This summer, many travelers are looking to get back out there safely following the availability of vaccines available to so many Americans for those that want one. Freedom for summer travel is not something we have felt in nearly two years. While not everyone is taking to the skies just yet, airlines are working hard to lure travelers back aboard with some exciting deals and amenities. Hotel companies are doing the same with engaging promotions to encourage travel.
Here are some of the most enticing deals for spring and summer 2021 although many of these are good throughout the year (or have global offers that change seasonally).
And remember that if you’re unsure about travel now, you can always take advantage of good deals when you find them. Then, if you change your mind later, almost all airlines (and some hotel companies) have waived change fees meaning you can adjust your travel plans as needed. You’ll just be on the hook for any difference in fare between your original and new dates of travel. If it’s cheaper, you’d get a refund, too.
Air France-KLM Flying Blue Promo Rewards
Each month, Flying Blue (the loyalty program of Air France and KLM) puts many of its city pairs on sale for using frequent flier miles under an offer called Flying Blue Promo Rewards. This means you can score excellent bargains on intra-European flights, those from North America to Europe and Africa, or flights between Europe and Africa, the Middle East or Asia.
You just have to spot the good deals when they are listed to take advantage. If there’s nothing of interest this month, check back again next month! If you don’t have Flying Blue points in your account, you can transfer them from any American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points. This could be a super-cheap way to travel internationally at a fraction of the normal mileage cost.
Etihad Travel Deals
While not frequent flier-based, Etihad puts a slew of city pairs on sale regularly. If you are traveling between these cities, you could be in for a deal. Many of the latest offers include U.S. cities to Dubai for $600 roundtrip in economy class (the flights are to Abu Dhabi with the transfer between Abu Dhabi and Dubai via ground transfer) or between New York and Manila for $712.
Qatar Airways Special Offers
Not sure where to go? Qatar Airways offers a sliding scale on its website for its airfare from gateway cities. For example, you can check flights from cities like New York or Los Angeles. According to the special offers page, it costs under $800 to visit cities in India and Iran on Qatar flights via Doha.
Marriott Bonvoy Escapes
Each week, Marriott Bonvoy puts weekend getaway destinations on sales where you can redeem points for a free stay or score a decent discount on a paid one. Marriott Bonvoy Escapes’ last-minute hotel deals come out every Wednesday for the month to follow.
Delta SkyMiles Flash Sale
If you want to redeem SkyMiles for some great bargains, the airline regularly puts flights on sale to various destinations. The routes are usually listed on the carrier’s website, but there are often a lot more city pairs than listed so enter your desired origin and destination to check if it’s eligible for a discounted mileage redemption. The Flash Sale site gets regular updates so be sure to check back often to cash in on some great bargains, sometimes as low as 2,500 miles in economy class between cities.
American Airlines Reduced Mileage Awards
Depending on the credit card you have, American puts many of its frequent flier flights on sale for fewer miles than normal. Credit cards like the Citi AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard or the AAdvantage Aviator Red Mastercard from Barclays offer exclusive reduced mileage awards by calling the airline. Be sure to check the list of destinations eligible for the discount as they change quarterly and include numerous places around North America. You could save as much as 7,500 miles each way.
World of Hyatt Bonus Points
The World of Hyatt portfolio of hotels, which includes well-known brands like Andaz, Grand Hyatt and Hyatt Ziva and Zilara, is awarding bonus points for guests that register for its latest promotion. Between now and June 15, earn 2,000 bonus points for every two qualifying nights you stay in a World of Hyatt hotel. To get you even more excited, a free night redemption in a Category 1 hotel only costs 5,000 points so staying six nights in any Hyatt property could net a free night for you to enjoy later. World of Hyatt Credit Card members earn even more points (2,500 for every two qualifying nights).
Easy Best Western Gift Cards
For each night you stay at a Best Western property between now and May 9, you can earn a $25 gift card. You can earn as many as four cards, which means you can pick up a fast $100 in Best Western gift cards after staying for four nights. Be sure to register for this promotion. Best Western Rewards-participating hotels include numerous brands including Best Western Premier, BW Signature Collection and Sadie Best Western among others.
