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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 Platinum Card® from American Express, you’ll need to book directly with the airline or through the 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.
We’re fans of Delta’s Premium Select, the carrier’s new class of service found on the Airbus A350 and select refurbished Boeing 777 jets. If you’ve been looking for an affordable way to test it out, now’s your chance. TPG Editor-at-Large Zach Honig spelled out the top nine things you need to know about Premium Select (which is Delta’s version of Premium Economy, found widely on international carriers), and Reviews Editor Nick Ellis reviewed the product on an A350 flight between Detroit and Tokyo.
Given how fresh the product is, pricing hasn’t been very kind. That makes today’s deal all the more alluring. We haven’t seen too many fare sales for Delta’s Premium Select, but it appears that quite a few US-to-China routes and dates are open for booking at less than $800 round-trip.
We’re seeing deals start at $747 all-in for travel from US cities to Shanghai (PVG) and Beijing (PEK), which is well below what you would typically expect to pay for these flights in standard economy. Dates seem to be relatively plentiful, including much of October, November and December. We’re also seeing impressive connection options, which will be good news for those who are a hop away from DTW and LAX.
We’d encourage you to test out departure airports as well as dates using a flexible search engine through Expedia or Orbitz. As you’re scouting options that would work for you, make sure you route through Detroit (DTW) or Los Angeles (LAX). Delta’s A350 fleet to China currently routes only through DTW and LAX, with Seattle slated to gain an A350 flight to Tokyo (NRT) beginning March 1, 2019.
Airlines: Delta
Routes: Many US Cities (routing through DTW and LAX) to/from PVG/PEK
Cost: $747+ round-trip in Premium Select
Dates: September 2018 – Early 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:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Shanghai (PVG) in November for $747 round-trip:
Orlando (MCO) to Beijing (PEK) in November for $862 round-trip:
Baltimore (BWI) to Beijing (PEK) in December for $947 round-trip:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don’t forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (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.
H/T: BoardingArea