Anyone have Amex Platinum? Airline credit Q

[Villanelle]

Not sure if anyone here has this card since it has a $500 annual fee, but that is waived for military.

I'm trying to figure out any possible hacks for the $200 airline credit.  We haven't used ours this year and AFAICT, it ends Dec. 31.  Has anyone had success in buying gift cards?  Or paying to upgrade from economy to economy plus?  Both gift cards and upgrades are listed as not allowed, but the interwebs suggest that some people have been able to do either.  We are traveling before the end of the year on our chosen airline, but there's really nothing else we could possibly use the credit for since we don't need excess baggage and there's food and drinks on our flights. 

[maki]

I have the business version of the card, and the $500 annual fee is justifiable to me (even though I will most likely get it waived this year and next) on account of the $200 travel baggage credit, and the TSA pre-screen fee waiver. The no-limit on charges also helps, as I frequently run $100,000+ through the card on a monthly basis.

Their Centurion Lounge in SFO is also pretty boss. The wine bar is amazing, as is the food, shower, and relaxation area.

Back on topic, I haven't yet used the travel credit for anything other than baggage fees, though, so I'm afraid I'm not going to be of much use. :(

[Jags4186]

When I had the amex platinum I used to buy american airline gift cards with it.  Also one year I got bombed on a plane and spent most of the $200 on a flight to vegas.

check out flyertalk.com they can tell you the best ways to get the money off.