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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 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 Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
Both JetBlue and Virgin America/Alaska are offering discounted one-way and round-trip fares across the US. You can fly to or from either Boston (BOS) or Philadelphia (PHL) to a number of cities on the West Coast. The cheapest routes we found are to or from Los Angeles (LAX), Long Beach (LGB), Seattle (SEA) or San Francisco (SFO). Keep in mind that for most of the examples below, you can get similar or equal prices if booking in the opposite direction.
The best way to search for these fares is via Google Flights. Use the low fare calendar to find dates that work best for you. Then, once found, click through to book directly with the airline itself.
Airline: JetBlue or Virgin America/Alaska
Routes: LAX/LGB/SEA/SFO to/from BOS/PHL
Cost: $98+ one-way or $197+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January to March 2018
Booking Link: Expedia or with the airline directly
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Boston (BOS) for $98 one-way:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Boston (BOS) for 6,300 TrueBlue points + $5.60 one-way:
San Francisco (SFO) to Boston (BOS) for $98 one-way:
Seattle (SEA) to Boston (BOS) for $197 round-trip:
Seattle (SEA) to Boston (BOS) for 12,600 TrueBlue points + $11.20 round-trip:
Boston (BOS) to Long Beach (LGB) for $197 round-trip:
Philadelphia (PHL) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $217:
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.
