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Fly to a reopened Morocco this fall for just 44,000 miles each way in business class

Andrew Kunesh
Andrew Kunesh
Contributor
Andrew is a former senior editor at The Points Guy. He's been a miles and points fanatic since 2014 and previously wrote for Upgraded Points and Credit Karma. Outside of the travel world, Andrew is a technology enthusiast, craft coffee aficionado and — despite now living in NYC — a Chicagoan at heart.
June 27, 2021
•
7 min read
Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Morocco
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Morocco restarted international flights and opened its borders to tourism from many countries on June 15, 2021. This includes the U.S., which is on the country's "List A." Those coming from countries on this list can enter Morocco with a negative PCR test administered within 48 hours of the date of entry or proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Many businesses have reopened in Morocco, but there is still an 11 pm to 4:30 am curfew in effect. We're hopeful that these restrictions will be eased over time. Regardless, you can now return to Morocco to experience its amazing food and cultural sights.

Royal Air Maroc is again flying to its Casablanca (CMN) hub from New York-JFK and Washington-Dulles (IAD). We're finding plenty of open award space on both routes in business class this fall and winter.

You can transfer American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One and Citi ThankYou points to Royal Air Maroc partner Etihad Guest and book tickets for just 44,000 points each way in business class. This is far cheaper than booking with other partners like American AAdvantage or British Airways Avios.

Let's take a closer look at the award space and how to book.

The deal

Airline: Royal Air Maroc
Routes: New York-JFK, Washington-Dulles (IAD) to Casablanca (CMN)
Cost: From 88,000 Amex, Capital One or Citi points round-trip (transferred to Etihad Guest)
Dates: September through December 2021
How to book: Find award space with your favorite Oneworld search tool and call Etihad Guest to book
Pay Taxes/Fees With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline or with American Express Travel; on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), Chase Sapphire Reserve (3x on travel) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel) for travel protections on the award flight.

Related: To Morocco, in style: A review of Royal Air Maroc's 787-9 in business from NYC to Casablanca

IS it worth it?

Royal Air Maroc 787-9 business (Photo by Brendan Dorsey/The Points Guy)

Business-class flights to Morocco are never cheap, and this fall is no exception. Nonstop flights from New York-JFK to Casablanca (CMN) start at just over $3,800 round-trip for the bulk of the fall schedule and get higher close to New Year's Eve.

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(Screenshot courtesy of google.com/flights)

You can book the same flights for just 88,000 Etihad miles and moderate taxes and fees (~$300) round-trip. This gives you over 4 cents per point in value which is excellent for any major transferable points currency.

That said, a country's reopening plans can change at the last minute. Keep an eye on the U.S. Embassy in Morocco's website for up-to-date entry information and make sure you fully understand the change and cancellation policy of the loyalty program you book.

Related: 9 mistakes travelers often make in Morocco

Open Royal Air Maroc award space to Casablanca

You can fly Royal Air Maroc to Morocco this fall and winter. (Photo by Brendan Dorsey/The Points Guy)

Here's a look at open award space to Casablanca from Royal Air Maroc's gateways in New York and Washington D.C.:

New York-JFK to/from Casablanca (CMN)

Outbound:

  • September: 1, 3, 7-9, 21, 27 and 28
  • October: 3, 8, 11-12 and 31
  • November: 4, 9-10, 13-14, 16-17, 19 and 27
  • December: None

Inbound:

  • September: 1, 3, 7-10, 16, 21-23, 25, 27 and 29
  • October: 5, 7, 12 and 27
  • November: 2-3, 5, 16, 18-19, 21, 24-28 and 30
  • December: 1-2, 7-8, 10-19, 20-26 and 28

Washington-Dulles (IAD) to/from Casablanca (CMN)

Outbound:

  • September: 4-6, 12, 15, 19, 24 and 26
  • October: 6, 17, 20, 22, 24 and 31
  • November: 3, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28
  • December: 3, 5, 10, 29 and 31

Inbound:

  • September: 3-6, 10, 15, 17, 22 and 24
  • October: 1, 6, 22 and 29
  • November: 3, 5, 7, 12, 14, 19, 21, 24, 26 and 28
  • December: 3, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26 and 31

Related: A first-timer's travel guide to Morocco

Boosting your Membership Rewards balance

(Photo by Wyatt Smith/The Points Guy)

You can earn American Express Membership Rewards points by spending on an Amex card. Here's a look at some of my favorite Amex cards and their current welcome offers. Each card has its own set of benefits and fees, so do your own research to find a good fit for you.

  • American Express® Green Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Plus, 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases in the first six months, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit. Earn 3x points on dining at restaurants, travel and transit (including flights, hotels, taxis, tours, and ridesharing services), 1x points on all other purchases ($150 annual fee; see rates and fees).
  • American Express® Gold Card: Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new card within the first six months of account opening. Earn 4x points on dining at restaurants; 4x points at U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per calendar year; then 1x points); 3x points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or American Express Travel; 1x points on all other purchases, ($250 annual fee; see rates and fees).
  • The Platinum Card® from American Express: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards Points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first six months of card membership. Earn 5x points on airfare purchased directly from airlines or with American Express Travel (earn 5x points on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year), 5x on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel, and Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts; 1x on all other purchases, ($695 annual fee; see rates and fees).

Related: Move over Sapphire: Why I almost always go for Membership Rewards instead of Ultimate Rewards

Bottom line

Morocco is an incredible country, and it's great to see it reopen to American tourists. If you're interested in traveling to the North African country this year, consider booking your tickets now before award space is booked up.

Feature photo by ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com

For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum card, click here

For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here

For rates and fees of the Amex Gold Card, click here

Featured image by Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca Morocco (Photo by ESB Professional / Shutterstock.com)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.