Deal alert: Winter getaways to Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands from $199 round-trip
You can leave the passport at home with this new deal alert. There are great sales available for quick weekend winter getaways to Caribbean hotspots like Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from a number of American cities. We found round-trip fares as low as $199 for Economy seats.
Note: The cheapest fares with JetBlue and United do not include a full-size carry-on bag. Expect to pay at least $80 roundtrip to upgrade to regular economy on those airlines. So if you need to pack a bit more for your beach vacation, keep in mind that a checked bag costs $30-$35 each way.
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This deal hit our radar thanks to our friends at Scott’s Cheap Flights in a deal first sent to their premium subscribers and is available from January to March 2022. Their premium subscription is $49 per year, and the elite membership costs $199 annually.
Nonmembers can find sale prices by using Google Flights to search for desired routes and dates.
Deal basics
Airlines: American, Delta JetBlue, United.
Routes: ATL/BUF/CLE/DEN/JFK/MIA/ORD and others to Aguadilla, Puerto Rico (BQN), San Juan (SJU), St. Croix (STX) and St. Thomas (STT).
Cost: Flights available from $199; some nonstop routes available.
Dates: January-March 2022; Some routes available April/May and between August-November 2022.
Pay with: The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year); the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare; the Citi Premier® Card (3 points per dollar on air travel); Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on air travel); the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.
The information for the Citi Prestige Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Here's one of the best bargains we found: New York City (JFK) to St. Croix (STX) on American for just $199. That's about as low as you'll find for a February respite from the east coast winter. It's Basic Economy so you don't get a seat selection, but you do get a free carry-on.
New Yorkers can also fly in February from JFK to San Juan (SJU) for only $200 nonstop on JetBlue. This is a Blue Basic fare, so note that carry-on bags aren't allowed for passengers flying in this tier. Checking a bag will cost you $60, or you can upgrade to Blue tier for $40, which not only gives you a free carry-on for your weekend getaway, but also an assigned seat.
Flights from NYC to the city of Aguadilla, part of the Porta del Sol region of Puerto Rico, are also available at a great price in late January and into February. JetBlue has $226 nonstop Blue Basic fares. That's a low enough price that either choosing to pay the $60 fee for a checked bag, or upgrading for $80, is still worth it.
We found some rock-bottom fares from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Juan (SJU) in late February. JetBlue has Blue Basic itineraries for only $249. That's well more than 50% off what that fare usually goes for. Keep in mind that it's JetBlue's bare-bones tier, so no full-size carry-on bag is allowed. Unless you can pack everything you need for a long weekend into a backpack, we want to let you know that a checked bag will set you back $60.
We like to spotlight the best deals from those parts of the U.S. that get the full winter experience because a Caribbean escape just means a bit more when you have to shovel your driveway and always remember your gloves to go to work.
That's why this fare from Cleveland (CLE) to San Juan is so appealing. American has it for just $199 round-trip for an end-of-January trip. We also saw $199 fares in March, too, but don't wait too long. This is roughly half what this fare usually costs.
Related: A beginner's guide to visiting Puerto Rico
Atlanta (ATL) to St. Thomas (STT) at the end of January is just $258 round-trip on American. You have some extended layovers in Miami both ways, but It's too good to pass up at that discounted price.
Maximize your purchase
Don’t forget to use a card that earns points on airfare purchases, like The Platinum Card® from American Express for 5 points per dollar on airfare booked directly with the airline or through American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year); the Citi Prestige® Card for 5 points per dollar on airfare; the Citi Premier® Card (3 points per dollar on air travel); Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar on air travel); the American Express® Gold Card for 3 points per dollar on airfare when booked directly with the airline or through Amex Travel or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for 2 points per dollar on travel.
Bottom line
Whether you plan to kick back and relax with your feet in the sand and your hands on a frosty beverage by the beach in St. Croix, or want to try out some of the great golf and water sports available in Aguadilla, this great deal will help get you there at some excellent prices.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
- Learn Moreabout American Express® Gold CardTerms Apply
TPG featured card
Rewards
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees
Rewards Rate
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. |
5X | Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. |
Intro Offer
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.Earn 80,000 PointsAnnual Fee
$695Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO© Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.670-850Excellent/Good
Why We Chose It
Sometimes it's worth a large investment to reap the benefits of a great credit card. That's exactly the case with the Amex Platinum card. In exchange for the annual fee, you'll unlock access to the Amex Membership Rewards program that let you access airline and hotel transfer partners, along with new lifestyle and travel credits. This card is also incredibly rewarding for travel purchases, helping you rack up a ton of Membership Rewards points for your next award trip.Pros
- The current welcome offer on this card is quite lucrative. TPG values it at $1,600.
- This card comes with a long list of benefits, including access to Centurion Lounges, complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott, at least $500 in assorted annual statement credits and so much more. (Enrollment required for select benefits.)
- The Amex Platinum comes with access to a premium concierge service that can help you with everything from booking hard-to-get reservations to finding destination guides to help you plan out your next getaway.
Cons
- The high annual fee is only worth it if you’re taking full advantage of the card’s benefits. Seldom travelers may not get enough value to warrant the cost.
- Outside of the current welcome bonus, you’re only earning higher rewards on specific airfare and hotel purchases, so it’s not a great card for other spending categories.
- The annual airline fee statement credit can be complicated to take advantage of compared to the broader travel credits offered by competing premium cards.
- Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $6,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
- Get $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum two-night stay, through American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®.
- $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Audible, Disney+, The Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, Peacock, SiriusXM, and The New York Times. Enrollment required.
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups are excluded.
- American Express has expanded The Centurion® Network to include 40+ Centurion Lounge and Studio locations worldwide. There are even more places your Platinum Card® can get you complimentary entry and exclusive perks.
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year in baggage fees and more at one select qualifying airline.
- $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only.
- Get up to $300 back per calendar year on the Equinox+ digital fitness app, or eligible Equinox club memberships when you pay with your Platinum Card. Enrollment required. Learn more.
- Breeze through security with CLEAR® lanes available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your membership when you use your Card. Learn more.
- $695 annual fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees