Deal alert: Flights to the Maldives have dropped to $418 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 (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year). 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.
It’s always a great day when we find cheap deals to the Maldives. We’re seeing flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to Malé (MLE) starting at just $418 round-trip on SkyTeam member China Eastern.
Hat tip to Secret Flying for finding this great deal.
Because you’re saving a ton of money on the flight, you should consider using points to stay in the Maldives. For instance, you could stay at the luxurious Park Hyatt Maldives, which costs 30,000 Hyatt points for a free night. TPG himself stayed at the resort in 2017 and marveled at the great views and superb service.
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To search, head to Google Flights and enter your origin and destination cities. Scroll through the calendar function to find dates and prices that work for you. Finally, click through to book directly with the airline or an OTA like Skyscanner.
Airline: China Eastern
Routes: LAX-MLE
Cost: $418+ round-trip in economy via Skyscanner
Dates: March – April 2020
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline and comes with a $550 annual fee. See rates & fees), Citi Prestige® Card (5x on airfare), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on airfare), American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare when booked directly with the airline and comes with a $250 annual fee. See rates & fees) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Malé (MLE) for $418 round-trip via Exploretrip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Malé (MLE) for $426 round-trip via Exploretrip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Malé (MLE) for $418 round-trip via Exploretrip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Malé (MLE) for $425 round-trip via Vayama:
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, Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this guide for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, please click here.
For rates and fees of the Platinum Card, please click here.
Featured photo courtesy of Ryan Patterson.
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