Deal Alert: New York to San Francisco From $174 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 Platinum Card® from American Express, 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.

Delta's offering very discounted transcontinental flights between Newark (EWR) and San Francisco (SFO). The cheapest tickets we found are going for $174 round-trip, however, they're Basic Economy tickets. If you pay an additional $30, you can get a true Main Cabin seat and away from the restrictions of a Basic Economy fare. We're seeing a ton of availability with this deal between September 2017 and March 2018.

As a reminder, Delta's Basic Economy fares aren't as restrictive as those on American or United. You'll get to choose your own seat at check-in, get a free carry-on bag and personal item and earn award and elite-qualifying miles.

Airline: Delta
Route: EWR to SFO (and vice versa)
Cost: $174+ round-trip
Dates: September 2017 - March 2018
Booking Link: Delta
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)

Here are a few examples of what you can book:

Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) for $174 round-trip in basic economy in February:

San Francisco (SFO) to Newark (EWR) for $174 round-trip in basic economy in November:

Newark (EWR) to San Francisco (SFO) for $204 round-trip in Main Cabin in February:

San Francisco (SFO) to Newark (EWR) for $204 round-trip in Main Cabin in November:

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 (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

H/T: The Flight Deal