Deal Alert: Transcon Fares From $197 Round-Trip

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 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.

A fare war seems to be underway with most of the major airlines offering transcon fares starting from just $197 round-trip. You can fly nonstop from New York (JFK) and Newark (EWR) to Las Vegas (LAS), Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) on American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Virgin America. You can also grab the same price if your journey originates on the West Coast. Make sure to hop on this deal quickly — these fares probably won’t last long!

Airline: American, Delta, JetBlue, United and Virgin America
Route: EWR and JFK to LAS, LAX and SFO
Cost: $197+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January — April 2017
Booking Link: Orbitz or Expedia
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) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)

Here are a few examples of what you can book:

New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) for $197 round-trip in February on American:

New York (JFK) to Los Angeles (SFO) for $207 round-trip in February on American:

New York (JFK) to Las Vegas (LAS) for $226 round-trip in February on Virgin America:

New York (JFK) to San Francisco (SFO) for $236 round-trip in January on JetBlue:

San Francisco (SFO) to New York (JFK) for $236 round-trip in January on Delta:

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.

If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!

Source: thepointsguy.com