Fly from the US to the Azores for as low as $566 round-trip
Quick summary
The Azores, an archipelago off the coast of Portugal, is known for its hiking trails, wildlife, food, wine and stunning natural vistas. It's not a destination that sees many flight deals, so these inexpensive options from United Airlines are a treat.
There are basic economy flights from multiple cities across the U.S. and premium economy options from even more destinations. All flights arrive at Ponta Delgada — João Paulo II Airport (PDL) on the island of Sao Miguel, the largest and most populous island in the Azores.
Deal basics
Airline: United
Routes: From Atlanta, Austin, Charlotte, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, Seattle and more to Ponta Delgada
How to book: Search Google Flights and book directly with United.
Travel dates: August and September 2023
Book by: As soon as possible
Sample flights
The following flights were priced as listed at the time of publication. We cannot guarantee the below round-trip flights will be available when you book:
- Austin Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) to PDL for $668
- Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) to PDL for $566
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) to PDL for $618
- Denver International Airport (DEN) to PDL for $618
- George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) to PDL for $658
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to PDL for $618
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to PDL for $618
- Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to PDL for $675
For example, you can leave Charlotte on Wednesday, Aug. 16, and land in the Azores the following morning. Note this route includes an almost three-hour layover at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR).
Spend eight full days exploring the island (or even hopping to other islands in the archipelago), then return home on Friday, Aug. 25. The return flight has the same layover in Newark.
A personal item and carry-on bag are included with a basic economy ticket. If you want to check a bag, you'll have to shell out $150 ($75 each way). For that price, it might be worth upgrading to economy so you can access upgrades, select your seat and change your flight for free.
If you're making a long journey and want to be as comfortable as possible, consider splurging on one of United's premium economy deals.
This round-trip journey from San Francisco for Sept. 5-15 offers great premium economy availability. You would depart Tuesday morning and, after a long layover at Newark, land in the Azores Wednesday morning.
The basic economy price for this flight is $877, and premium economy is $1,418. While it may seem steep, the $1,418 ticket includes two free checked bags (a $300 value) as well as free seat selection, a premium seat and free changes. For a journey this long, it might be nice to fly in comfort.
Maximize your purchase
Use a credit card that earns bonus points on airfare purchases. You can earn 3 United MileagePlus miles per dollar on United purchases using a United Quest Card or 4 United MileagePlus miles per dollar on United purchases using a United Club Card. Other cards that earn bonus points on airline bookings include:
- Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: 2 points per dollar on travel
- American Express® Gold Card: 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel
- The Platinum Card® from American Express: 5 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 of these purchases per calendar year, then 1 point per dollar
- Chase Sapphire Reserve: 3 points per dollar on airfare
Bottom line
If a trip to the Azores has been on your bucket list, now is the perfect time to book — deals to these islands don't come around often. United is offering discounted seats in both basic economy and premium economy from many cities across the U.S. Book soon while seats are still available.
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