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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend that 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 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 Orbitz or Expedia’s courtesy cancellation if you’re unable to get the time away from work or family.
We're currently seeing great deals to China's capital from several US cities including Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Seattle. If you're based in Seattle, you can fly to Beijing nonstop for just $447 round-trip — the other departure cities all have a short layover in North America for each leg. There's plenty of availability from each city from March through May 2017.
If you’re planning to visit China (or any other country that requires a visa), TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa to simplify what can be a complex process. Mention The Points Guy on your order form to get a $5 discount just for TPG readers.
Airline: Air Canada, Alaska, Delta, Hainan, United
Route: BOS, ORD, SEA, SFO to PEK
Cost: $447+ round-trip in economy
Dates: March - May 2017
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Seattle (SEA) to Beijing (PEK) for $447 round-trip in April on Delta:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $479 round-trip in April on Hainan:
Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) for $492 round-trip in April on United:
Chicago (ORD) to Beijing (PEK) for $508 round-trip in May on Air Canada:
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 (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!
