Deal Alert: US Cities to China From $472 Round-Trip
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 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.
Yesterday the three US legacy airlines — American, Delta and United — were competing with low prices on flights to Zurich, some of which are still available as of this writing. But today they're looking westward with deals on itineraries to China. You'll find flights to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) from Las Vegas (LAS), Seattle (SEA), Boston (BOS), Chicago (ORD), Denver (DEN) and Los Angeles (LAX) starting at just $472 round-trip.
We're seeing wide availability in the fall with departures from September through early December. In most cases there's a three or five-night stay requirement, but you don't need any tricks to get these airfares — just use Google Flights to find the dates you want, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline itself. Since these are international trips on mainstream carriers, you'll get your first checked bag free and even a complimentary meal during the flight.
If you’re planning to visit China or any other country that requires a visa, TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa to simplify what can be a complex process. Mention The Points Guy on your order form and you'll get a $5 discount just for TPG readers.
Airlines: Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines
Routes: LAS/SEA/BOS/ORD/DEN/LAX to PEK/PVG
Cost: $472+ round-trip in economy
Dates: September through early December
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Las Vegas (LAS) to Beijing, China (PEK) for $472 round-trip on United via Orbitz:
Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai, China (PVG) nonstop for $478 round-trip on Delta:
Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) for $483 round-trip on Delta:
Chicago (ORD) to Beijing (PEK) nonstop for $528 round-trip on American via Orbitz:
Denver (DEN) to Beijing (PEK) for $548 round-trip on United via Orbitz:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Beijing (PEK) for $559 round-trip on Delta:
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, or Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!