Deal Alert: US Cities to Shanghai From $431 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 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.
We've got a fare war on our hands! If you've been thinking about visiting Shanghai, both Delta and American are fighting to take you there. You can find cheap Delta flights from American hubs at Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW), Miami (MIA), Philadelphia (PHL), Phoenix (PHX) and Charlotte (CLT). Cheap AA flights are out of Delta hubs like Atlanta (ATL), Minneapolis (MSP) and Salt Lake City (SLC). American, Delta and United are all offering sub-$500 flights out of San Diego (SAN)
These prices are generally available from November through April except for the December holiday period, and you won't need any tricks to find them. Just use Google Flights to pick the dates you want, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline itself. Since these are international trips on mainstream carriers, passengers will get their first checked bag free and a complimentary meal during the flight.
Be sure you get the right visa before traveling or you won't even be able to get on the plane. The Points Guy recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa; mention "The Points Guy" on your order form and receive a $5 discount.
Airlines: American, Delta, United
Routes: DFW, MIA, PHL, PHX, CLT to PVG (Delta) ATL, MSP, SLC to PVG (American), SAN to PVG (American, Delta, United)
Cost: $431+ round-trip in economy
Dates: November through April, with blackouts around the holidays
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:
Charlotte (CLT) to Shanghai (PVG) for $431 round-trip on Delta:
Phoenix (PHX) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on Delta:
Philadelphia (PHL) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on Delta:
Miami (MIA) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on Delta:
Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on Delta:
Minneapolis (MSP) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on American:
Atlanta (ATL) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on American:
Salt Lake City (SLC) to Shanghai (PVG) for $433 round-trip on American:
San Diego (SAN) to Shanghai (PVG) for $483 round-trip on American/Delta/United:
Maximize Your Purchase
Be sure 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 (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.
