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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 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.
United’s currently offering discounted fares from several US cities to the Chinese capital, with prices starting at just $492 round-trip for flights between Boston (BOS) and Beijing (PEK). You can also score discounted fares from Chicago (ORD), Portland (PDX), Seattle (SEA) and San Francisco (SFO) with availability for departures from January through May. If you’re departing from the eastern side of the country, you’ll likely travel on board a Boeing 777 while if you’re departing from the west, you’ll have a chance to fly the airline’s Boeing 747, which is being retired sooner than we previously thought.
If you’re planning to visit China (or any other country that requires a visa), TPG recommends using a third-party service like Allied Passport & Visa to simplify the process and improve your chances of getting approved. Mention The Points Guy on your order form to get a $5 discount just for TPG readers.
Airline: United
Route: BOS, ORD, PDX, SEA and SFO to PEK
Cost: $492+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January – May 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:
Boston (BOS) to Beijing (PEK) for $492 round-trip in April:
Seattle (SEA) to Beijing (PEK) for $492 round-trip in April:
Portland (PDX) to Beijing (PEK) for $512 round-trip in April:
San Francisco (SFO) to Beijing (PEK) for $518 round-trip in April:
Chicago (ORD) to Beijing (PEK) for $528 round-trip in April:
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