Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.Want to see the latest flight deals as soon as they’re published? Follow The Points Guy on Facebook and Twitter, and subscribe to text message alerts from our deals feed, @tpg_alerts.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 11:00pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. But 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.Historically, it was nearly impossible to get cheap international one-way flights — making points & miles options particularly valuable for those not traveling on a simple round-trip. With the expansion of low-cost international airlines, now it’s not rare to see $99 one-way flights to Europe. However, cheap international one-way business class flights on legacy carriers have remained somewhat of a unicorn. Today, we have a few unicorn sightings.Besides being able to fly to Asia for just over $1,200, the best part of these options is that they’re on top-notch US-based carriers. These aren’t smoke-filled China Eastern aircraft or “satisfactory” Hainan business class products. Instead, you’ll be flying on some of the best that Delta and American Airlines have to offer — and not the worst United product either.Business class on American Airlines’ 787-9 is quite the comfortable way to hop the Pacific. Image by the author.These one-way fares can be great if you have enough points and can find availability to book a premium cabin one direction but not both. Or, this can be great for flexible travelers who’d love to position from the US to Asia. If you’re looking to fly round-trip in business class, there’s some great round-trip fares too starting at just $2,030 round-trip.Here’s an overview of the elite and award mileage earning potential from these flights:AirlineRouteCostQualifying MilesQualifying DollarsAward Miles (before elite bonus)UnitedRDU-SFO-ICN$1,24916,1281,2176,085AmericanRDU-DFW-ICN$1,24915,8041,2166,080UnitedBWI-SFO-ICN$1,26816,2421,2366,180DeltaBOS-ATL-ICN$1,26816,1961,2356,175UnitedIND-SFO-ICN$1,32915,2161,2976,485UnitedMCO-SFO-ICN$1,47916,2181,4477,235UnitedRDU-EWR-PEK-ORD-RDU$2,02928,6251,9409,700AmericanRDU-ORD-PEK-ORD-PEK$2,02928,9021,9389,690AmericanSAN-ORD-PEK-ORD-SAN$2,07833,2081,9879,935You can find these fares by heading to Google Flights and plugging in your desired departure and destination cities. After finding the dates that work best for you, book directly with the airline or with an OTA such as Expedia or Priceline.Airlines: American, Delta, UnitedRoutes: RDU/BWI/BOS/IND/MCO to ICN/PEKCost: $1,249+ one-way in business; $2,029+ round-trip in businessDates: August to NovemberBooking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airlinePay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)Sign up for our daily newsletterEmail addressSign upI would like to subscribe to The Points Guy newsletters and special email promotions. The Points Guy will not share or sell your email. See privacy policy.Here are a few examples of what you can book:Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,249 one-way on United:Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,249 one-way on American:Baltimore (BWI) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,268 one-way on United:Baltimore (BWI) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,268 one-way on Delta One Suites A350:Indianapolis (IND) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,329 one-way on United:Orlando (MCO) to Seoul (ICN) for $1,479 one-way on United:Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Beijing (PEK) for $2,029 round-trip on American:Raleigh/Durham (RDU) to Beijing (PEK) for $2,029 round-trip on United:San Diego (SAN) to Beijing (PEK) for $2,079 round-trip on American 787-9:Maximize Your PurchaseDon’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, or Citi Prestige (5x 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: Sam Chui via One Mile at a Time
