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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 EST 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.
While it’s become relatively common to find ridiculously cheap airfares to Europe on low-cost carriers like Norwegian and WOW, the “Big 3” US legacy carriers are still reluctant to drop transatlantic fares across the board, preferring to instead run limited-time sales to select cities. That’s what we’re finding today to both Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH), and Amsterdam (AMS) in the Netherlands — right now you can get flights on American, Delta and United from as far east as Boston (BOS) and as far west as Denver (DEN) starting at just $398 round-trip.
Departures are available from October to May with the exception of the December holiday season, and you don’t need any tricks to get these prices. Just use Google Flights to find the dates you want, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline itself. Most of these itineraries are either nonstop or have one reasonable connection, and since these are international trips on the mainstream carriers, travelers will get their first checked bag free along with a complimentary in-flight meal.
Airlines: American, Delta, United
Routes: NYC/BOS/IAD/DCA/BWI/ORD/DEN to ZRH/AMS
Cost: $398 and up round-trip in economy
Dates: October 2017 through May 2018 (except December)
Booking Link: Orbitz orExpedia
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 Zurich, Switzerland (ZRH) round-trip for $398 via Orbitz:
Washington, DC (DCA) to Zurich (ZRH) round-trip for $403 via Orbitz:
Baltimore (BWI) to Zurich (ZRH) round-trip for $403 via Orbitz:
Boston (BOS) to Amsterdam, Netherlands (AMS) round-trip for $403 via Orbitz:
Denver (DEN) to Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip for $429 via Orbitz:
Chicago (ORD) to Amsterdam (AMS) round-trip for $497 via Orbitz:
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 (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