Deal Alert: LA to Pittsburgh From $132 Round-Trip in Basic Economy
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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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.
United is offering discounted fares from Los Angeles (LAX) to Pittsburgh (PIT) — and vice versa — starting from $132 round-trip. The only drawback to these fares is that they are in basic economy, which means that you won't have the usual carry-on allowance, be able to select your seat or potentially get an upgrade or earn PQM/PQS/PQDs per usual. It's possible to defeat many of basic economy's negative aspects by having elite status or a co-branded United credit card. Otherwise, you'll need to cough up $74 if you want to upgrade one of these fares to regular economy.
Airline: United
Route: LAX to/from PIT
Cost: $132+ round-trip
Dates: August – October 2018
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Pittsburgh (PIT) for $132 round-trip in August:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Pittsburgh (PIT) for $132 round-trip in September:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Pittsburgh (PIT) for $132 round-trip in October:
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, American Express Premier Rewards Gold 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.
