Superdeals: 40–80% off flights from North America to Australia

Direct flight routes to Australia

Non-stop flights from North America to Australia are limited but available from select major cities.

• Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD) – Qantas, United Airlines – 15h 15m


• San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney (SYD) – United Airlines – 15h 30m


• Dallas (DFW) to Sydney (SYD) – Qantas – 17h 15m


• Vancouver (YVR) to Sydney (SYD) – Air Canada – 15h 35m


• Houston (IAH) to Sydney (SYD) – United Airlines – 17h 30m

Layover/stopover options

Tokyo (NRT/HND) – JAL and ANA provide connections with typical layover times of 2-4 hours. Modern facilities and efficient transit process make it a reliable hub.

Singapore (SIN) – Singapore Airlines offers extensive connections. Features world-class amenities and free city tours for longer layovers. Average connection time is 3 hours.

Dubai (DXB) – Emirates hub with consistent 3-5 hour connections. Offers complimentary hotel for longer layovers and extensive duty-free shopping.

Seoul (ICN) – Korean Air connections average 2-3 hours. Features excellent transit facilities and free airport tours for layovers exceeding 6 hours.

Time vs money

Direct flights typically command premium prices but save 4-8 hours of total travel time. One-stop flights through Asian hubs often offer savings of 20-40% compared to non-stop options.

Tips and recommendations

• Book non-stop flights 6-8 months ahead for best availability and pricing


• Consider overnight layovers in Asian hubs to break up long journey and reduce jetlag


• Mid-week departures typically offer lower fares for both direct and connecting flights


• Qantas and United often match each other’s prices on direct routes


• Asian carriers frequently offer better economy class service and more generous baggage allowance

• Air Canada offers year-round service from Vancouver to Sydney and Brisbane with competitive pricing, typically 15-20% lower than direct US routes. Their Boeing 787-9 features a comfortable Premium Economy cabin with 38″ pitch and 19.5″ width. Connection through Vancouver also allows travelers to clear Australian customs faster due to lower passenger volumes.
• Flying through Seoul on Korean Air can save up to 30% compared to direct flights, with excellent connection times under 2 hours. Their A380 and 747-8 aircraft to Sydney feature some of the widest economy seats in the market at 18.5″. The airline’s generous baggage allowance of two 23kg bags in economy makes it particularly appealing for longer stays.
• United Airlines’ new San Francisco-Brisbane route launched in 2024 offers introductory fares up to 25% below market average. The route uses Boeing 787-9 aircraft with the carrier’s latest Polaris configuration, including enhanced economy seats with personal device holders and upgraded entertainment systems.
• Japan Airlines via Tokyo provides an opportunity to break up the long journey with a free stopover program of up to 7 days in Japan. Their economy class features an industry-leading 34″ pitch on flights to Australia, and their flexible fare rules allow date changes with minimal fees.
• Consider flying through Fiji Airways via Nadi for substantial savings – often 40% less than direct flights during off-peak seasons. Their A350 aircraft feature modern economy cabins with 32″ pitch and impressive 18″ width. The airline offers free stopovers in Fiji, effectively allowing two destinations for the price of one.

1. Booking non-protected connections Transit through Asian hubs like Singapore or Seoul without proper connection protection can leave travelers stranded if there’s a delay, as these tickets are often booked as separate segments.
2. Flying direct during peak season Attempting to book direct flights from West Coast hubs (LAX, SFO, YVR) to Sydney during December-January can cost thousands more than routes with one strategic stopover.
3. Ignoring alternative arrival airports Fixating on Sydney as the only arrival point while Melbourne or Brisbane might offer better connections and lower fares, especially when traveling to other parts of Australia.
4. Booking too close to departure Waiting until less than three months before departure to book Australia flights, when the sweet spot for best fares is typically 4-8 months in advance.
5. Miscalculating airport transfer time Underestimating the distance and time needed to reach Sydney’s Kingsford Smith Airport from downtown, which can take over an hour during peak traffic periods.

Qantas Airways

Best for: Most extensive network of direct flights from North America to Australia.

Operating from 6 US/Canadian cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Vancouver, New York-JFK, and Seattle) to Australia, Qantas offers the widest choice of routes. Their Economy class features ergonomic seats with 32-inch pitch, high-quality Australian wines, and award-winning meals. The airline’s modern fleet of A380s and 787s provides excellent cabin air quality and reduced jet lag effect. Passenger ratings consistently praise their professional crew and reliable service.

Air Canada

Best for: Superior stopover options in Vancouver with streamlined connections.

Serving 3 Australian destinations from multiple North American cities through their Vancouver hub, Air Canada offers competitive fares and comfortable 787 Dreamliner service. Their Economy class provides 31-32 inch pitch seats, individual entertainment screens, and quality meals with complimentary wine. Passengers particularly appreciate their efficient immigration process in Vancouver and reliable baggage handling.

United Airlines

Best for: Most flexible booking options with extensive domestic connections in both countries.

Flying from 4 major hubs (San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, and Chicago) to Australia, United offers comprehensive coverage through their extensive network. Their 787 and 777 aircraft feature updated Economy cabins with personal device entertainment options and power outlets. The airline receives positive reviews for their frequent services and good value for money on these ultra-long-haul routes.

Air New Zealand

Best for: Superior inflight service and innovative Economy seat design.

Operating from 3 US cities (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Houston) with connections to Australia, Air New Zealand stands out for their unique Economy Skycouch option and exceptional service culture. Their modern aircraft offer a specially designed Economy seat with better lumbar support, generous 32-inch pitch, and high-quality New Zealand-inspired meals. Passengers consistently rate their cabin crew service as among the best in the industry.

Using Asian carriers to save on Australia flights

Smart travelers can significantly reduce costs on flights to Australia by leveraging regional Asian carriers and creating multi-city itineraries. This strategy requires more planning but can result in savings of 30-50% compared to direct routes.

Key money-saving tactics

1. Split the journey – Book separate tickets: one from North America to an Asian hub (like Singapore, Manila, or Tokyo), and another onwards to Australia
2. Target budget carriers – Airlines like Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia offer deeply discounted fares within Asia-Pacific, often 50-70% cheaper than major carriers
3. Utilize stopover programs – Carriers like Singapore Airlines and Japan Airlines offer free or discounted stopover packages, effectively giving you two destinations for less
4. Mix and match airlines – Combine traditional carriers for long-haul segments with budget airlines for shorter routes

The most cost-effective Asian hubs for this strategy are typically Singapore, Manila, and Kuala Lumpur. While this approach requires more flexibility with travel dates and longer overall journey times, savings can exceed $500 per person when executed properly.