Travel to China for Less with Public Bank Mastercard’s Buy 1 Get 1 Air Ticket Promotion

Planning a holiday to China with your partner, family member or best travel companion? Here is a travel promotion worth checking out before booking your next getaway. Public Bank and Public Islamic Bank Mastercard credit cardholders can enjoy a Buy 1 Get 1 air ticket offer that provides one complimentary companion return ticket when they purchase a qualifying full-fare economy class ticket on Malaysia Airlines.

Running from 24 August until 23 November 2026, this campaign offers eligible cardholders an opportunity to explore selected destinations in China and Hong Kong with someone special. Whether Beijing’s historical attractions, Shanghai’s lively city streets, Guangzhou’s food scene or Hong Kong’s shopping districts are on your travel wish list, the promotion could help make your next overseas trip more affordable.

However, there are important spending requirements, booking conditions and limited redemption quotas to understand before making plans. Here is how the promotion works and why it may be worth considering for your next holiday.

What Is the Buy 1 Get 1 Air Ticket Promotion?

The promotion is organised for eligible Public Bank (PB) and Public Islamic Bank (PIB) Principal Mastercard credit cardholders. Under the offer, an eligible cardholder who purchases one full-fare economy class return ticket on Malaysia Airlines can qualify for one complimentary companion economy class return ticket to an eligible destination.

The complimentary ticket covers the base airfare only, with a maximum value of RM2,000 per redemption. Applicable taxes, airport charges, fuel surcharges and other fees must still be paid by the cardholder using an eligible PB or PIB Mastercard credit card.

One important point is that this is not an unrestricted free-flight offer. Cardholders must meet the campaign’s qualifying retail spending requirement, pass the bank’s validation process and secure a booking while the redemption allocation remains available.

Each eligible Principal Mastercard cardholder may receive only one complimentary companion ticket throughout the campaign period. Therefore, it is best to review the conditions carefully before deciding whether the promotion suits your travel plans.

Which Destinations Can You Visit?

One of the attractions of this campaign is the selection of destinations available through Malaysia Airlines-operated flights.

Eligible destinations include:

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Xiamen
• Chengdu
• Shenzhen
• Changsha
• Hong Kong

Each destination offers something different, making this promotion appealing to travellers with different interests.

Beijing is an excellent choice for those interested in Chinese history, traditional architecture and famous landmarks. Shanghai, on the other hand, offers a modern city experience with shopping, dining and impressive waterfront views. Travellers who enjoy discovering local food may want to consider Guangzhou, while Xiamen offers a different atmosphere for those looking to explore coastal scenery and local culture.

Chengdu may appeal to visitors interested in Sichuan cuisine and the region’s famous giant pandas. Shenzhen is known for its modern urban environment and shopping opportunities, while Changsha offers its own food culture and city attractions. Hong Kong is another attractive option for a short getaway, with shopping centres, restaurants, sightseeing spots and family-friendly entertainment.

Before choosing your destination, check the available flights, travel dates and applicable booking conditions with the designated travel agent.

How Much Do You Need to Spend to Qualify?

The main requirement to remember is the minimum accumulated spending of RM20,000 in qualifying retail transactions.

Eligible cardholders must accumulate at least RM20,000 in qualifying spending within 30 calendar days on or before each flight-ticket purchase, within the relevant participating campaign month. The spending must meet the campaign’s conditions and is tracked according to transaction dates.

For example, a cardholder who has accumulated RM20,000 in eligible retail spending within the required period may qualify for the complimentary companion ticket, subject to the bank’s validation and the remaining redemption quota.

However, spending RM20,000 does not automatically guarantee a free ticket. The bank must validate the qualifying transactions, the booking must be confirmed, and the full amount required for the booking must be charged to the same eligible Principal PB or PIB Mastercard credit card.

Eligible transactions can include local and overseas retail spending, online purchases and the full purchase amount of qualifying new Zero Interest/Profit Instalment Plan transactions. Supplementary card spending may also be combined with the Principal cardholder’s qualifying spending.

Certain transactions are excluded, including utility payments, insurance premiums, government-related payments, cash advances, interest charges, late payment fees, recurring payments and various other non-qualifying transactions. Transactions considered business-related, fraudulent, reversed or otherwise ineligible may also be excluded.

It is therefore important to check the complete terms and conditions rather than assume that every credit card transaction contributes towards the RM20,000 requirement.

Why Should You Consider This Travel Deal?

The biggest attraction is the opportunity to travel with a companion without paying the full base airfare for both passengers. For couples, close friends or family members planning a trip together, this could make a meaningful difference to the overall cost of travelling.

Instead of planning separate holidays, travellers can coordinate one trip and share the experience. Exploring a new city, trying local food, visiting famous attractions and discovering unfamiliar neighbourhoods can be more enjoyable when travelling with someone you know.

The offer also provides a reason to plan ahead. By selecting a destination and checking flights early, travellers may have more flexibility when arranging their itinerary, subject to availability. Those who already have substantial qualifying spending through normal, planned purchases may find the promotion particularly worth investigating.

