Indeed, loyalty is its own reward at www.americanexpress.com/travel, an attractive alternative in the confusing array of travel Web sites. American Express Travel is implementing a series of enhancements to the site that will make the online experience as trustworthy and reliable as its offline service – and give consumers good reason to come back again and again.

Eligible American Express Cardmembers who purchase travel on the site earn double points in Membership Rewards® – the award-winning loyalty program. Even better, Membership Rewards points can be redeemed to purchase part or all of a cruise vacation on the site.

The site has been redesigned for easier navigation, and offers a private label version of the easy-to-use booking interface developed by Travelocity, along with its low fares and rates. It also offers customized booking tools for cruises and American Express Vacations packages, last minute bargains and special promotional offers.

“American Express Travel is evolving with our customers, and the new site will offer them the convenience of 24-hour online access for their travel needs, backed by the reputation of one of the world's largest and best known travel companies,” said Lynne Biggar, senior vice president and general manager of American Express Consumer Travel Network USA.

For generations of travelers, from students abroad to the five-star luxury set, American Express Travel has always been a reassuring presence, whether in the network of more than 1,700* American Express Travel and Foreign Exchange Service locations around the world or through a toll-free telephone call to an experienced travel counselor. Now, American Express brings that same reassuring presence to the online travel experience.

“Our goal is to offer consumers the best products and services, along with personalized offers, whether they call in to our toll-free number, walk into an American Express Travel office or click in through our Web site,” Biggar added.

At www.americanexpress.com/travel, consumers will find benefits that go beyond the convenience and low fares they expect from online travel sites. Any customer using the site can rely on the security of American Express' 24-hour service, which is available before, during and after a trip. In addition to double Membership Rewards points, American Express Cardmembers can take advantage of special value promotions and invitations to special events. The American Express site offers a full range of competitive travel rates and discounts on airfares, hotels, last minute deals, as well as cruises and full vacation packages, with optional transfers, sight-seeing tours and insurance. Customers who prefer booking through a travel counselor can find the right person for their needs using the American Express Travel Office locator and Travel Specialist finder tools.

About American Express Travel
American Express entered the travel agency business in 1915 and today operates one of the world's largest travel agency networks with more than $19.9 billion in travel sales in 2004. The company has more than 1,700* Travel Service locations worldwide in more than 130 countries.

American Express Company is a diversified worldwide travel, financial and network services company founded in 1850. It is a world leader in charge and credit cards, Travelers Cheques, travel, financial planning, business services, insurance and international banking.

* Not all services available at all locations and all are subject to local laws and cash availability.

Terms and conditions, as well as annual program fees, apply for certain card products. Visit www.americanexpress.com/membershiprewards or call 1-800-AXP-EARN for details. The Membership Rewards program from American Express is the largest card-based rewards program in the world, with more than 140 redemption partners. The program allows Cardmembers to earn one point for virtually every dollar charged on eligible, enrolled American Express Cards. Membership Rewards points are redeemable in a wide selection of reward categories, including travel, retail merchandise, entertainment, shopping and recreation gift certificates, experiences, financial services and charity rewards. Points have no expiration date, and there is no limit on the number of points Cardmembers can earn.

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. acts solely as sales agent for travel suppliers and is not liable for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. CST#1022318-10, TA-002 Registered Iowa Travel agency, ML#1192, Washington UB1#600-469-694, NV#2001-0126.