Deal alert: Business class flights to Maldives and Seychelles from $2,178
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
Does an overwater bungalow on an island in the Indian Ocean sound like your idea of a perfect vacation? With these superb business class deals for flights to the Maldives or Seychelles, you could be flying to a distant island in style for quite the bargain.
Both Qatar Airways and Etihad have put business class flights on sale from select U.S. cities to these island nations starting from only $2,178 round-trip. If you haven't experienced Qatar's top-rated Qsuites, this could be your chance to indulge in the luxurious experience.
This deal was originally reported by Scott's Cheap Flights, which offers a premium membership that alerts readers on discounted fares starting from $49 per year for economy class deals and $199 per year for an elite membership, which also includes first, business and premium economy deals.
Deal basics
Airlines: Qatar, Etihad, Saudia and Ethiopian
Routes: IAD/ORD/JFK/MIA/BOS/DFW to MLE/SEZ
How to book: Directly through the airlines or through Google Flights
Travel dates: Mostly September – November
Sample flights
The deals below are for business class tickets, which include lie-flat seats, gourmet meals and two checked bags. All of the deals listed are under $4,000 round-trip, which is well below the typical rate for such a long flight in business class. Here are a few examples (all round-trip):
- Washington Dulles (IAD) to Male, Maldives, (MLE) from $2,178 on Etihad
- Chicago (ORD) to Male, Maldives, (MLE) from $2,410 on Etihad
- Chicago (ORD) to Mahe, Seychelles, (SEZ) from $2,549 on Ethiopian
- New York (JFK) to Male, Maldives, (MLE) from $2,747 on Saudia
- Miami (MIA) to Male, Maldives, (MLE) from $3,374 on Qatar
- Boston (BOS) to Mahe, Seychelles, (SEZ) from $3,440 on Qatar
- Dallas (DFW) to Male, Maldives, (MLE) from $3,804 on Qatar
Most Qatar flights between the U.S. and Doha, Qatar, (DOH) feature its top-rated Qsuites, but you may be on a different aircraft with standard business class seats when flying on the connection between Doha and the island nations.
Etihad also has an excellent business class product and has some of the cheapest rates in this sale. If you're flying to Seychelles, Ethiopian Airlines will have the best prices from certain cities. The national carrier of Ethiopia is not as well-rated as the Middle East carriers, but it's still a great experience with a lie-flat seat on the long-haul and Ethiopian usually has shorter connections.
From Washington Dulles (IAD), you can fly Etihad business class to the Maldives for $2,178 round-trip on several travel dates in September and October. If you depart on a Sunday and return on a Thursday you'll get the best rate. Here's an example of a one-week trip in early September.
This route requires an overnight layover in Abu Dhabi (AUH) on the return, but the savings will more than pay for a hotel for the night. If you'd rather have shorter connections, you can fly Qatar Airways starting from $2,633 round-trip.
Speaking of Qatar, you can fly its Qsuites from Dallas (DFW) to the Maldives for $3,804 round-trip on a few dates in late May and wide-open travel dates between September and early November. Here's a trip over two weekends in early November, a perfect time to visit the Maldives.
Notice that the lowest prices are available when booking through third-party online travel agencies. You'll need to pay slightly more ($3,942) to book directly with Qatar Airways. It's worth noting that this price is for a Classic business class fare, which includes lounge access.
You may find that some of the fares listed on Qatar are its new Business Lite fare, which earns fewer miles and does not include lounge access among other restrictions. But, at least on this example from Dallas to the Maldives, the lowest price is sold as a classic business class fare.
If you want to shoot the breeze in Seychelles, Ethiopian has some incredible rates from Chicago (ORD) starting from $2,549 round-trip. This price can be found on scattered travel dates throughout the year. If you're looking for a spring break trip, have a look at this deal in March.
Maximize your purchase
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare, the Citi Premier® Card (see rates and fees) or Chase Sapphire Reserve for 3 points per dollar on air travel, the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel, or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
It's rare to see business class flights drop this low to these exotic islands in the Indian Ocean. If you want to start your trip with a little luxury and get some rest on the long flight, snag one of these deals for a lie-flat seat before they disappear.