United, Delta, and American are all offering business class roundtrips between Las Vegas and Beijing from $1901. These fares are widely available through the end of November. There are other cities where you can hop on cheap fares though they’re a few hundred dollars more.
We frequently see sales out of Toronto or Vancouver, or on Chinese airlines that have just recently started routes to the U.S. However seeing this kind of fare on the big 3 US carriers is rare indeed.
United’s Deal
United’s fare is actually refundable for a fee. And the nice thing is you don’t have to fly on a United 787, the 787-8 and 787-9s in United’s fleet don’t even have an announced plan to update business class with new Polaris seating whereas San Francisco – Beijing is operated with a Boeing 777-300ER which is guaranteed to have new Polaris seats.
Key details of United fare PHX0WEM1:
- Travel permitted Monday through Thursday in each direction
- Outbound must be taken by October 4, or October 18 – November 30
- 12 hour minimum stay, 6 month maximum stay
- Must purchase by August 31, though don’t expect the fare to last that long
- This is a refundable ticket albeit for a $500 charge
- Changes are $450
Delta’s Delta
Delta is in on the game with flights through Seattle, bear in mind that means you’ll be flying their Boeing 767. If you route via Detroit for their Airbus A350 with new DeltaOne Suites that’s going to be a bit more expensive.
Key details of Delta fare ZLX0ZPDI:
- Travel permitted Monday through Thursday in each direction
- Outbound must be taken September 1 through October 4, or October 16 – November 30
- 12 hour minimum stay, 6 month maximum stay
- Must purchase by August 31, though don’t expect the fare to last that long
- Changes are $450
American’s Deal
American will let you fly on their Beijing non-stops, however you’ll earn more miles routing via Hong Kong. And if you route through Hong Kong on American you’ll get their Boeing 777-300ER aircraft which have international first class, which means you can upgrade using systemwides or miles if upgrade space is available. Out of Los Angeles there’s even a Flagship lounge, and Flagship First Dining (if you upgrade on the Los Angeles – Hong Kong flight).
Here’s a version connecting in Hong Kong, which does add a stop and also a bit of additional airport taxes.
Key details of American fare ILX08DN1:
- Travel permitted Monday through Thursday in each direction
- Outbound must be taken September 1 through October 4 or October 16 – November 30.
- 12 hour minimum stay, 6 month maximum stay
- Must purchase by August 31, though don’t expect the fare to last that long
- Changes are $400
(HT: One Mile at a Time)
How do I get a stopover in HKG?