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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.

Transcon flights from Boston (BOS) to Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) are on sale from $197 round-trip. Prices are available both ways and all major carriers seem to be in on the deal. Some flights are in basic economy, so you’ll need to pay extra for a seat assignment or checked bag. However, a co-branded credit card or elite status can get around some of those restrictions.

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 through an OTA like Priceline or Expedia.

Airline: American, Alaska, United, JetBlue, Delta
Routes: BOS to LAX/SFO
Cost: $197+ round-trip in economy
Dates: February – 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 excellent trip delay insurance), Citi Premier Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, 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:

Boston (BOS) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $197 round-trip nonstop on Alaska:

Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO) for $197 round-trip nonstop on JetBlue:

Boston (BOS) to San Francisco (SFO) for $197 round-trip nonstop on United:

Los Angeles (LAX) to Boston (BOS) for $197 round-trip nonstop on Delta:

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 excellent trip delay insurance), Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, 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.

H/T: The Flight Deal

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Featured image by Teresa Barajas via Unsplash.