Amazing Deal Alert: Business Class to Australia From $1,493 Round-Trip

Jan. 03, 2019

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3 min read

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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. 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.

Air New Zealand is publishing some sure-to-be mistake fares, offering round-trip fares between Chicago (ORD) and Australia from $1,493 round-trip in business class. The lowest fares originate in Chicago, but are eligible for travel to several Australian cities — Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE). All of the cheapest fares involve one stop, but include travel in Air New Zealand's lie-flat business-class cabin.

If you want to take advantage, be sure to act quick — these fares surely won't last long. Also keep in mind that due to the nature of the fares, there's the possibility that Air New Zealand won't honor the tickets. Be sure to not book nonrefundable plans before ensuring that your ticket has been issued.

To search, head to Google Flights, select dates that work for you and click through to book through an OTA like Orbitz.

Airlines: Air New Zealand
Routes: ORD to SYD/BNE/MEL
Cost: $1,493+ round-trip in business class
Travel Dates: March-August
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)

Here are a few examples of what you can book:

Chicago (ORD) to Sydney (SYD) for $1,493 round-trip in business class via Orbitz:

Chicago (ORD) to Brisbane (BNE) for $1,497 round-trip in business class via Orbitz:

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 (3x on airfare), Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.

H/T: One Mile at a Time