An overwater villa in the Maldives may seem like heaven, but flights to get there are long and expensive.
I’ve used miles to fly in business and first class on Emirates, Etihad, Korean, and Singapore when I’ve gone to the Maldives, but using miles requires date flexibility.
Round-trip economy flights to the Maldives can range from $1,200-$2,000, while premium economy flights typically range from $2,000-$3,500, and business class costing over $5,000.
But American and Qatar have an excellent wide open $1,285 round-trip premium economy fare from JFK to the Maldives via Doha. The fare is valid for travel on most dates from September through next February and is bookable on AA.com. The premium economy applies for the long-haul segment on American from JFK to Doha. The flight is also eligible for systemwide upgrade use, which can now be earned with just credit card spending as of this month.
There are many points hotel options in the Maldives from Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, and Marriott. This trick to book an overwater villa at the Conrad Maldives is still alive and well.
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Have you made it to the Maldives?
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12 Comments On "American/Qatar: Fly Premium Economy From JFK To The Maldives For Just $1,285 Round-Trip"
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@Dan this is an amazing deal, but what’s the best way/card to earn enough points to travel business?
Thanks.
Open credit cards 🙂
Which one??? 🙂 🙂 🙂
All of them 😀
Hyatt has new hotel called Alila I heard of great reviews and great kosher accommodations
I’d love to hear more!
Just stayed there this summer. Had an amazing experience. Happy to share the details.
Share a trip report 🙂
https://forums.dansdeals.com/index.php?topic=15937.0
I have 3 million points between amex, capital one, and chase. What would be the best hotel to book?
anyway to get to Israel through this route?
Overwater bungalows are definitely a gimmick, but a pleasant gimmick to part tourists with their money. I’m in French Polynesia and I’ve seen a half dozen resorts with these bungalows. I would highly recommend most visitors save their money and stay in nice non-chain accommodations for a fraction of the cost.
That said, if you’re a gamer willing to put in the time to get enough credit cards SUBs, this is a decent deal. Booking the 5 nights and paying for 4 with points is a decent redemption, especially if you have a couple of Aspire cards and could use the $250 resort credits for food (plus get your free diamond breakfast). This premium economy thing seems like another money waster (if you can get a middle seat free is regular economy you’d be almost as comfortable), but this airfare (especially if you use points) is OK.
BTW, at the Hilton in Moorea, French Polynesia, it does not seem possible to use “regular” points to book ANY room, much less the overwater bungalows. They have no standard redemption at anytime. Not sure why Hilton allows this. With their overwater bungalows going for about $1500/night, you’d be far smarter booking a nice bungalow on airbnb for less than 1/10th the price.
premium economy on AA is economy on any decent airline
no big deal here