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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.
If you're looking for great airfares to Europe but don't want to deal with the hassles and fees of a low-cost carrier, this might be the deal for you. United is offering solid prices on flights to both Brussels, Belgium (BRU) and Paris, France (CDG) from a number of US cities, including New York/Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN) and even Washington, DC (IAD) starting as low as $347 round-trip.
These itineraries are generally available from January through May 2018. In many cases, even though you're booking through United, some or all of the segments may be on Star Alliance carriers such as Air Canada or SWISS. But you don't need any tricks to find these deals, so just find the dates you want by searching with Google Flights, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with United itself. Also, since these are international trips on mainstream carriers — and not in Basic Economy — passengers will get their first checked bag free and a complimentary meal during the flight.
Airlines: Book with United for travel on Star Alliance carriers (Air Canada, SWISS, United)
Routes: BOS/DEN/ORD/IAD/EWR to CDG/BRU
Cost: $347+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January through May 2018
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or United
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:
Boston (BOS) to Brussels, Belgium (BRU) for $347 round-trip on Air Canada:
Denver (DEN) to Brussels (BRU) for $359 round-trip on United/Air Canada:
Chicago (ORD) to Paris (CDG) for $437 round-trip on United/SWISS:
Washington, D.C. (IAD) to Paris, France (CDG) for $441 round-trip on Air Canada/SWISS:
New York/Newark (EWR) to Paris (CDG) for $454 round-trip on United/SWISS:
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.
