American Express announces virtual Platinum af’FAIR 2020

Well well well.

I thought that 2020 would be the year without Platinum af’FAIR, American Express’ signature annual blowout for Platinum Charge and Centurion members. I attended my first-ever edition in 2019 and it was easily one of the highlights of the year, with arts and crafts activities, lucky draws, carnival games and of course, a ton of food and drink. 

COVID-19 has obviously ruled out any large in-person gatherings for the foreseeable future, and I thought that AMEX already spent the Platinum af’FAIR budget on the S$500 statement credits they gave earlier this year. 

Apparently not. Platinum and Centurion cardholders should now have received an eDM about this year’s Platinum af’FAIR- a virtual edition. 

Platinum af’FAIR 2020

Credit to the American Express team, who aren’t going to let 2020 end without a bang. This year’s Platinum af’FAIR will take place entirely online, with live-streamed entertainment, games, and food delivered to your house. I’m intrigued to see how this plays out. 

Platinum af’FAIR 2020 will be held on Saturday, 12 December 2020, with a choice of three time slots:

• 11 a.m to 2 p.m
• 3 p.m to 6 p.m
• 7 p.m to 10 p.m

Like all years, attendance requires a nominal number of Membership Rewards points, with the following packages available for redemption:

You want my advice? If you have the points, spring for the full fat package. This comes with the meal set which feeds 2-4 people (choose from Chef Kang, Little Farms, Uncle Leong Seafood, Lush Platters or Fine Palate), as well as two bottles of champagne:

• Ruinart Blanc de Blancs NV (90 points Wine Advocate)
• Ruinart Rose NV (94 points Wine Spectator)

The wines alone retail at about S$236 total (the eDM says S$300, but you can find cheaper), so your 20,000 points (12,500 miles) get a value of at least 2 cents per mile. That’s not counting the value of the food, goodie bags, and entertainment.

All RSVPs must be sent by Monday, 23 November 2020. Each cardholder is entitled to redeem a maximum of one package only. 

The full T&C of the event can be found here. 

Conclusion

AMEX has always held great events, and it’s a shame they haven’t had much opportunity to do anything this year. Although MICE events have resumed with up to 250 people (split into 5 zones of 50 attendees), I suspect an in-person Platinum Af’FAIR style event won’t be possible until much later in Phase 3. Quite frankly, I’m just happy there’s even going to be anything this year. 

Do register your interest early to avoid disappointment.