Steal Hong Kong

By Clara Bosonetto

For the AJC

United Airlines offers a screaming deal to Hong Kong which saves nearly 50 percent on springtime trips.

Budget travelers must be extremely flexible as the offer of $565 round-trip ($932 inclusive of all taxes, surcharges, fees) is valid only on May 1-15 departures. The offer requires no minimum stay and travelers can remain in Hong Kong for up to six months. Note: U.S. citizens may visit Hong Kong for up to 90 days without a visa ($30 visa fee for extensions; see http://hongkong.usconsulate.gov/acs_hkvisa.html for more information).

Compare this today-only sale rate to the regular May season rate of $1,700.

United's sale rate of $565 comes with a ticket-by date of Jan. 19, but don't wait. My prediction is that this offer will vanish before Thursday.

The carrier serves Hong Kong with one flight connection in Chicago-O'Hare.

Sale airfares are always subject to change. Every seat on every flight is not offered at the lowest rate. Since only a limited supply of seats is available, act quickly to make your purchase.

I recommend starting the search for available seats at Kayak.com vs. calling an airline directly. You can also search for the sale at travel Web sites such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc.

Airlines can discontinue or pull a sale price without notice.

Learn more about travel to Hong Kong at www.discoverhongkong.com.

Clara Bosonetto is a retired travel consultant.