Deal Alert: San Francisco to China From $479 Round-Trip
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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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 or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you’re using the American Express Platinum Card, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
Flights from San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) are on sale, with round-trip fares starting at just $479, valid for departures from now through April 2017. You'll be flying Hainan Airlines, a Chinese carrier with a good reputation. Note that these flights involve a stop in each direction in Seattle (SEA), and you'll fly Hainan's partner Alaska Airlines for the hop from SFO. If you prefer to fly nonstop, there is some availability on United's nonstop flights in early December 2016 and early 2017 for a similar price.
Airline: Hainan and United
Route: SFO to PEK
Cost: $479+ round-trip in economy
Dates: December 2016 - April 2017
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $479 round-trip on Hainan in January:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $479 round-trip on Hainan in April:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $483 round-trip on United in December:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $504 round-trip on United in February:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as the American Express Platinum Card (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, 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!
