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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 American Express Platinum Card, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through 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.
While we’re accustomed to flight deals to Europe in the $400s on mainline carriers — and cheaper on low-cost carriers — premium economy flight prices haven’t been as reasonable. Well, today we are seeing some great deals to Europe on Oneworld carriers American Airlines and Iberia in premium economy, starting under $800 round-trip.
Not sure if premium economy is worth the premium? With the ongoing Great Squeeze in Economy, even US airlines are figuring out that there’s a segment of passengers that just can’t deal with the tight seats for an intercontinental flight, but also won’t pay thousands of dollars for lie-flat business class. Premium economy is an airline’s attempt at providing a Goldilocks solution.
Just this past week, I had a chance to check out American Airlines’ premium economy service on a transatlantic route. The full review is coming soon, but — spoiler alert — I liked it. Despite a small price premium over economy, American Airlines delivers true premium economy service with business class-style meals, an amenity kit with all of the basics, and solid legroom and seat width.
Iberia’s premium economy also scored well when I had a chance to fly it on the inaugural flight of the product.
You don’t need any tricks to get these airfares. Just find the dates you want by searching with Google Flights, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline itself.
Airline: Iberia, American Airlines, LEVEL
Routes: JFK/MIA/BOS/LAX to MAD/BCN
Cost: $791+ round-trip in premium economy
Dates: February-May and August-January 2019
Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Pay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Premier Rewards Gold Card from American Express, Citi Prestige (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
New York’s JFK to Barcelona (BCN) for $791 round-trip nonstop on American Airlines via Expedia:
Miami (MIA) to Barcelona (BCN) for $791 round-trip nonstop on American Airlines via Expedia:
Boston (BOS) to Madrid (MAD) for $796 round-trip nonstop on Iberia via Expedia:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Barcelona (BCN) for $916 round-trip nonstop on LEVEL via Expedia:
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