Departures (magazine)
| Company type | Magazine |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing, Lifestyle, Travel |
| Founded | 1984 |
| Founder | American Express Publishing |
| Defunct | 2021 (U.S. print edition) |
| Fate | U.S. print edition ceased; international edition continues |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
Area served | United States (until 2021), Europe, Asia, Middle East, Australia, Latin America (international edition) |
Key people | Richard David Story (former US editor-in-chief), Jeffries Blackerby (former US editor-in-chief), Christian Schwalbach (international editor-in-chief) |
| Owner | American Express (international edition); Meredith Corporation (former US publisher) |
| Parent | Meredith Corporation (until 2021 in US) |
Departures is a global lifestyle publication available in both digital and print formats, catering specifically to American Express Platinum cardholders with an emphasis on luxury and travel. In the United States, the magazine was produced by Meredith Corporation through a collaboration with American Express until 2021, when the print version ceased following the conclusion of that partnership.
Beyond the U.S. borders, Departures continues its distribution in print and online through JI Experience GmbH, reaching audiences throughout Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Australia, and Latin America. In these regions, it remains a complimentary perk for holders of the American Express Platinum Card.
Richard David Story, who previously held editorial roles at Vogue and Esquire, served as editor-in-chief of Departures US for 17 years until 2017. He was succeeded by Jeffries Blackerby, a former senior editor at Departures and editor at both New York Times and Vogue, who led until March 2021 when the magazine’s print edition was halted.
In October 2013, ownership of Departures, along with Travel + Leisure, transferred to Time Inc. from American Express Publishing. Subsequently, Meredith acquired Time Inc.'s magazine assets, including Departures, in a $2.8 billion transaction completed in 2017.
At its height, Departures generated close to $50 million annually. The publication is distinguished by its dynamic design, compelling photography, travel narratives, and comprehensive city guides.
International edition
The international version of Departures, which remains under American Express ownership and is produced by JI Experience GmbH, functions independently from the now-defunct U.S. print edition. This edition is overseen by an editorial team headed by Christian Schwalbach as editor-in-chief.