When it comes to scoring the cheapest flight, you might often consider being more flexible with your dates or searching the web at multiple airlines. However, not all deals are instant within the blink of an eye. There are discount programs, certain credit cards you can use, and other ways that I’ll share to help minimize those expensive costs when booking airfare. 

1. American Express International Airline Program 

A card to save hundreds, or even thousands.   

The Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply), The Business Platinum Card® from American Express (Terms apply) or Centurion® Card from American Express* cards allow members to access discounts at checkout.  

A round-trip ticket departing from the U.S, and Canada can offer discounts that give you about $200 in savings on participating airlines in premium economy, business class and first class to Europe. If you are someone like me with an urge to splurge on first class flights, start checking prices. With this card, you can book on my website and still receive the discounts! If you are eligible to receive an AMEX, I recommend you start by choosing the first destination that comes to mind.  

2. Save On Flights Using Amex Offers 

Cash back! 

Amex Offers are rewards that are given to cardmembers, like the American Express® Gold Card (Terms apply, see rates & fees) and The Platinum Card® from American Express. 

Amex Offers do have a range, but here are some popular travel-related, airline offers that I have come across: 

• Alaska: Get $40 cash back for spending $200 or more 

• Delta: Get $120 cash back for spending $600 or more 

• Air France/KLM: Get 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 or more 

• Air New Zealand: Get $300 cash back for spending $1,500 or more 

• Qantas: Get $200 cash back for spending $1,000 or more 

• China Eastern Airlines: Get $200 cash back for spending $1,000 or more 

• Aerolineas Argentinas: Get $100 cash back for spending $500 or more 

I recommend that you go into your account to see what offers you have today.  

3. Up To $200 off British Airways by Using AARP Discount 

You are retired, travel! 

Maybe you aren’t retired yet, and still have many years to come before you join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). You’re 30. At least for now and you are also fully employed. You can join. For $16 per year for an AARP membership, you can receive discounts and savings on British Airway flights.  

Here’s an offer: all AARP members can save up to $65 per person on a round-trip flight, in economy with ‘World Traveller’ option, and premium economy with ‘World Traveller Plus’ option. Another offer is this, members can save up to $200 off per person per round-trip in business class (Club World). 

The terms and conditions vary, so make sure you read about the fine print – you know, the part no one really sees at first, or sometimes never. I’ll tell you, that, flights will need to be round-trip, and depart and return from the U.S. at the same airport. You must be a U.S resident and purchase the flight in U.S dollars. It is recommended that the flight is non-stop, and operated by British Airways, American Airlines or Iberia. If you prefer to find a flight that is operated by American Airlines or Iberia, then the flight must be booked using British Airways codeshare flight number.  

To do this, you’ll need to first log into your AARP account. Once you are in, you can search and book flights only by using the British Airways discount page.  

4. 10% Off British Airways Flights by Using a British Airways Visa Signature® Card 

A flight to have breakfast at Kensington Palace. 

Yes. How does 10% off sound on your next British Airway flight from the U.S to London? I’m expecting that you feel excited about this. Once you have the British Airway Visa Signature Card, you can book through the website that is given to you once you sign up and become eligible.  

Oh, and yes to the question in your mind that you were just thinking. The 10% applies to the entire price of the flight that includes taxes and airport fees, and service class, and on a purchase of more than one flight in the same booking.  

Now to the eligibility part, first, the flight must be operated by British Airways where all connecting flights will be through London. Then, once you log into your British Airways Executive Club account, you can then apply this discount code.  

5. Using a Co-branded Credit Card To Get Free Checked Bags 

Free. FREE. Free! 

Always remember that several airline co-branded credit cards offer a free checked bag given that terms and conditions will apply, such as using the co-branded credit card to receive the offer.  

Here are the credit cards that offer a first checked bag free when you fly with the airline partner: 

• Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card 

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®* 

• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard®* 

• Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card (Terms apply) 

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (Terms apply) 

• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (Terms apply) 

• JetBlue Plus Card* 

• United℠ Explorer Card 

• United Club℠ Infinite Card 

Again, here is another reminder that you may be required to use your card to book your flight to receive the first checked bag free.  

Conclusion 

You can trust that I know that finding good deals are great, but it is just the start when you are booking flights. Make sure you use this post to help you save more on your airfare purchases.  

To view rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express please visit this page. 
To view rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please visit this page. 
To view rates and fees for American Express® Gold Card please visit this page. 
To view rates and fees for Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card please visit this page. 
To view rates and fees of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please visit this page. 
To view rates and fees of the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this page.