Business-class flights to China have dropped to $1,516 round-trip
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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 Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). 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 have plans to fly to China soon — or you’re making a mad dash for American Airlines elite status — I have the perfect deal for you.
We’re seeing round-trip business-class tickets on American and Japan Airlines from cities like Los Angeles (LAX), San Diego (SAN) and Boston (BOS) starting at just $1,516 round-trip. The deal from Los Angeles includes a leg to Asia on American and the Asia leg on JAL. Yes, round-trip. Travel dates appear to be between January and March of next year.
We saw the deals through American Express Travel’s International Airline Program (IAP). If you’re a holder of The Platinum Card® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, or The Centurion Card from American Express the program can save you hundreds. Cash prices on Google Flights, for instance, are starting at nearly $1,700 round-trip.
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Airline: JAL/American
Routes: LAX/SAN/BOS – PEK
Cost: $1,516+ round-trip in business
Dates: January 2020 – March 2020
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Prestige® Card (5x on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing (PEK) for $1,516 round-trip in business class on American and JAL:
San Diego (SAN) to Beijing (PEK) for $2,067 round-trip on JAL:
Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) for $2,067 round-trip on JAL:
Maximize your purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Premier® Card, Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out our guide to maximizing airfare purchases for more details.
Featured photo courtesy of JT Genter/The Points Guy.
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