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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.
On Wednesday, Virgin Atlantic was offering cheap flights from a couple US cities to Johannesburg, South Africa. On Thursday, KLM is offering a deal of its own — this time, with service to Cape Town (CPT) from $575 round-trip. We’re seeing the lowest fares from Chicago (ORD) and Los Angeles (LAX) to CPT. However, several other US cities are also seeing the discounted fares. (Plus, it looks like some of those Johannesburg deals are still around!)
Some of the itineraries require two or more stops — and some even require Delta connections within the US. To search, you’ll want to head to Google Flights and find dates that work for you. Then, click through to book directly with KLM.
Airline: KLM
Routes: DFW/LAX/MIA/ORD/SFO to CPT
Cost: $575+ round-trip in economy
Dates: November 2018 to March 2019
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline.
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are some examples of what you can book:
Chicago (ORD) to Cape Town (CPT) for $575 round-trip:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Cape Town (CPT) for $575 round-trip:
San Francisco (SFO) to Cape Town (CPT) for $579 round-trip:
Miami (MIA) to Cape Town (CPT) for $585 round-trip:
Dallas (DFW) to Cape Town (CPT) for $589 round-trip:
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® Gold Card 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.
H/T: The Flight Deal
Featured image by Westend61 / Getty Images.
With some great bonus categories, the American Express Gold Card has a lot going for it. The card offers 4x points at US restaurants, at US supermarkets (up to $25,000; then 1x), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com. It is currently offering a welcome bonus of 35,000 bonus points after you spend $2,000 in the first three months.
- Earn 35,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $2,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. restaurants. Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with The Gold Card at Grubhub, Seamless, The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack, and Ruth's Chris Steak House. This is an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Airline Fee Credit: up to $100 in statement credits per calendar year for incidental fees at one selected qualifying airline.
- Choose to carry a balance with interest on eligible charges of $100 or more.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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