Black Friday and Cyber Monday Airfare Sales for 2015
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Well, you know there are plenty of Black Friday deals for hotels, but what about the flights you'll need to get to your destination? If you're headed to Asia, Europe or the South Pacific, you're in luck! A handful of international airlines (plus Delta) are currently running very appealing sales, but you'll need to firm up your plans quickly. Scroll on down to see what you can book:
Air Berlin
Germany's Oneworld carrier Air Berlin is offering phenomenal fares to Europe from several of its US gateways. You must book by December 1 to take advantage of fares starting at $499 round-trip. Travel dates vary by origin — Travel from Boston and Dallas is available between May 6 and May 31 or August 24 through October 31, 2016. Flights from and to San Francisco may depart between May 6 and June 15 or August 24 through October 31, 2016. If you're flying from Chicago, Miami or New York, meanwhile, you can travel between January 4 and March 27, 2016.
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is currently offering excellent economy fares from its US gateways, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco. You can fly round-trip from each of these cities to Hong Kong for $664, including taxes and fees. Discounted flights are also available to Southeast Asia from $722 round-trip, several destinations in China from $725 and Tokyo from $732 round-trip. Flights must be booked by December 4 for travel between February 9 and April 30, 2016.
Delta
Unlike the other carriers listed here, Delta isn't offering a sale on paid fares — instead, through Monday, you can book discounted award tickets for 10,000 miles each way. Many of the discounted awards are for short-haul travel, but there are some medium-haul routes included as well, such as Los Angeles to Tampa and New York to San Diego. Book by November 30 for travel between January 5 and February 24, 2016. This is an exceptional deal considering how pricey Delta's domestic awards can be!
Emirates
Emirates offers discounted companion fares on a semi-regular basis, but destinations are usually limited to Italy or Dubai. This time, there are many more routes available, but you'll need to book quickly — the airline's Black Friday sale ends at midnight ET on Sunday. As part of Emirates' sale, you can book the usual JFK-Milan for $550 apiece (when you book for two), but the airline is also offering flights from the US to Dubai for $625, Bangkok or Singapore for $825 and Johannesburg for $875. Book by November 29 for travel between January 9 and May 6, 2016.
Etihad
Rather than offering discounted fares on select routes like its competitor Emirates, Etihad is running a 25% off sale on many of its routes from the US. Flights must be ticketed by Monday for travel between January 1 and June 30, 2016. You must search for flights directly through Etihad using promo code CYBERMONDAY to take advantage. The discount applies to flights booked in economy, business and first class, though we weren't able to book discounted flights in any class from JFK, so the offer may be limited beyond what Etihad's listed in its terms and conditions.
EVA Air
Beginning Monday, November 30 through December 14, you'll be able to book discounted flights to China, Macau and other destinations on Star Alliance carrier EVA Air. Fares start at $650 round-trip and are valid for travel from February 7 through May 20, 2016. The lowest fares are available for weekday travel, but you can fly on the weekends as well for a $25 surcharge. Visit EVA's site on Monday to book.
Fiji Airways
For 48 hours beginning Monday, Fiji Airways is offering up to 40% off flights departing the US. Naturally, the cheapest fares are available from Honolulu, with HNL to Nadi, Fiji available for $799 round-trip. Flights from the mainland aren't much pricier, however — you can fly from Los Angeles to Fiji for $899 or Los Angeles to Sydney (via Fiji) for $905 round-trip for travel between January 23 and March 22, 2016.
Frontier Airlines
For its Cyber Monday sale, Frontier is offering big discounts on flights throughout its network. One-way fares start as low as $15 (between Denver and Las Vegas) and run all the way up to $239 (Punta Cana to Chicago), though most flights are priced well below $100 each way. Note that you'll face many additional fees with Frontier flights, including a carry-on bag charge of $35 (when booked online in advance) or $60 (at the gate), so unless you're traveling with only the clothes on your back, you'll pay more than $15 for any of these flights.
KLM / Air France
KLM and Air France's frequent-flyer program, Flying Blue, is celebrating its 10th anniversary with 50% off award flights between Europe and many cities around the world. For the US, you can fly from Atlanta, Boston, Houston, New York (JFK) or Washington (IAD) to Europe for just 12,500 miles each way. Book by December 10 and travel between January 15 and March 15, 2016.
Virgin America
For Cyber Monday only, Virgin America is offering 25% off Tuesday and Wednesday flights between December 12 and March 2, 2016. You can also save 10% on flights departing other days of the week (except Sunday). Flights must be booked by 10pm PT on November 30, 2016. Many blackout dates and terms and conditions apply, so be sure to check out Virgin's site for the full scoop.
Singapore Airlines
Last but certainly not least, Singapore Airlines is offering an excellent Black Friday sale of its own. Through midnight on Monday (local departure city time), you can book discounted flights to Europe and Asia in both economy and business class for travel between January 10 and May 31, 2016. For example, you can fly from New York to Frankfurt for $699 in economy or $2,599 in business. Or travel from Houston to Moscow for $499 in economy or $4,999 in business. Finally, Singapore's flights from Los Angeles to Tokyo and San Francisco to Seoul are available for $599 in economy or $2,999 in business — a phenomenal price for both cabins!
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as the Premier Rewards Gold from American Express or Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.