Deal Alert: NYC to West Coast From $196 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.
The major carriers seem to be in competition for passengers on transcon routes, with flights starting from just $196 round-trip. You can fly from New York (JFK) or Newark (EWR) to Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) on American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Virgin America this February and March at a phenomenal price. There's a good amount of availability on these routes on several airlines — perfect if you're trying to earn status with a specific carrier. Search for your desired dates on Google Flights and then complete booking on your carrier's site.
Airline: American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Virgin America
Route: EWR and JFK to LAS, LAX and SFO
Cost: $196+ round-trip in economy
Dates: February - March 2017
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
New York (JFK) to Las Vegas (LAS) for $196 round-trip in February on American:
New York (JFK) to Las Vegas (LAS) for $211 round-trip in February on Delta:
New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) for $236 round-trip in February on Delta:
New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) for $236 round-trip in February on JetBlue:
New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $256 round-trip in March on Virgin America:
New York (EWR) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $256 round-trip in February on United:
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, 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!