first class trip to australia

First Class Flights to Australia in 2024

About first class flights to australia, helpful overview information on australia first class ticket prices, flight duration, and airlines, when to book first class flights to australia, check out the information below to find the best first class deal for your trip to australia, australia first class round-trip flight deals, check out some of the best first class round trip airfares going from the united states to australia found recently by users on momondo., search for australia first class one way flight deals, toggle between options to view the best deals for you on first class one-way flight tickets departing to australia from the united states, frequently asked questions about australia first class flights, how much does a first class flight to australia cost.

$5,646 is the average price for a first class flight to Australia. To reduce the cost of flying with premium cabin classes, travelers should be flexible with their choice of airlines and flight dates. It is not uncommon, however, to find first class deals for as low as $5,546 departing from United States (found by some users on Feb 18).

Which airlines have first class flights to Australia?

Choose Qantas Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, WestJet, Royal Air Maroc, Iberia, Cathay Pacific, British Airways, Hawaiian Airlines if you are planning to fly first class to Australia. Depending on the airline, some additional premium perks may be available to travelers.

What is the cheapest business class flight to Australia?

About 42% cheaper than first class tickets, business class flights to Australia cost roughly $3,291 per ticket. The alternative option allows flyers to still have a premium, comfortable flying experience without breaking the bank.

Which cabin class is available for Qantas Airways flights to Australia?

Looking to upgrade from Economy? The most popular airline with flights to Australia, Qantas Airways, has the following Premium Cabin options: first, business, premium economy. Departing from another origin or choosing a different airline may open up more travel alternatives, if you are still undecided.

Is it worth flying First Class to Australia?

While the experience can vary from airline to airline, First Class flights are one of the most luxurious flying experiences available. Some airlines can offer premium lounge access, while others may have exclusive in-flight perks aside from the extra legroom. With momondo, travelers can search and compare cheap First Class flight deals so you can fly comfortably without breaking the bank.

Why should I use momondo to find a First Class flight deal to Australia?

momondo compares prices from hundreds of airlines and agents so you can find and book the best deal on First Class flights to Australia. Millions of users trust and use momondo every year so you are in good company.

Can I find First Class flights to Australia with flexible booking policies on momondo?

momondo does allow users to show only those First Class flights to Australia which offer a flexible booking policy as well as other useful filters and features.

How can momondo help me find deals for First Class flight tickets to Australia?

Once you have performed a search for First Class flight tickets to Australia, momondo helps you find the right flight by offering useful filters to narrow down your flight selection. Flights can be filtered by multiple factors such as airline, airport and price; but also by other criteria like aircraft type and payment method.

I’m not ready to book a First Class flight to Australia right now. Can momondo alert me if prices change?

Of course. momondo tracks the price of Australia First Class flights. All you need is a valid email address and we will do the rest; it is that quick and easy.

When did momondo last update prices for flights from United States to Australia?

Prices for flights from United States to Australia refresh daily.

How many operators does momondo search for flights from United States to Australia?

The number of operators available for flights from United States to Australia is 25 as of April 2024.

How old do you have to be to fly from United States to Australia?

The minimum age for a child to fly alone is five, but airlines that offer an unaccompanied minor (UNMR) service may have their own age limitations. Flight duration, scheduling, and layovers are among the considerations that may influence age limits. We recommend that you double-check with the airline you are booking with for travel from United States to Australia.

What documentation or ID do you need to fly to Australia?

The travel and health documents required for your trip to Australia can vary based on your itinerary and personal situation. As a rule, consider having multiple documents such as a national ID card or driver’s license, and a passport valid for six-months after you plan to arrive at Australia. We always recommend checking with your airline or a trusted third party such as IATA to get advice.

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How to travel to Australia with points and miles for 2024

Mar 29, 2024 • 19 min read

Hiking near Esperance in Western Australia © John Crux Photography / Getty

This series of articles about credit cards, points and miles, and budgeting for travel is brought to you in partnership with  The Points Guy .

Advertiser Disclosure:  This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. This relationship may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.

