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.
Boasting the bluest water imaginable, beautiful flora, diverse wildlife and untouched beaches, it’s no wonder Bali is a destination on many traveler’s bucket lists. Another allure of the Indonesian island is its remoteness. But because Bali is so remote, flights are typically hard to find and outrageously expensive. However, that’s not the case at the moment with fares starting at just $473 round-trip.
Denpasar (DPS) is the main gateway to Bali. Though Denpasar sees more than 23 million passengers annually, you cannot fly direct from the United States. Typically, flights will involve anywhere from one to three stops and cost you $850 to $1000. However, we’re seeing fares at almost half that rate throughout the months of April and May, with multiple Chinese airlines offering flights from select major US cities at a steep discount.
To search, head to Google Flights and enter your origin and destination cities. Scroll through the calendar function to find dates and prices that work for you. Finally, click through to book directly with the airline or through an OTA like Priceline or Expedia.
Airlines: China Southern Airlines, Hong Kong Airlines, Xiamen Airlines
Routes: LAX/SFO/JFK to DPS
Cost: $473+ round-trip (w/ taxes and fees)
Travel Dates: April – May 2019
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Premier Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve Card, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Prestige Card (3x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
San Francisco (SFO) to Denpasar, Bali (DPS) for $473 round-trip on China Southern:
Additional dates with cheap fares from San Francisco (SFO):
Los Angeles (LAX) to Denpasar, Bali (DPS) for $490 round-trip on Xiamen Airlines:
Additional dates for cheap fares from Los Angeles (LAX):
New York (JFK) to Denpasar (DPS) for $573 round-trip on China Southern Airlines
Additional dates for cheap fares from New York (JFK):
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 Card, American Express® Gold Card, Citi Premier Card, Citi Prestige Card (3x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card(2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.
