Deal Alert: Chicago to Australia from $505 Round-Trip
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend that you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency, such as Orbitz, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to travel. Additionally, keep in mind that discounted partner fares may not earn miles with US-based carriers.
Sure, it's no $386, but United is currently offering a pretty spectacular fare to Australia. You can fly from Chicago to Perth for $505 round-trip. It's important to note that there are three stops in each direction, and you'll be flying on a combination of United and Jetstar, but if you want to get to Australia on the cheap, this is a phenomenal opportunity to do just that.
Note that the United segments earn 100% Elite Qualifying Miles but very few redeemable miles, since United awards miles based on the fare paid. Additionally, these fares are only available by searching through Momondo, but you can book through United's site for about $100 more.
Airlines: United
Routes: ORD to PER
Cost: $505+ round-trip in economy
Dates: August 2016 through October 2016
Booking Link: Momondo
Pay With: Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Chicago (ORD) to Perth (PER) for $505 on United and Jetstar:
Chicago (ORD) to Perth (PER) for $615 on United and Jetstar:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as the American Express Premier Rewards Gold 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.
If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!