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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.
If you’re looking to head to Hawaii this spring, there are a slew of great ways to do so. Alaska has nonstop flights from the West Coast to the state for just $277 round-trip, and if you have a Chase Sapphire Reserve you can book through the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal and pay just 18,480 points.
Also, Delta is running a flash sale letting SkyMiles members book award flights to Hawaii at very low rates. While the published routes cost no less than 31,000 miles round-trip, we found at least one that’s just 22,000 miles round-trip. At current TPG valuations, 22,000 SkyMiles are worth approximately $264. Adding in taxes and fees starting at $11, this is equivalent to scoring flights to Hawaii for just $275 round-trip.
The Delta Flash sale appears to have discounted rates on many routes across the country, including from many East Coast cities, so make sure to plug your city in with a number of Hawaiian destinations to see if any discounts apply to you. These SkyMiles deals, along with the cash tickets, are in basic economy so be aware of the restrictions that come along with that fare class. Delta says its sale will end at 11:59pm ET on Thursday, March 14.
If you’re short on miles, remember that you can instantly transfer American Express Membership Rewards points into your SkyMiles account at 1:1 ratio.
Looking to do some exploring once you’ve arrived? Check out Get Your Guide for a list of the best activities in Hawaii.
Airline: American Airlines, Alaska, Delta
Routes: SAN/SJC/OAK/SEA/LAX/JFK/IAD/MSP/ORD/DFW/LAS/BOS/DTW/DEN/SLC and more to HNL/OGG/KOA/LIH
Cost: $275+, 18,306 points or 22,000 miles round-trip in economy
Travel Dates: March-November, Delta SkyMiles deals available mainly in April and May
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare on plus trip delay insurance), Citi Premier Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
San Diego (SAN) to Honolulu (HNL) for $275 or 18,306 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip:
San Jose (SJC) to Honolulu (HNL) for $277 or 18,480 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip nonstop:
Oakland (OAK) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) for $277 or 18,480 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip nonstop:
San Jose (SJC) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) for $277 or 18,480 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip nonstop:
Oakland (OAK) to Kona (KOA) for $277 or 18,480 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip nonstop:
San Diego (SAN) to Kahului, Maui (OGG) for $307 or 20,480 Chase Ultimate Rewards points round-trip nonstop:
Seattle (SEA) to Honolulu (HNL) for 22,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop / 1-stop:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Lihue (LIH) for 23,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA) for 23,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop:
Seattle (SEA) to Lihue (LIH) for 24,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) for 25,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop:
San Diego (SAN) to Lihue (LIH) for 25,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Maui (OGG) for 27,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip nonstop:
New York (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL) for 32,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
Chicago (ORD) to Honolulu (HNL) for 32,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
Denver (DEN) to Honolulu (HNL) for 32,500 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
Minneapolis (MSP) to Maui (OGG) for 37,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
Washington DC (IAD) to Honolulu (HNL) for 37,000 SkyMiles + $11 round-trip:
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), Citi Prestige Card (5x on airfare on plus trip delay insurance), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Premier Card (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
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Featured image by M Swiet Productions / Getty Images.
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The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), up to a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at Marriott and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,200 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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