Deal Alert: West Coast to Southeast Asia From $552 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 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.
We're seeing some great fares on Star Alliance carriers between West Coast cities and popular Southeast Asian destinations. Flights are available from San Francisco (SFO) to Bangkok (BKK) for as little as $552 round-trip, with the discounted fares valid for departures from September through December 2017. Other options include Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) and Hanoi (HAN) in Vietnam. Some itineraries include a leg on United's new 777-300ER (77W) — great news if you're in business, but not so much if you're in coach, due to the aircraft's 3-4-3 configuration. These deals likely won't be around for too long, so if you're debating a Southeast Asian excursion in the coming months, head on over to Google Flights to find dates that work, and then complete your booking directly through the airline.

While you're in Hanoi it might be fun to check out some of the city's hottest spots that TPG got to check out on a trip to the country last May. You'll stop by some historic hotels, see can't-miss attractions and, if you're feeling up for it, party all night long.
Airline(s): United, ANA, Asiana
Route: SFO/LAX to BKK/HAN/SGN
Cost: $552+ round-trip in economy
Dates: September - December 2017
Booking Link: United, 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:
San Francisco (SFO) to Bangkok (BKK) for $552 round-trip in September on ANA and United:

San Francisco (SFO) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for $554 round-trip in September on ANA and United:

Los Angeles (LAX) to Hanoi (HAN) for $607 round-trip in September on Asiana:

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 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!
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