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That sucks. I had a somewhat similar experience trying to buy about $2k of stuff in person in a shop I hadn't been to before, Amex blocked it and I instantly got a ping on my iPhone app. The process to unblock it was stupid - I had to call in - but I think they're making headway. It would be nice if you could just TouchID a "yes, please authorize this transaction".

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Yes if the transaction was 'on hold' it may have been fine. The problem occurred because the transaction went thru on the sales page, but was then blocked by Amex before the airline could send a confirmation, and then there was no confirmation as the payment had not been approved. So, infact, if the card was refused AT the submission form, the website would've held onto the ticket, and waited for re-submission.

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