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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 Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the 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.
American Airlines is currently offering cheap flights to Beijing (PEK) and Shanghai (PVG) from Delta hub cities across the US, such as Portland (PDX), Seattle (SEA) and Minneapolis (MSP). The fares start at $394 round-trip and are available for travel from September 2018 through May 2019. Besides getting you to China on the cheap, these fares could significantly boost your American AAdvantage mileage balance and help you earn elite status quicker. You can read more on the special tricks to maximize your mileage earning on American Airlines flights after the flight booking examples, below.
To book, head to Google Flights and plug in your desired departure city. After finding the dates that work best for you, book with American directly or with an OTA such as Expedia or the Chase Ultimate Rewards travel portal.
Airlines: American Airlines
Routes: ATL/MSP/PDX/PHX/SAN/SEA/SLC to PEK/PVG
Cost: $394+ round-trip in economy
Dates: September 2018 – May 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) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Portland (PDX) to Beijing (PEK) in November for $394 round-trip on American:
Seattle (SEA) to Beijing (PEK) in March 2019 for $394 round-trip on American:
Minneapolis (MSP) to Shanghai (PVG) in February 2019 for $438 round-trip on American:
Portland (PDX) to Shanghai (PVG) in March 2019 for $438 round-trip on American:
Seattle (SEA) to Shanghai (PVG) in September for $438 round-trip on American:
Orlando (MCO) to Beijing (PEK) in December for $504 round-trip on American:
Maximize Your Mileage Earnings
If you’re chasing AAdvantage elite status, you’re going to want to book the American Airlines flights using special fare techniques to maximize your Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQD) and award earnings. For example, by booking the $394 round-trip ticket from Portland (PDX) to Beijing (PEK) shown above, a general AAdvantage member would normally earn 14,170 EQMs, 304 EQDs and a measly 1,520 award miles. However, that same ticket booked as a special fare would earn 14,170 EQMs, 1,417 EQDs and 7,085 award miles.
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (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 Prasit photo / Getty Images.
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With great travel benefits, 2x points on travel & dining and a 50,000 point sign up bonus, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great card for those looking to get into the points and miles game. Here are the top 5 reasons it should be in your wallet, or read our definitive review for more details.
- Earn 50,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
- Chase Sapphire Preferred named "Best Credit Card for Flexible Travel Redemption" - Kiplinger's Personal Finance, June 2018
- 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide & 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.
- No foreign transaction fees
- 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards. For example, 50,000 points are worth $625 toward travel
- No blackout dates or travel restrictions - as long as there's a seat on the flight, you can book it through Chase Ultimate Rewards
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.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
