Find cheap International flights on these unexpected airlines

Why is Philippine Airlines flying from Las Vegas to Vancouver? That extremely odd flight is one of many "fifth freedom" flights from the U.S., which stop over at an unexpected location on a way to their expected destination. Fifth freedom flights can let you experience an exotic culture for a few hours, but they can also help you save money. Often, they're considerably cheaper than flights on more mainstream airlines.

Some fifth-freedom flights are fun, but they don't save you time or money. On the other hand, there are some fifth-freedom routes which we've verified can be cheaper or more direct than alternatives, for flights in May and June. Hop aboard one of these flights to both save and fly a little bit differently.


Chicago-Barcelona on Pakistan International Airlines

The only nonstop between these two cities runs twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

The price: $746 for dates I checked in June, $200 below the next cheapest option.

The pros: Did I mention it's the only nonstop?

The cons: In 2007, PIA had arguments with the EU about the safety record of its fleet. It doesn't code share or connect with any U.S. airline.


Houston-Moscow on Singapore Airlines

Singapore flies between these two points on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, continuing on to its namesake city.

The price: $963 for June dates, when everyone else was $1,271 and up.

The pros: The only nonstop on this route, and on an airline that's world-renowned for its quality of service. If you're going to fly 12 hours nonstop, it might as well be on Singapore.

The cons: None. If you're flying this admittedly slightly odd route, fly Singapore Air.


Miami-Port Au Prince on Air France

This flight runs daily, but only from May 5 to July 5.

The price: $264 for dates I checked in June, considerably cheaper than alternatives.

The pros: Air France is a major European network carrier with codeshares, and thus guaranteed connections, to Delta throughout the US.

The cons: Sadly, there's not much of a reason to go to Port-Au-Prince for tourism right now. But if you're going to go, fly Air France.


Las Vegas-Vancouver on Philippine Airlines

This flight runs daily.

The price: $297 for dates I checked in June, $20 less than Air Canada.

The pros: International-standard service on what is pretty close to a domestic route.

The cons: The EU forbids this airline from flying there for safety reasons. Also, no food.


Los Angeles-Sao Paolo, Brazil on Korean Air

This flight runs daily.

The price: $1493, which can be up to $500 more than other options.

The pros: The only nonstop.

The cons: $500. You're really that dead-set against a short layover in Panama?


New York-London on Kuwait Airlines and Air India

Both airlines fly between New York and London on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The price: Very competitive, and frequently varying. In one recent search, though, I found a $706 Kuwait Airlines fare when the lowest competitor was $884.

The pros: Generally better service than US airlines on this route, which US airlines tend to treat as an extension of their domestic networks. Better food, for sure.

The cons: A potentially difficult check-in experience on Air India. Indian travelers heading home tend to bring huge amounts of luggage, making for a slow-moving line.


New York-Riga, Latvia on Uzbekistan Airlines

The only nonstop between New York and Riga is on Uzbekistan Airlines; it flies twice a week, on Sundays and Thursdays, and continues on to Tashkent.

The price: $842 for dates I checked in June, when no other airline was below $1,113.

The pros: The only nonstop between New York and Riga.

The cons: Uzbekistan Airlines isn't exactly a large network carrier. If something goes wrong with your plane, it may be a day or two before Uzbekistan can summon the next one.


San Francisco-Seoul on Singapore Airlines

This flight runs daily.

The price: $1,027 for dates I checked in June, $200 less than the lowest alternative.

The pros: A nonstop, on one of the world's greatest airlines, which also saves you money.

The cons: Really, there aren't any.