This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
If you’re looking to get to Pyongyang, North Korea, you’ll have more flight options starting Wednesday.
That’s the day that Air China says it will resume its regular flights between Beijing (PEK) and Pyongyang (FNJ), the hermit nation’s capital city with service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The flagship carrier of China had suspended the route in November 2017 — some say due to lack of demand, while others say it was a reaction to the international fallout over North Korea’s controversial nuclear program.
Either way, diplomatic relations between the two countries seem to be warming once again, especially after two meetings between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un earlier this spring. Air China representatives told Reuters that the route’s re-launch was for “market reasons.”
The resumption of Air China’s PEK-FNJ route is the latest sign that regional tensions might be thawing — at least in the aviation sector. North Korea’s state-owned airline, Air Koryo, said in May that it was interested in adding a new charter flight from Pyongyang (FNJ) to Chengdu (CTU), one of the biggest cities in Western China. Last month, officials said the flights could start as early as late June, pending approval from China’s aviation regulator.
And, even more notably, North Korea asked the International Civil Aviation Organization in May for permission to launch flights into South Korea on a reported route between Pyongyang (FNJ) and Seoul (ICN). Special charter flights between the two Koreas occurred before the Olympics in February, the first time that’s happened since 1994.
According to its website, North Korea’s Air Koryo currently operates flights from Pyongyang (FNJ) to Beijing (PEK), Shenyang (SHE) in China and Vladivostok, Russia (VVO).
Featured image of Pyongyang Airport by ED JONES/AFP/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
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.
