Deal Alert: Flights to Chengdu, China From $471 Round-Trip

Aug. 18, 2018

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3 min read

Deal Alert: Flights to Chengdu, China From $471 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. 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.

Chengdu is making itself known as one of China's hottest tourism destinations. From culinary delights to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Chengdu landed at #3 in TPG's top destinations to visit in 2017. There's even a brand new Waldorf Astoria hotel for those looking to stay in luxury.

Unless you book a flight to a third country, you can’t take advantage of China’s “visa-free transit” policy. So, make sure you get the right visa before traveling or you won’t even be able to get on the plane. TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa, and if you mention The Points Guy on your order form, you’ll get a $5 discount.

There are no tricks to find these fares. Use Google Flights to search for your preferred departure and destination and then book through Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline.

Airlines: United, Hainan
Routes: EWR/LGA/SFO/LAX to CTU
Cost: $471+ round-trip in economy
Dates: September-November
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (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:

Newark (EWR) to Chengdu (CTU) for $471 round-trip on United:

New York LaGuardia (LGA) to Chengdu (CTU) for $476 round-trip on United:

San Francisco (SFO) to Chengdu (CTU) for $544 round-trip nonstop on United:

Los Angeles (LAX) to Chengdu (CTU) for $584 round-trip nonstop on Hainan:

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