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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.
While we've seen a slew of cheap flights to Europe, it's rare to see such great fares to Switzerland! Today, Star Alliance partners are delivering a slate of flights to the incredibly beautiful mountainous country. If you're looking to get a jumpstart toward United MileagePlus elite status, some of these flights are available as United codeshare flights.
Note that some discount online travel agencies (OTAs) will show lower prices on these routes. Beware that many of these cheap options require long layovers, multiple stops or even a change of airport. Also, while booking flights through these OTAs can save you money up front, they can be a pain to deal with if you have any issues with your itinerary.
Airlines: Air Canada and other Star Alliance carriers
Route: BOS/SEA/MIA to GVA/ZRH
Cost: $378+ round-trip in economy (the lowest prices in this sale generally require a 7-day stay)
Dates: January — May 2017, with April having the most options
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), 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:
Boston (BOS) to Geneva (GVA) on Air Canada for $378 round-trip via United codeshare flights:
Boston (BOS) to Zurich (ZRH) nonstop on Swiss for $460 round-trip:
Seattle (SEA) to Zurich (ZRH) for $453 round-trip on the Air Canada 787 via Orbitz:
Miami (MIA) to Geneva (GVA) on Air Canada for $478 round-trip via Orbitz:
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.
If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!
H/T: Scott's Cheap Flights
