Out of my e-mail bag: here’s some news for American Express Platinum and Business Platinum card members.

Last night, at a media event at Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, American Express announced their expansion of travel benefits for their Platinum Card members.

For starters, consumers with a Platinum Card will receive 5X Membership Rewards points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel. For Business Platinum Card members, it’s reported that they can now earn 50 percent points back when using Membership Rewards Pay with Points through American Express Travel to book a flight with their selected airline. This perk is also valid when booking a first or business class ticket with any airline.

Then there’s one more bonus: card members can earn 1.5X Membership Rewards points per dollar spent on any purchase of $5,000 or more.

American Express also unveiled that both these groups of card members will be eligible for an additional benefit: access to American Express’ Global Lounge Collection. This offering provides entry accessibility most airport lounges worldwide (American Express’ announcement lists more than 1,000 across 120 countries so far and includes brands like Delta Sky Clubs, International American Express lounges, Priority Pass Select, and Airspace lounges).

I’m not an AmEx card member, but I’m curious to hear the opinions of those who are — particularly about this news. The timing is nice for planning holiday travel, and I wonder if it’s becoming more of a travel trend in airlines and even hotels looking to provide a counter-offer to third-party booking sites. Let me know what you think.