All information about the Alaska Airlines Visa® card, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card, the Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, the CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®, the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®, the Bilt Mastercard®, the American Express® Green Card, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card, the Citi Premier® Card and the United Club℠ Business Card   has been collected independently by Lonely Planet. These cards are not available through Lonely Planet.

What comes to mind when you think of Australia? For me, it’s watching the surfers at Bondi Beach , that first glimpse of the Twelve Apostles along the Great Ocean Road and visiting Steve Irwin’s beloved Australia Zoo .

For those with limited vacation time, a trip to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane is a terrific introduction to Australia .  Each city is a fabulous base for day trips to national parks, nearby beaches and other popular attractions within the region by car via guided tour.

If you’ve got a flexible schedule — or the ability to spend a year doing the Working Holiday Visa (for 18 to 30-year-olds, or up to age 35 if you’re from certain countries ) like I did — catch a short flight to remote locales such as Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Canberra, Alice Springs or Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park to experience everything Australia has to offer.

Worried this might be an expensive endeavor? There are plenty of ways to bring costs down, from sticking to your budget to using points and miles to pay for your flights, hotels, car rentals and tours. 

Here’s everything you need to know about traveling to Australia with points and miles.

How to get started with travel points and airline miles

The cheapest award flights to Australia

If the idea of spending an entire day on an airplane makes you sweat – 15.5 hours from Los Angeles or San Francisco and roughly 17.5 hours from Dallas or Houston – I don’t blame you. But I promise you it’s worth it.

While jet lag likely won’t spare you, I find it helps to get as much sleep as I can on the way there so I’m ready to hit the ground running when I land. On the way back to the US, try and stay awake as long as possible (movie marathon!) so you can go to bed close to a normal time when you land.

Also keep in mind that you’ll need to apply for an ETA (Electronic Travel Authority) visa for about 20 AUD (US$12), which lets you visit Australia for up to three months each time you enter the country within a 12-month period. For peace of mind, apply early, as processing times vary.

As for booking flights with points and miles , you’ll find the best deals from airport hubs in cities with nonstop flights to Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL) or Brisbane (BNE). That means Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW), Houston (IAH), Honolulu (HNL) or Vancouver (YVR). 

If you’re planning to venture out to other Australian cities, check Google Flights to see what prices are like on domestic carriers like Qantas, Jetstar, Virgin Australia, Rex and Bonza. 

You might also be able to use points and miles to cover short hops, as Jetstar is connected to Qantas (and partners), and Virgin Australia is partners with United Airlines. Signing up for travel credit cards so you can maximize welcome bonuses and booking with airline partners are the key ways to grow your pile of points and miles and save money on a trip to Australia.

• Cheapest economy class ticket to Australia: 75,000 ANA Mileage Club miles round-trip
• Cheapest business-class ticket to Australia: 110,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles round-trip (to fly on Qantas)
• Cheapest first-class ticket to Australia: 140,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles round-trip (to fly on Qantas)  

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Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

While Alaska Airlines doesn’t operate flights to Australia, you can still use Mileage Plan miles to book trips on its Oneworld partners, Qantas and American Airlines. Here’s how many you’ll need to fly on American Airlines:

• Economy Class: 80,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 160,000 miles round-trip
• First Class: 220,000 miles round-trip

Here’s how many Mileage Plan miles you’ll need to redeem flights on Qantas:

• Economy Class: 85,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 110,000 miles round-trip
• First Class: 140,000 miles round-trip

When it comes to award availability, it’s going to be tougher to book a flight redemption with Qantas than American Airlines, so look early and often.

To earn Mileage Plan miles quickly, sign up for one of two cobranded credit cards to make the most of the welcome bonus. Thanks to a new partnership, Bilt Rewards can be transferred to American Airlines, while you can also sign up for a cobranded credit card to build up your AAdvantage miles stash.

Alternatively, you can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Mileage Plan and AAdvantage at a 3:1 ratio.

