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 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 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.If Southeast Asia has been on your travel bucket list, there’s a very nice sale today on flights to the capital of Thailand on Star Alliance partners United and ANA. Right now you’ll find great deals on itineraries from all over the US — including New York/Newark (EWR), Washington DC (IAD), Chicago (ORD), San Jose (SJC), San Francisco (SFO) and Los Angeles (LAX) to Bangkok (BKK) for as low as $551 round-trip.Depending on your origin city, these flights are mostly available from September through October, but you may find dates in April and May as well. You don’t need any tricks to see these airfares, so use Google Flights to find the dates you want, then book on Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline itself. Bangkok is a great hub, as you can often find cheap flights from there to Phuket, Koh Samui and elsewhere in Southeast Asia.Most of these itineraries have one reasonable connection in Tokyo, Japan (NRT/HND), and since these are international trips on full-service carriers, there’s a complimentary meal served during the flight and no first checked bag fees.Airlines: United Airlines, ANARoutes: EWR/IAD/ORD/SJC/SFO/LAX to BKKCost: $551+ round-trip in economyDates: September through November (with a few scattered dates in April-May)Booking Link: Orbitz or ExpediaPay With: The Platinum Card from American Express (5x on airfare), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)Here are a few examples of what you can book:Los Angeles (LAX) to Bangkok, Thailand (BKK) for $551 round-trip via Orbitz: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.San Francisco (SFO) to Bangkok (BKK) for $571 round-trip via Orbitz:Washington DC (IAD) to Bangkok (BKK) for $571 round-trip via Orbitz:San Jose (SJC) to Bangkok (BKK) for $571 round-trip via Orbitz:New York/Newark (EWR) to Bangkok (BKK) for $591 round-trip via Orbitz:Chicago (ORD) to Bangkok (BKK) for $630 round-trip via Orbitz:Maximize Your PurchaseDon’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, or Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.H/T: Scott’s Cheap Flights
