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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.
The American Express Platinum card has some of the best perks out there: cardholders enjoy the best domestic lounge access (Delta SkyClubs, Centurion Lounges, and Priority Pass), a $200 annual airline fee credit as well as up to $200 in Uber credits, and mid-tier elite status at SPG, Marriott, and Hilton. Combined with the 60,000 point welcome offer -- worth $1,140 based on TPG's valuations -- this card is a no-brainer for frequent travelers. Here are 5 reasons you should consider this card, as well as how you can figure out if the $550 annual fee makes sense for you.
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases in your first 3 months.
- Enjoy Uber VIP status and free rides in the U.S. up to $15 each month, plus a bonus $20 in December. That can be up to $200 in annual Uber savings.
- 5X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel.
- 5X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels booked on amextravel.com.
- Enjoy access to the Global Lounge Collection, the only credit card airport lounge access program that includes proprietary lounge locations around the world.
- Receive complimentary benefits with an average total value of $550 with Fine Hotels & Resorts. Learn More.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit, up to $200 per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one qualifying airline.
- Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required.
- $550 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
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