your flight. If you've been moved to an aircraft that doesn't meet your needs, you might be able to negotiate a free flight change, especially if you have elite status. However, note that airlines generally aren't obligated to accommodate you, as most contracts of carriage stipulate that aircraft substitutions are part of the deal.

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In either case, if you don't get the flight experience you paid for, it's worth letting the airline know. I've received compensation for service that didn't live up to its billing, including amenities that weren't available after an equipment swap. You probably won't get much sympathy for a minor inconvenience (like your favorite wine being out of stock), but you may receive miles or a voucher if your complaint is substantial. At worst, it doesn't hurt to ask!

For more info, check out these posts:

If you have any other questions, please tweet me @thepointsguy, message me on Facebook or send me an email at info@thepointsguy.com.

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at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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TPG Editor‘s Rating
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4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.