• Alaska Airlines Visa® card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles once you spend $3,000 within the first 90 days of account opening — and earn Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each year after you spend $6,000.
• Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card: Earn 50,000 bonus miles, plus Alaska’s $99 Companion Fare, after spending $3,000 within the first 90 days of opening your account.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card :  Earn 30,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months from account opening. Plus, Earn up to 14X total points for every $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card :  Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first three months from account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card :  Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card :   Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Barclays AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®: Earn 60,000 bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee within the first 90 days of account opening.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 50,000 bonus miles after spending $2,500 within the first three months of opening your account.
• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® Mastercard®: Earn 65,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first four months of account opening.
• Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive Mastercard®: Earn 70,000 bonus miles after spending $7,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• The Bilt Mastercard®: No welcome bonus, but you can earn points on rent and transfer to a number of airline and hotel partners.

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Qantas Frequent Flyer

Qantas Frequent Flyer opens its availability options 353 days ahead of time, giving the first choice to its members when it comes to redeeming points for business- and first-class seats (compared to those redeeming via partners). 

While you might find a better deal by booking Qantas award tickets with other Oneworld partners like American Airlines or Alaska Airlines, it’s still worth checking the Qantas points calculator on its website, as it usually depends on the distance you’ll be flying. 

Here’s an idea of what you’ll find for a sample flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Sydney (SYD):

• Economy Class: 83,800 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 216,800 miles round-trip
• First Class: 325,600 miles-round-trip

For comparison, here’s a search for a flight from Dallas (DFW) to SYD): 

• Economy Class: 102,400 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 253,000 miles round-trip
• First Class: 379,600 miles-round-trip

Qantas points can also be redeemed for flights on Jetstar and American Airlines, among other Oneworld airline partners.

Several flexible rewards programs, such as American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards and Capital One Rewards, let you transfer points to Qantas at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy points can be transferred at a ratio of 3:1.

• American Express® Green Card: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 within the first six months of opening your account.
• American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of account opening
• American Express® Business Gold Card : Earn 70,000 bonus points after spending $10,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• The Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 80,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 within the first six months of opening your account.
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express : Earn 120,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 within the first three months of account opening.
• Citi Premier® Card: Earn 60,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card :  Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card :  Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.

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All Nippon Airways (ANA) Mileage Club

While All Nippon Airways (ANA) is the flag carrier of Japan, you can still use ANA Mileage Club miles to book flights through its Star Alliance partners, such as United Airlines and Air Canada. 

There is one catch: you’ll need to book a round-trip award redemption, as one-ways aren’t allowed. Here’s how many ANA Mileage Club miles you’ll need to redeem a round-trip flight on either partner airline:

• Economy Class: 75,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 120,000 miles round-trip

The easiest ways to earn ANA Mileage Club miles are by using the 1:1 transfer ratio from American Express Membership Rewards or by maximizing the welcome bonus of either The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card from American Express, which would each provide enough points to cover your round-trip flight.

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Avianca LifeMiles

Using Avianca LifeMiles to book flights on Star Alliance partners United Airlines and Air Canada is one of the best points and miles sweet spots, especially after United devalued its MileagePlus program this summer.

To rack up Avianca LifeMiles in a hurry, transfer points at a 1:1 ratio from Citi ThankYou Rewards, Capital One Rewards or American Express Membership Rewards, or from Marriott Bonvoy at a ratio of 3:1.

• Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Earn 75,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 within the first three months of opening your account.
• American Express® Gold Card : Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first six months of account opening.
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card :  Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

Should you book travel with cash or points?

United Airlines MileagePlus

While admittedly, this isn’t your best redemption option, I’m including it because it’s still a good one for those who rely on transferring points from Chase Ultimate Rewards to United and its many Star Alliance partners.

• Economy Class: 110,000 miles round-trip
• Business Class: 200,000 miles round-trip

Several cobranded United credit cards offer lucrative welcome bonuses, as do the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card  and Chase Sapphire Reserve® , to help you get started on your United MileagePlus miles-building journey. United is also a partner of Bilt Rewards (1:1) and Marriott Bonvoy (3:1).

• Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card :  Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Chase Sapphire Reserve® :  Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• United Gateway℠ Card :  Earn 20,000 miles after spending $1,000 within the first three months of account opening.
• United℠ Explorer Card :  Earn 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
• United Quest℠ Card :  Earn 60,000 bonus miles and 500 Premier qualifying points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.
• United Club℠ Infinite Card :  Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• United℠ Business Card :  Earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $5,000 in your first three months of account opening.
• United Club℠ Business Card : Earn 50,000 bonus miles plus 1,000 Premier qualifying points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open.

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Australia hotels you can book with points

Some of the best points hotels on earth can be found in Australia, no matter which part of the country you’re in. With options from most chains available in every major city, plus a few Accor properties outside Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park , there’s no need to go without the usual creature comforts, even in the middle of the Australian Outback.

You’ll encounter hotel and resort options from Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, World of Hyatt, Hilton Honors, Choice Privileges, Wyndham Rewards and Accor Live Limitless.  It’s free to sign up for all of these, and if you happen to have your preferred brand’s hotel rewards credit card , you’ll be able to rack up a ton of points in no time, thanks to their respective welcome bonuses.

Several travel credit cards really go the extra mile to help you cut costs. The Chase Sapphire Reserve® includes a $300 annual travel credit. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers an included benefit of $200 in statement credits, which can be put toward resort fees and other purchases made at Hilton hotels two times a year.

10 amazing hotels around the world you can book with points

Stop 1: Sydney

Most travelers will start their big Aussie adventure in Sydney , New South Wales, home to the famous Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Once you’ve checked out the oldest part of the city, a neighborhood known as “The Rocks,” unwind with a relaxing stroll through Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

If time allows, head to Bondi Beach , where you can have a swim and see the surfers do their thing. For a real treat, plan a day trip (by train or car) to Blue Mountains National Park and hike out to the Three Sisters viewing area in Katoomba for incredible views of the rock formation and the valley below.

The Park Hyatt Sydney, a category 8 World of Hyatt property located right in the heart of all the action in Dawes Point, has room rates from 35,000 per night. With 155 rooms and suites (many of which offer views of Sydney Harbour), a swanky rooftop pool and a luxurious spa, it’s a terrific place to lay your head after a long flight — or a big day of sightseeing.

The welcome bonus from the World of Hyatt Credit Card, Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve®  would be enough to cover one night (or two nights if you sign up for both – just make sure you aren’t violating Chase’s 5:24 rule, which won’t let you add a new Chase credit card if you’ve already signed up for five cards in the last 24 months).

If you’re still short, you can always transfer Ultimate Rewards points to World of Hyatt, as it’s one of Chase’s hotel partners. 

Best travel credit cards for hotels

Stop 2: Melbourne

Located in Victoria, Melbourne is home to lively coffee and foodie scenes, world-class museums and incredible nightlife throughout the Central Business District and just a tram ride away by the beach in St Kilda. 

Keep your eyes peeled for colorful murals and street art as you wind your way through the city’s many laneways. Don’t leave without doing the 90-minute Aboriginal Heritage Walk at the Royal Botanic Garden, which offers a chance to learn more about local flora as well as the history, culture and modern-day experience of Australia’s Indigenous people.

Five-star hotel Le Méridien Melbourne came onto the scene in March 2023, offering room rates from 31,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night. With 235 guestrooms, a chic pool deck and a location within walking distance of the Melbourne Museum, Fitzroy Gardens and Melbourne’s busy central business district, it makes a great base for exploring the rest of the city.

Since Marriot Bonvoy is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can switch points over from either loyalty program to bump up your balance. 

The welcome bonus alone from the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card would take care of a free night (up to 95,000 points). Members earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after using their new card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first six months of card membership. Card members also receive up to $300 annually ($25 per month) in credits for dining at restaurants and a free night on their anniversary.

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Stop 3: Brisbane

Located in Queensland, Brisbane is best known for its farmers' markets, public art museums, zig-zagging Riverwalk and vibrant live music scene. 

