Amazing Deal Alert: Flights to New Zealand From $395 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.
Update: This fare is no longer available. Congrats to anyone who was able to take advantage!
Fares to New Zealand can easily climb above $1,500 round-trip, and even jump beyond $2,000 during peak periods. Today they're available from just $395!
Flights are operated by Air New Zealand or United, but must be booked through United's site or as a United-issued ticket booked through an online travel agency. Note that United's Auckland flights from San Francisco (SFO) are operated by the 777-300ER, with a tight 3-4-3 configuration in coach. Air New Zealand's 777 flights have a similar arrangement, however the carrier's nonstop flights from Houston (IAH) are operated by a 787 Dreamliner with a slightly more spacious 3-3-3 configuration.
Note that the United flights book into the "L" fare class, so they aren't eligible for Global Premier Upgrades. You can upgrade for 30,000 miles and $600 each way, depending on availability, or you can book your flight into the higher "W" fare class — rates are much higher there, but still appear to be discounted, starting at $1,250 round-trip.
These discounted fares are available from dozens of cities around the US, but not every airport is included. For example, while fares are $410 round-trip from Orange County (SNA), they're $796 from Los Angeles (LAX), so it could be worth driving a bit to catch a cheaper flight. There's always a chance that this is some crazy unadvertised Cyber Monday sale, but these are most likely mistake fares, so be sure to keep these things in mind before you book.
Airlines: Air New Zealand, United
Routes: Most US cities to Auckland, New Zealand
Cost: $395+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January 2018 to September 2018
Booking Link: 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:
San Francisco (SFO) to Auckland (AKL) for $395 round-trip with United:
San Francisco (SFO) to Auckland (AKL) for $395 round-trip with Air New Zealand:
Orange County (SNA) to Auckland (AKL) for $410 round-trip with United:
Houston (IAH) to Auckland (AKL) for $495 round-trip with Air New Zealand:
Newark (EWR) to Auckland (AKL) for $610 round-trip with 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.
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