When JetBlue Leaves You Hanging: How AMEX Travel Protection Saved Our Vegas Getaway

Nothing tests your travel savvy quite like a 1:30 AM flight cancellation text when you’re sound asleep before an early morning flight. Here’s how I handled JetBlue cancellations in 2025 and why AMEX travel protection is now my non-negotiable travel essential.

The Middle-of-the-Night Panic No Traveler Wants

Imagine waking up at 3:00 AM to head to the airport for your 7:00 AM flight, only to open your phone to a text message from JetBlue sent at 1:29 AM when you were fast asleep. “JetBlue Flight #0148 has been cancelled.”

Me: a Virgo, I immediately panicked.

My husband, in classic Scorpio fashion, said, “Don’t worry, I got it. Relax.”

But I COULDN’T. While we were catching zzz’s, nearly two hours had passed, leaving less and less time for us to get on a flight back home to our daughters. After an amazing adults-only Vegas escape, which you can read about in my previous post about our Las Vegas getaway, the last thing I needed was to be stranded away from our girls for an extra day.

The JetBlue Cancellation Situation

Let me back up a bit. On December 22, 2024, I had booked our JetBlue flight from Las Vegas to JFK for February 9th. Two days before our return, JetBlue sent an email warning about potential disruptions due to Winter Storm Garnett. Being the planner that I am, my husband and I immediately rebooked an earlier flight to beat the weather … or so we thought.

So much for planning ahead! That flight got canceled while we slept, leaving us potentially stranded in Vegas. Not that Vegas isn’t fabulous—check out my Vegas restaurant guide here—but when you have a 13-year-old and a 5-year-old waiting at home with grandma, extended vacations aren’t an option. My mom is retired but has what I like to call “hot feet”—she’s always on the move and has already done us a huge favor watching our girls.

How We Rebooked Quickly (Thank You, AMEX!)

While my husband was online looking up alternative flights to get us back that evening, I was on the phone with AMEX seeing how they could help. This is where having the right travel credit card made all the difference.

AMEX Platinum Travel Concierge Came Through

If we book flights using my AMEX Gold or one of our Platinum cards, we’re covered through travel insurance and assistance with rebooking if needed. The AMEX travel concierge quickly provided information to the travel insurance provider so we could get any reimbursements needed for our additional expenses.

The Airline Switch That Saved Us

My husband secured flights on American Airlines that would get us back that evening. As a backup plan, he also booked Delta flights in case American ended up canceling due to the snowstorm in New York. The Delta flight would arrive much later in the evening, but at least it was an option.

What’s wild? The original JetBlue flight we had initially booked (before trying to be proactive with the earlier flight) ended up leaving on time – but we couldn’t get back on it because it was completely full! Can you believe that?

Airport Lounge Access: The Stress-Relief We Needed

We arrived at the Harry Reid International Airport a few hours before our flight (you need to have a flight at least 3 hours out for Centurion Lounge entry). Instead of stressing in the crowded gate area, we used the perks of our individual Platinum cards to access the AMEX Centurion Lounge.

Having access to comfortable seating, clean bathrooms, and complimentary food and drinks was exactly what we needed to decompress. I ended up enjoying some prosecco and water while my husband rested. This sanctuary helped relieve some of the stress before our flight home.

From the lounge, we monitored both our Delta and American Airlines options. As the departure time for the American Airlines flight approached without a cancellation notice, we knew we’d be good to go and could cancel the Delta backup.

Key Takeaways & Travel Tips From This Experience

1. Always Have a Backup Airline in Mind

While my preferred airline is typically Delta, American Airlines came in to save the day this time. Brand loyalty is great, but flexibility during travel disruptions is even better.

2. Why Using a Travel Rewards Credit Card Is Essential

• Peace of mind: Knowing you have support if things go sideways
• Reimbursement potential: For additional expenses incurred during disruptions
• Ability to pivot quickly: When you need to make last-minute bookings
• Expert help when needed: Having a dedicated travel concierge makes all the difference

3. Read the Fine Print on Airline Policies

JetBlue does have a policy that provides compensation for cancellations that occur within 4 hours of departure. Make sure you know your rights with whatever airline you’re flying.

4. Airport Lounge Access Is Worth Every Penny

The comfort of a lounge during travel stress isn’t just a luxury—it’s practically a necessity for maintaining your sanity during disruptions.

Your Turn: Share Your Flight Cancellation Stories

Have you ever had a last-minute flight cancellation? How did you handle it? Did your credit card benefits help save the day? Drop your stories and tips in the comments below—I’d love to hear how other travelers handle these stressful situations!

Looking for more travel tips? Check out my guide on  Unlocking Luxury: How AMEX Fine Hotels and Resorts Elevated Our Vegas Getaway.