It’s also a great base for making day trips to Mount Coot-Tha, the Glass House Mountains, Crocodile Steve Irwin’s beloved Australia Zoo in Beerwah or one of Australia’s many theme parks – Dreamworld, Warner Bros. Movie World, WhiteWater World, Wet’N’Wild or Sea World – near the Gold Coast.

Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, part of the IHG One Rewards Vignette Collection, has room rates from 26,000 points per night, putting you within walking distance of the scenic Story Bridge, the Wilson Outlook Reserve, and all the shopping and nightlife the Fortitude Valley neighborhood has to offer.

The welcome bonus from the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers enough points to cover a whopping five nights at this hotel, while the IHG One Rewards Traveler Credit Card’s would cover three. Alternatively, the welcome bonus from either the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® could cover two nights.

To top up your IHG Rewards One points balance, you can transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards or Bilt Rewards at a 1:1 ratio.

Best travel credit cards for foodies

Activities and ground transportation

If you’re planning to rent a car, be aware that you’ll need to drive on the left side of the road and from the right side of the car.

Whether you decide to go for it or rely on public transportation or ridesharing apps like Uber to get around, you’ll be able to “wipe” those transportation charges if you have certain travel credit cards.

The Capital One Venture and the Capital One Venture X allow cardholders to redeem points to cover travel expenses, typically at a value of one cent per point. The Chase Sapphire Reserve®  also offers a $300 annual credit, so you’ll receive statement credits meant to cover certain travel charges. 

To help lower the cost of car rentals, guided tours and other activities,  Chase Sapphire Preferred®  and Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardholders can redeem Ultimate Rewards points to cover them at a rate of 1.25 cents per point or 1.5 cents per point, respectively, through the Chase travel portal.

Best credit cards for road trips

Bottom line

There’s no reason a dream trip to Australia has to break the bank. By being aware of airline alliances and the many ways to save on points and miles redemptions through booking with transfer partners, you’ll be able to cover your flights and hotel stays in no time.

Signing up for travel credit cards with generous welcome bonuses and focusing on flexible rewards programs with transferable points will help boost your balance in a hurry, freeing up more of your hard-earned dollars for fun activities like a night out on the town or dinner at a fancy restaurant.

*Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit  americanexpress.com/benefitsguide  for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

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.

This article was first published November 2023 and updated March 2024

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Find First Class Flights to Australia

Latest first class flight deals to australia.

Cheapest return prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

Good to Know - First Class Flights to Australia

Faqs for australia first class flights, which airline provides the best first class experience to australia.

There are some great First Class experiences that airlines offer. One airline known for its lavish offering is Qantas Airways. Its flight from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) to Sydney Airport (SYD) provides a great service throughout, with premium meals, a place to charge your laptop, and a private suite for ultimate relaxation included in the booking.

Which First Class lounges are there at London Heathrow Airport (LHR)?

At London Heathrow Airport you can enjoy the benefit of flying First Class by utilising one of the many lounges on offer. British Airways First Class ticket holders can use the First Lounge and Concorde Terrace. Whereas those travelling with Qantas can utilise the Qantas First Lounge. Both of these provide unlimited complimentary food and drink, shower facilities and free Wi-Fi, so you can relax ahead of your long flight.

Can I stream my favourite films on a First Class flight to Australia from the UK?

Yes, alongside the entertainment already provided by the airlines on First Class flights to Australia, you can also access your favourite streaming sites to catch up on new series and films. Singapore Airlines, for example, is one airline that offers this service.

What is the most popular airline offering First Class flights to Australia?

Among KAYAK users, American Airlines is the most popular airline offering First Class seats on flights to Australia.

Which airlines offer First Class tickets on flights to Australia?

Traveling to Australia and want to offer yourself a First Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in First Class: American Airlines, British Airways, Air France and Qantas Airways.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to Australia?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Australia for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

What is the best airline for first class flights to Australia?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to Australia is Singapore Airlines, with an overall rating of 8.2.

