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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend that 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 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.
Everyone loves to travel to Europe in the summer. But, if you’re able (and willing) to visit between September and May, you can usually get an excellent deal on flights — not to mention cheaper accommodations. Last week, American Airlines dropped airfares from many cities to Paris (CDG). While some of these cities still have great fares under $500, American has now dropped fares even more — specifically for flights departing NYC. Now, you can fly from the Big Apple to the City of Light starting at just $357 round-trip on American Airlines, valid for departures from January through March 2017.
Airline: American Airlines
Route: New York (JFK)-Paris (CDG) nonstop
Cost: $357 round-trip in economy
Dates: Departures from January 17 through March 29
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
Pay With: American Express Platinum Card (5x on airfare),Chase Sapphire Reserve, American Express Premier Rewards Gold, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
New York JFK to Paris (CDG) for $357 round-trip for Valentine’s Day:
New York JFK to Paris (CDG) for $357 round-trip:
After American Airlines’ recent change to a revenue-based mileage program, you’re not going to earn many award miles from these cheap flights. General members will earn just 1,180 redeemable miles and Executive Platinum members will earn 2,596 redeemable miles. But, these flights can be an excellent way of jump-starting your elite mileage earnings in 2017. You’ll earn around 7,270 elite-qualifying miles — at a cost of about 4.9 cents each. Not bad for a great destination.
Meanwhile, if you have the Citi Prestige card, you can book flights through the Citi portal for just 22,285 ThankYou points round-trip. Considering redeeming American Airlines miles for these Off Peak flights would cost 22,500 one-way, you’re basically getting the return flight for free. Also, you’ll get extra award miles if you book through the Citi portal — while still earning the same number of elite-qualifying miles (EQM).
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 Premier Rewards Gold 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.
Source: thepointsguy.com