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.
Fantastic deals are available for those who want to head to Amsterdam.
You can fly from Newark (EWR), Boston (BOS), Washington DC (IAD), Denver (DEN), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH) and Seattle (SEA) to Amsterdam (AMS) from $300 round-trip. Most flights are operated by United and nonstop — but still in basic economy, so you won’t get a free checked bag or seat assignment. There seems to be solid prices from other smaller cities United flies from like Santa Rosa (STS) and Nashville (BNA) — so even if you don’t see your airport listed it’s worth plugging it into Google flights.
If you’re looking to do some exploring, check out Get Your Guide for a list of the best activities in Amsterdam — and make sure you avoid these common tourists mistakes in the city.
Airlines: United, Delta
Routes: EWR/BOS/IAD/DEN/ORD/SFO/IAH/SEA/BNA/STS and likely more to AMS
Cost: $300+ round-trip in economy
Travel Dates: January — March 2019
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi ThankYou Premier Card, 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)
Booking Link: Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Newark (EWR) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $300 round-trip nonstop on United:
Newark (EWR) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $317 round-trip on United:
Boston (BOS) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $411 round-trip nonstop on Delta in basic economy:
Washington DC (IAD) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $421 round-trip nonstop on United:
Chicago (ORD) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $422 round-trip nonstop on United:
San Francisco (SFO) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $422 round-trip on United/Air Canada via United:
Denver (DEN) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $426 round-trip on United:
Seattle (SEA) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $430 round-trip on United:
Houston (IAH) to Amsterdam (AMS) for $467 round-trip nonstop on United:
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, Citi ThankYou Premier, 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: Secret Flying
Featured image by Jeremy Villasis via Getty Images