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 you’re willing to fly in basic economy, American and United are offering pretty great fares from multiple US cities to Los Angeles (LAX). United’s offering low fares from a number of cities, such as Houston (IAH), Chicago (ORD), Dallas (DFW) and Cleveland (CLE), and American’s offering similar fares from Dallas (DFW). JetBlue has two notable regular economy fares from Boston (BOS) and Orlando (MCO).Keep in mind that most of these (with the exception of JetBlue) are basic economy fares. If you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can secure a Main Cabin ticket, which will allow you more flexibility in your travel without the chance of getting nickel-and-dimed. Certain credit cards, such as the Citi / AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard and the United Club Card can help you defeat the extra fees that come with booking a basic economy ticket.Airline: American/JetBlue/UnitedRoutes: BOS/CLE/DFW/IAH/MCO/ORD to LAXCost: $80+ Basic Economy / $96 Main Cabin round-trip in economyDates: November 2017 — February 2018Booking Link: Orbitz, Expedia or with the airline directlyPay 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:Houston (IAH) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $80 Basic Economy / $120 Main Cabin round-trip:Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $82 Basic Economy / $122 Main Cabin round-trip: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.Dallas (DFW) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $83 Basic Economy / $123 Main Cabin round-trip:Chicago (ORD) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $92 Basic Economy / $96 Main Cabin round-tripOrlando (MCO) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $94 round-trip:Cleveland (CLE) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $98 Basic Economy / $198 Main Cabin round-trip:Boston (BOS) to Los Angeles (LAX) for $196 round-trip: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 Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.If you’re able to score one of these tickets, please share the good news in the comments below!H/T: Dan’s Deals
