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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.
Kuala Lumpur and Singapore are amazing cities to visit, and right now flights to each are on sale, with fares from Los Angeles (LAX) and New York/Newark (EWR) on both United and Xiamen starting at just $463 round-trip. Both cities also offer many great jumping off opportunities to other Southeast Asian destinations like Vietnam and Thailand — which you can get to on the cheap with one of many low-cost carriers like AirAsia or Scoot.
There’s wide availability on these routes from January through May — just use Google Flights to find the dates you want, then book via Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline. Some of the United itineraries have one leg on United and the other on ANA, while the LAX to Singapore route is operated by Xiamen. All are full-service carriers so you’ll get a free checked bag and meals on your journey.
Airlines: United and Xiamen
Routes: EWR/LAX to KUL/SIN
Cost: $463+ round-trip in economy
Dates: January through May
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) or Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) for $463 round-trip on United:
Newark (EWR) to Singapore (SIN) for $470 round-trip on United:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Singapore (SIN) for $475 round-trip via Expedia on Xiamen:
Newark (EWR) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL) for $478 round-trip on United:
Maximize Your Purchase
Be sure 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.
Source: thepointsguy.com