Top tips for finding first class flights to Australia

• First Class flights to Australia take around at least 19h 40min, so opting for extra comfort with a First Class ticket is a great idea. For example, with British Airways, you’ll be able to enjoy additional leg space and lie flat beds, so when you arrive in Australia you’ll be feeling fresh for the trip ahead.
• With First Class flights to Australia you can get some great Wi-Fi packages, so that you can stay connected from take-off to touchdown. Whether it’s work, or just to chat to friends, airlines like Malaysia Airlines offer great web browsing.
• Enjoy the benefits of First Class flights to Australia from the moment you book. Advanced seat selection, priority check-in and lounge access all provide a luxurious experience before you’ve even stepped on to the plane.
• The most expensive day to fly First Class to Australia is Friday, while the cheapest is Friday.

Top 5 airlines flying to Australia

Awesome as always. I wish though the cabin for premium was upgraded.... Same old sane old :(

Cabin Crew always friendly and helpful. Seating cramped - foul smelling from toilets, high risk of disease. Guard personal property such as expensive sunglasses Coffee always awful and cold Meal trays toddler sized Not worth the extra cost to fly SQ - use a budget airline, same if not better experience

When boarding, after business class should be premium economy, but economy class already lined-up at the gate blocking premium economy to board. Singapore airline crew should done a better job to organize this chaos :( Thank you.

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

Every thing was fine. Some ild classical Hindi movies should be add

The premium economy seats were not that great. It could have been more premium than economy seats.

The singapore airline now compared before covid, I like the service before covid. SQ was the best of all airlines but now I am going to look for different airline if I am travelling in asia.

Flying with Singapore airlines is always excelllent - the crew are lovely and the food too is great. It’s my number 1 airline

Perfect experience from boarding through to leaving the flight, comfortable and personalised service from all staff, highly recommended

Transfer within the same terminal and lots of facilities at the airport.

My flight to Los Angeles was canceled Had to book another flight and you charged me extra $500 Very bad experience

Decent flight, staff was very good, especially with the turbulence during the flight due to weather. Comfort was about par with other airlines but since it was a quick flight, was not much of an issue for us.

The plane was uncomfortable. I paid extra for more legroom but the seat was still uncomfortable. Other seats on the same exact row didn’t have to pay extra but still have extra legroom. I didn’t understand why I needed to pay $170 for. It was Iike China airline just wants to make money off their passengers. It was unfair.

It was a 2 hour flight to Taiwan. Lunch was served. China Airlines goes above and beyond for their passengers.

Liked that I could pick my seat and have a special meal without an extra charge. Luggage is reasonable for overseas trip. What could have been better is boarding and leaving on time.

They were helpful, considerate with asking us for standby preboarding with our infant, gave us toys and excellent service onboard. They were always on time, even early boarding once! All our luggage arrived intact, and they even brought our baby car seat to oversized for us. We love China Airlines!

Staff is friendly, great variety of entertainment, check in a little messy but due to people not listening. Overall a pleasant experience. Would use again in the future.

It felt like a new plane. Decent leg room in economy, food was fine, and the plane didn’t feel super dry and uncomfortable.

Better training to have qualified crews and services. My flight was from around 12 midnight Friday Taipei to Vancouver. After two hours first meal (2:00 Am -8:00 ) no crew available for even asking for some water. I was even willing to pay for water. For breakfast after 8 hours the only drink was tea and coffee no water or juice.

Free Wi-Fi could have been better in the Airport.

They asked how much cash i have . I said no cash they said bring cash from atm . Why they even care about my cash.

Flight was scheduled to depart at 1210 hrs. It was delayed 1 hour 20 minutes (maybe for air traffic control reasons). The seats were worn out and very uncomfortable. Lunch was typical for airline. Flight free were friendly.

Everything was great in the business class. Seats 1A and 1C wouldn't recline properly. If i stood up then it did recline, even when the crew checked it he made me stand up recline it all the way and then he said "ok now you can sit" i just laughed it off.