Nevertheless, the RM20,000 spending requirement is substantial. It would not be sensible to spend unnecessarily or make purchases purely to obtain a complimentary ticket. Interest charges, annual fees and other costs can quickly reduce any potential savings. The best approach is to consider the offer only if the qualifying spending fits your existing financial needs and budget.

Remember that the companion ticket’s base airfare is capped at RM2,000. You should compare the actual fare, taxes and other charges against the total cost of alternative flights before deciding whether this promotion offers good value.

How to Redeem the Complimentary Companion Ticket

Eligible cardholders must contact Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd, the designated travel agent, to enquire about the campaign and begin the eligibility screening process.

The booking channels are:

• Email: hi@holidaytours.com.my
• Hotline: 03-2303 1500
• WhatsApp: +6012 926 2971 (text messages only)

The travel agent operates from Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

During the initial enquiry, cardholders must provide the required bank card information for eligibility screening. The travel agent will submit the relevant details to the bank, which will validate the qualifying spending and confirm the eligible amount as at the enquiry date.

Once eligibility has been confirmed, the cardholder can proceed with the booking. Reservations must be made at least seven working days before departure, and the travel period may extend up to 11 months from the booking date.

The ticket must be a return journey originating from a Malaysian airport to one of the listed destinations. A maximum of one domestic stopover within Malaysia is permitted, while open-jaw and multi-city itineraries are not allowed. Both passengers must travel together on the same flight, and one of the tickets must be booked under the eligible cardholder’s name.

Do not leave the booking until the last minute. The monthly redemption quota is allocated on a first-confirmed-and-paid, first-served basis. Successful spending validation alone does not reserve a complimentary ticket; the booking must be confirmed and full payment received before the allocation is secured.

Take Note of the Campaign’s Limitations

Although the campaign runs until 23 November 2026, it may end earlier if the total allocation is fully used. The terms provide for up to 100 complimentary companion tickets in each participating month, with a total campaign allocation of 300 tickets.

The offer cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts, special fares or promotional offers, including certain airline, travel fair and partner offers. Complimentary tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, and cancellations or missed flights will not qualify for refunds.

Changes to a confirmed booking may involve fare differences, airline charges and travel agent service fees. Certain changes affecting either ticket may also result in the complimentary ticket being forfeited.

Flight availability is not guaranteed, so travellers should confirm their preferred dates and destination before making firm plans.

Extra Travel Savings Through Alipay and Trip.com

There are two additional China-related offers worth checking if you are planning to travel during the same period.

Eligible new Alipay users who link their PB Mastercard credit card can enjoy an RMB30 coupon with a minimum spend of RMB300 in China. Existing Alipay users can enjoy an RMB30 instant discount with a minimum spend of RMB1,000 in China. This offer runs until 31 December 2026, subject to its terms and conditions. Details are available at Public Bank’s Alipay promotion page.

Cardholders can also check Trip.com’s China hotel promotion for up to 10% off eligible hotel bookings using promo code PBCHINA10. The booking period runs until 31 December 2026, subject to the applicable terms. Visit Public Bank’s Trip.com promotion page for more information.

These additional offers have separate conditions and should not be assumed to apply automatically to every booking or transaction.

Is This Promotion Worth Enjoying?

Public Bank’s Buy 1 Get 1 Air Ticket promotion may be attractive to eligible cardholders who already meet the RM20,000 qualifying spending requirement and are planning a trip to one of the supported destinations. The possibility of receiving a companion return ticket could help reduce the base airfare cost for two people travelling together.

The key is to calculate the overall cost carefully. Consider the qualifying spending rules, taxes and surcharges, flight availability, booking deadlines and any restrictions before committing. Most importantly, do not increase your spending or carry credit card debt just to qualify for a travel reward.

If your spending already meets the campaign requirements and China or Hong Kong is on your travel list, contact Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd to check your eligibility and available flights. With limited monthly allocations, early enquiries may help you determine whether the deal is suitable for your next holiday.

For complete details, read the official Public Bank promotion terms and conditions. Confirm the specific campaign conditions with the bank or designated travel agent before booking.

Promotional/Event Details

Date: 24 August–23 November 2026, or earlier if the campaign allocation is fully utilised.

Time: Booking enquiries are available Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm.

Venue: Online and through Holiday Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd’s designated booking channels. Eligible return flights must originate from a Malaysian airport and operate on Malaysia Airlines to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Changsha or Hong Kong.

Promotion: Buy 1 Get 1 Complimentary Economy Class Return Air Ticket with an eligible Public Bank or Public Islamic Bank Principal Mastercard credit card. A minimum accumulated qualifying retail spend of RM20,000 within the specified 30-calendar-day period is required. The complimentary ticket covers base airfare up to RM2,000; taxes, airport charges, fuel surcharges and other applicable fees remain payable.

Booking contact: hi@holidaytours.com.my | 03-2303 1500 | WhatsApp: +6012 926 2971 (text only).