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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.
Several Star Alliance carriers are offering cheap fares on flights from several US cities to some of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations. Score a round-trip ticket from Los Angeles (LAX) to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) for as little as $498 on Air China. Deals are also available from cities like Chicago (ORD), New York (JFK) and Houston (IAH) to other Asian cities such as Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), Manila (MNL) and Kuala Lumpur (KUL). These discounted fares are generally available from October through December 2017, but exact availability will depend on your origin and destination. We recommend doing your research through Google Flights and then booking either directly through the airlines themselves or with an OTA such as Expedia or Orbitz.
Airlines: Air China, ANA, Asiana, Singapore, United
Routes: LAX/ORD/JFK/IAH to BKK/SGN/MNL/KUL
Cost: $498+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January - March 2018
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:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Bangkok (BKK) for $498 round-trip on Air China:
New York (JFK) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN) for $552 round-trip on Air China:
New York (JFK) to Manila (MNL) for $560 round-trip on Asiana:
Chicago (ORD) to Bangkok (BKK) for $642 round-trip on ANA/United:
Houston (IAH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) for $659 round-trip on Singapore:
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!