We missed our connection due to technical issues with the plane. We were stuck in Oman Airport for 5 hours, had to overnight there, got rerouted to London, were denied boarding on the plane, were then seated separately (as a family of 5), did not receive any notification of our luggage being in London, were denied boarding for the AA flight to Chicago, and then all seated separately again. Finally our luggage was lost. Worst experience ever. Will never fly on this airline again

The crew could have offered us seats together as the flight was half empty. But overall, the service quality was good as well as the food and entertainment options. Would love to fly Oman Air again.

Smooth until we get in the plane it was so small and uncomfortable the whole flight, apparently they have Changed the plane and I don’t know what was the problem this flight is from mct to phuket - on my way back everything was perfect

Although a short regional flight, Oman Air continues to provide excellent service, and personal attention. I always find the Oman Air leg of an international flight less stressful and more personable.

The whole trip was well organised, and pleasantly executed. As with most Qatar Airways flights the staff were particularly attentive and supportive. The Q Suite was the "icing on the cake".

Staff were attentive and professional, and managed to be personable and accomodating at the same time. Oman Air has become my airline of choice.

Reduced cost for children to lounge Children’s area in airport Non spicy snacks Option of children’s meals Good films More children’s games and 2 player games Ran out of vegetarian meals

Omar airways mishandled my baggage, it took me 2 weeks to get my baggage back. It's been delivered to someone else.

Didn’t like it at all. Cabin crew unfriendly. Very bad experience.

Absolutely terrible delays for 3 hours changed seats after we paid an upgrade on both legs. It appears it’s up to us to request a refund after they down graded our seat. Never again !!

Seat and leg space is much better than the Qatar airline. The crew I would like to say is not meeting the requirements of emirates airlines cause it almost 20 years I am flying with emirates this time I really feel that crew is not behaving well someone asked for water waited more than 30 minutes and there are more incidents in this flight.

They had superb boarding (started an hour before flight time). Timely pushback from them gate and an early arrival. Flight and service was very comfortable. I wanted to move my flight to an earlier one, only thing was there was no one at emirates in Heathrow to help. Had to call the call the center and pay to change. There were ample seats on the flight though

Check-in process at Bengaluru airport was atrociously slow. Emirates should allow baggage drop option after online check-in and verification of documents. The rest of the flight was quite good and we didn't have any complaints.

Check-in counter at the airport took more than an hour of standing in queue with online checkin. And after entering the gate the flight delayed more than 30 mins.

The air hostess spilled tomato juice on me by mistake in Mumbai -Dubai flight. I was traveling from Mumbai to UAD. Her senior came and offered couple of small chocolates (probably given in business class) as compensation. I asked for access to lounge as I had to travel till IAD and I could shower and change. But she said she cannot do that and did nothing further. I found the response to their mistake as inappropriate.

Had the salad which tasted awfully spat it out but still got food poisoning 1 after running to toilet crew would not let me sit near toilets I was stuck in window seat

The individual attention the crew gives to passengers is commendable and I find them positively helpful.

Emirates flights always nice. Service rendered by the staff is superb.I am always comfortable in Emirates flights.

Book first class Australia plane tickets

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• First Class Air Travel To Australia

Welcome aboard! Are you ready to embark on a luxurious journey to the captivating land of Australia? Get ready to experience the epitome of comfort and elegance as you indulge in first class air travel. In this article, we will explore why first class is the ultimate choice for your trip to Australia, top airlines offering first class flights, what to expect from first class travel, tips for booking your first class experience, must-visit destinations in Australia, and the incredible amenities and services that await you. So fasten your seatbelts and prepare for an extraordinary adventure!

Why Choose First Class for Your Trip to Australia

Top airlines offering first class flights to australia, what to expect from first class travel to australia, tips for booking first class flights to australia, exploring australia: must-visit destinations, indulge in first class amenities and services, 1. how much does first class air travel to australia typically cost, 2. what are the benefits of flying first class to australia, 3. which airlines offer the best first class experience to australia, 4. are there any restrictions or requirements for traveling first class to australia.

