Amex: Younger Travelers Reshape Premium Travel

Audrey Hendley, President of American Express Travel, told Skift Global Forum that Millennial and Gen Z spending on American Express rose 40% in Q2 2026 and together they account for 65% of its new customers globally; the average new U.S. Platinum cardholder is 32 and Gold is 29. A survey found 75% of millennials would take a job with fewer benefits for more travel time. Hendley said premium is shifting from a single property standard toward experiences and time value, citing AI-assisted human service and the behavior-driven Sidecar lounge. Skift noted U.S. inbound tourism fell 11% in August 2026 and 7% in July 2026.