Deal Alert: California to Australia From $498 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 The 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.
A great deal just popped up between California and Australia. These are running in the $600s on first-tier online travel agencies (OTAs) such as Orbitz and Expedia. However, these same flights are pricing for much less through second- and third-tier OTAs via Momondo. These OTAs may be more likely to cancel your ticket or they may not provide the same level of service. Here are both options, below:
Airlines: Air New Zealand
Routes: LAX/SFO to MEL/OOL/BNE/SYD
Cost: $498+ round-trip in economy
Dates: February - June 2018
Booking Link: Momondo for the cheapest options or 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:
San Francisco (SFO) to Coolangatta (OOL) for $498 round-trip via Momondo:
San Francisco (SFO) to Coolangatta (OOL) for $613 round-trip via Expedia:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) for $509 round-trip via Momondo:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Melbourne (MEL) for $624 round-trip via Expedia:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) for $522 round-trip via Momondo:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) for $637 round-trip via Expedia:
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.
H/T: Scott's Cheap Flights
If you're able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below.