Orlando, home to both Disney World and Universal Orlando Resort, is a popular spot among summer travelers. It’s also one of TPG’s top places to visit in May, when you can beat the school vacation crowds, find great hotel deals and avoid the worst of Florida’s summer heat and humidity.
But with the cost of airfare, lodging and theme park tickets, visiting Orlando on a budget can be tough. That’s where points and miles come in — and, right now, two airlines are offering low prices on award flights from various airports across the U.S. to Orlando International Airport (MCO).
Here’s everything you need to know to fly to Orlando this summer for fewer than 10,000 points or miles each way.
(Note that prices and availability were accurate at the time of writing.)
TPG’s deal of the day basics
- Airline: American Airlines and JetBlue
- Routes: From New York, Los Angeles and Phoenix to Orlando
- Best way to book: Through the American Airlines and JetBlue websites
- Price: Starting from 9,200 points or miles each way in economy, plus $5.60 in taxes and fees
- Cash price: From $144 one-way
- Travel dates: Various dates throughout May and June
How to find and book TPG’s deal of the day
We recommend starting your search with the handy Seats.aero tool to narrow down your options. Then, head to the airline’s website to confirm award availability and book your tickets.
We found great rates on nonstop American Airlines flights from two West Coast destinations. You can fly from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to MCO for 9,500 AAdvantage miles one-way or from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) to MCO for 10,000 miles one-way. For either option, expect to pay $5.60 in taxes and fees. Both routes have good availability in the second half of May and throughout June.
If you’re based on the East Coast, JetBlue TrueBlue has similar prices from both John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). We’ve seen rates ranging from 9,200 to 9,900 TrueBlue points each way for standard economy fares or just 6,500 points for basic economy, plus minimal taxes and fees.
If you don’t have enough points or miles to book this deal, you can transfer Citi ThankYou Rewards points to both AAdvantage and TrueBlue on a 1:1 basis. TrueBlue also has several other transfer partners, though transfer ratios vary.
Just remember that transfers are irreversible, so always confirm award availability with the airline before transferring your rewards.
Related: The best credit cards for paying taxes and fees on award tickets
How to earn the points or miles required for TPG’s deal of the day
The following cards earn American Airlines AAdvantage miles, JetBlue TrueBlue points or Citi ThankYou Rewards points on everyday purchases. Even better, they offer welcome bonuses starting at 60,000 points or miles — meaning you could earn enough for multiple round-trip flights to Orlando from a single welcome bonus.
- Citi® / AAdvantage Business™ World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first five months of account opening.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Globe™ Mastercard® (see rates and fees): Earn 60,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
- JetBlue Plus Card: Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening.
- JetBlue Premier Card: Earn 80,000 bonus points and five Tiles toward Mosaic status after spending $5,000 on purchases and paying the annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Citi Strata Elite℠ Card (see rates and fees): Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening.
The information for the JetBlue Premier and the JetBlue Plus has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best credit cards for your Disney vacation
Bottom line
Redeeming rewards for flights is a great way to save on your theme park vacation — especially with these American Airlines and JetBlue deals to Orlando for under 10,000 points or miles each way.
But award space like this doesn’t tend to last, especially for peak summer travel. If you spot dates that work, don’t wait long to book.
Continue planning your Orlando vacation:
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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