Benji Stawski writes that there seems to be a major fare war that’s just dropped between the U.S. and Asia.

Departures are available from at least New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle and Las Vegas (and possibly other cities) to places including Beijing, Shanghai, Singapore, Seoul, and Tokyo. Prices start at just $305 roundtrip and deals are available on airlines in all three alliances — such as United and Air China (Star), American (oneworld), Delta and China Eastern (SkyTeam) as well as Xiamen Airlines.

Just like when Europe is on sale, Spain is usually one of the cheapest destinations, we can always count on Beijing to be discounted most in Asia. American Airlines non-stops are available from $305 roundtrip.

When you dip into the fare construction you see that the base fare here is just $10 each way (!), plus of course the $208 ‘surcharge’.

Key details of fare basis OLEQ3AN2:

• Outbound travel permitted through November 30
  
• 3 day minimum trip, 24 hour minimum stay
  
• 6 month maximum stay
  
• Must issue tickets by August 31, but I don’t expect this fare to last that long
  
• $250 change fee

Here, for instance, is Las Vegas – Shanghai on United for under $400 roundtrip, a $50 base fare in each direction plus surcharges.

I love flying business class. But the price here is sure right, from several U.S. cities to several cities in Asia starting at just over $300 roundtrip. At this price you have no reason to use miles for economy travel.

And just to underscore my point about Europe travel deals and Spain, here’s Barcelona bookable right now from Chicago for less than $300 roundtrip.