New Routes to China With American & United Miles! 22 New Low-Cost Flights to Orlando, Las Vegas, New Orleans, & More!

I love it when airlines announce new routes! Because it gives us more options to use miles & points for Big Travel, and increases competition, which often means lower airfares for everyone.

Folks on the West Coast will soon have 2 new non-stop options for visiting China on American Airlines and United Airlines. And if you’re in Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue has announced a big expansion!

And budget travelers will have their pick of 22 new non-stop routes from Allegiant starting this spring!

Fly Non-Stop to Hong Kong From Los Angeles on American Airlines Starting September 7, 2016

I’ll share the good news and show you how these new flights can get you Big Travel with Small Money!

1. Non-Stop Los Angeles to Hong Kong on American Airlines

Via View From the Wing, starting September 7, 2016, American Airlines will operate a daily non-stop flight between Los Angeles and Hong Kong using a Boeing 777 aircraft.

That’s terrific news for folks who travel to Asia! Currently, the route is served by Cathay Pacific (a member of the oneworld alliance, like American Airlines). So it will be great to have more award seats available on this route!

The flights are not yet available on the American Airlines website as they still need government approval.

Here’s what it will cost to use American Airlines miles on these flights using prices from American Airlines’ new award chart (which takes effect March 22, 2016):

35,000 American Airlines miles 1-way in coach
70,000 American Airlines miles 1-way in Business Class
110,000 American Airlines miles 1-way in First Class

You’ll also be able to book off-peak 1-way coach awards for 32,500 American Airlines miles 1-way. Off-peak dates to Hong Kong are January 1 to April 30, July 1 to September 30, and October 11 to November 30.

You can also use miles from oneworld partner airlines to book these flights, like British Airways Avios points (but you’ll pay high fuel surcharges).

Or use Alaska Airlines miles to avoid the fuel surcharges. You’ll also pay fewer miles:

35,000 Alaska Airlines miles 1-way in coach
55,000 Alaska Airlines miles 1-way in Business Class
67,500 Alaska Airlines miles 1-way in First Class

Here’s my guide to booking American Airlines award flights like a pro. And all the ways to earn American Airlines miles, including transferring Starwood points.

2. Non-Stop San Francisco to Hangzhou, China, on United Airlines

United Airlines is expanding service to China from its Asian gateway in San Francisco. Beginning July 13, 2016, you’ll be able to fly non-stop between San Francisco and Hangzhou, China, on a Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Flights will be 3 times weekly and are pending government approval. Hangzhou is China’s 4th largest city and the capital of Zhejiang province.

To book these flights using United Airlines miles, you’ll pay:

35,000 United Airlines miles 1-way in coach
70,000 United Airlines miles 1-way in Business Class
80,000 United Airlines miles 1-way in First Class

If you have miles on other Star Alliance member airlines, like Lufthansa or Air Canada, you can use them to book these flights! But you’ll pay more in taxes and fees, because these airlines typically add fuel surcharges to award tickets.

Check out my guide to learn how to earn (and use) United Airlines miles, including transferring Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

3. New JetBlue Routes From Fort Lauderdale

More great news for JetBlue flyers! The airline has announced a big expansion from Fort Lauderdale airport.

Starting September 29, 2016, JetBlue will fly a daily non-stop between Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans.

And beginning August 1, 2016, they’ll add 2 new daily non-stop flights between Fort Lauderdale and Nassau, Bahamas. That’s in addition to the 3 existing daily flights they offer.

JetBlue is a terrific option for folks who like extra legroom, free in-flight Wi-Fi, and live TV.

Remember, the cost of a JetBlue award ticket is tied to the cost of a paid ticket. If there’s a seat for sale, you can book it with points!

And with the launch of the new Barclaycard JetBlue cards, you can earn lots of JetBlue points from sign-up bonuses and spending!

4. Allegiant Adds 22 New Non-Stop Routes

There’ll soon be more competition between many cities with the announcement of 22 new non-stop routes from Allegiant.

Allegiant flights are usually very cheap! I prefer flying Southwest (everyone gets 2 free checked bags) and using my Southwest Companion Pass, which is the best deal in domestic travel.

But hopefully these new routes put pressure on other airlines to lower their prices.

Keep in mind, Allegiant charges fees for just about everything, including printing boarding passes (!), using a credit card, seat selection, large carry-on bags, and checked bags. So always do the math to be sure you’re getting a good deal.

Here’s a run-down of the new routes.

Between Las Vegas and:

Sonoma, California – begins May 19, 2016
Albuquerque, New Mexico – begins June 2, 2016

Between Orlando – Sanford (SFB) and:

Akron / Canton, Ohio – begins May 19, 2016
Wichita, Kansas – begins May 25, 2016 and ends Aug. 13, 2016
El Paso, Texas – begins May 27, 2016 and ends Aug. 15, 2016
Evansville, Indiana – begins June 2, 2016

Between Destin – Fort Walton Beach and:

Fort Lauderdale, Florida – begins May 26, 2016 and ends August 14, 2016
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – begins May 26, 2016 and ends August 14, 2016
Knoxville, Tennessee – begins May 27, 2016 and ends August 15, 2016
Memphis, Tennessee – begins May 27, 2016 and ends August 15, 2016

Between Myrtle Beach and:

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – begins May 19, 2016 and ends September 18, 2016
Toledo, Ohio – begins June 3, 2016 and ends September 26, 2016
Stewart, New York – begins June 16, 2016 and ends September 25, 2016

Between Los Angeles and:

Memphis, Tennessee – begins June 2, 2016 and ends August 14, 2016
Reno, Nevada – begins June 9, 2016

Between Jacksonville and:

Columbus, Ohio – begins May 25, 2016 and ends August 13, 2016
Asheville, North Carolina – begins May 27, 2016 and ends August 15, 2016
Belleville, Illinois – begins May 27, 2016 and ends August 15, 2016
Indianapolis – begins June 2, 2016

Between New Orleans and:

Tulsa, Oklahoma – begins May 26, 2016 and ends October 16, 2016

Between Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) and:

Sonoma, California – begins May 26, 2016

Between Austin and:

Albuquerque, New Mexico – begins June 2, 2016

Remember, Allegiant flyers can now use TSA PreCheck. So if you’re eligible, it’s a great way to save time at the airport! Here are cards that reimburse your Global Entry application fee. When you’re approved for Global Entry, you’ll almost always be allowed to use TSA PreCheck.

Let me know if you book a trip!

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