Deal Alert: US Cities to China From $461 Round-Trip
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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.
Several airlines are currently offering discounted fares from a variety of US cities to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG), valid for departures from March through early May. These great fares are available from both the East and West Coasts, and most itineraries will involve a short stop in each direction. We're seeing fares as cheap as $461 round-trip between Boston (BOS) and both Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG).
These fares probably won't last long, so if you've been waiting to get to China, now may be the time. You'll want to use Google Flights to find your desired dates, and then you can complete booking on the airline's site.
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.
Airlines: Delta, Hainan, United
Route: BOS, EWR, SEA and SFO to PEK and PVG.
Cost: $461+ 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:
Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) for $461 round-trip in March/April on United:
Boston (BOS) to Shanghai (PVG) for $461 round-trip in March on United:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $479 round-trip in April on Hainan:
Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG) for $481 round-trip in April on United:
Newark (EWR) to Beijing (PEK) for $529 round-trip in March/April on Delta:
Newark (EWR) to Shanghai (PVG) for $529 round-trip in April:
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!
Photo of Shanghai courtesy of Fei Yang via Getty Images.