When it comes to traveling to Australia, opting for first class is an unrivaled choice. Not only does it provide you with unparalleled luxury and comfort, but it also offers a plethora of exclusive benefits and services. From spacious and fully reclining seats to delectable gourmet meals prepared by renowned chefs, first class ensures that your journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Additionally, you will have access to exclusive lounges, priority check-in, and dedicated customer service, making your travel experience seamless and stress-free.

Several world-class airlines cater to discerning travelers seeking first class flights to Australia. Some of the leading carriers renowned for their exceptional first class services include Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad Airways. These airlines prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring a memorable journey to the mesmerizing land Down Under.

First class travel to Australia promises an extraordinary experience from the moment you step on board. Prepare to be pampered by attentive cabin crew who will cater to your every need. Enjoy a private and serene cabin environment, complete with luxurious amenities such as plush bedding, noise-canceling headphones, and amenity kits filled with high-end skincare products. Delight in a delectable array of gourmet meals and fine wines, curated to tantalize your taste buds. Sit back, relax, and revel in the luxurious ambiance as you soar through the skies towards your Australian adventure.

• Plan and book your first class flights well in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
• Consider booking your flights during off-peak seasons to potentially enjoy lower fares.
• Utilize airline loyalty programs and credit card rewards to maximize your benefits and earn upgrades.
• Compare prices and amenities offered by different airlines to make an informed decision.
• Consult with travel agents or online platforms specializing in luxury travel for personalized assistance and recommendations.

Australia boasts a myriad of breathtaking destinations that are waiting to be explored. From the iconic Sydney Opera House and the natural wonders of the Great Barrier Reef to the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne and the stunning landscapes of the Outback, Australia offers a diverse range of experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the vibrant cities, immerse yourself in Aboriginal culture, encounter unique wildlife, and discover the country's picturesque beaches and national parks.

First class travel to Australia offers an array of lavish amenities and services that will elevate your journey to new heights. Enjoy spacious and comfortable seating with ample legroom, accompanied by the latest entertainment systems to keep you entertained throughout the flight. Stay connected with in-flight Wi-Fi and power outlets for your electronic devices. Experience the luxury of personalized service, with dedicated cabin crew catering to your every need. From luxurious bedding and amenity kits to exclusive access to lounges, first class ensures that your comfort and satisfaction are paramount.

Embarking on a first class journey to Australia is an experience like no other. Elevate your travel experience to new heights of luxury, comfort, and convenience. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, first class ensures that your journey is seamless, enjoyable, and unforgettable. So, why settle for anything less when you can indulge in the finest first class services and amenities while exploring the captivating wonders of Australia?

Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of first class air travel to Australia varies depending on several factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and the specific route. Generally, first class tickets to Australia can range from several thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars.

Flying first class to Australia provides numerous benefits, including spacious and comfortable seating, gourmet meals prepared by renowned chefs, exclusive lounges, priority check-in, dedicated customer service, and luxurious amenities. It offers a seamless and luxurious travel experience, ensuring maximum comfort and satisfaction.

Several airlines are renowned for offering exceptional first class experiences to Australia. Emirates, Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Etihad Airways are among the top carriers that prioritize luxury and comfort for their first class passengers.

While specific requirements may vary, it is essential to have a valid passport and any necessary visas for entry into Australia. Additionally, airlines may have their own specific policies and requirements for first class travel, such as dress codes or age restrictions for accessing certain amenities.

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Cheap First Class flights to Australia

Explore and compare the cheapest first class flights to australia from hundreds of sites, best travel deals, trusted and free, book with flexibility, cheap first class flights to australia in 2024, find the latest flights to australia in 2024, with up-to-date prices and availability. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,967,817 searches and data were last updated on april 5, 2024., australia round-trip first class flight deals, discover round-trip first class flight deals to australia. fares were last updated on april 5, 2024. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,967,817 searches..

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Australia one-way first class flight deals

Discover one-way first class flight deals to australia. fares were last updated on april 5, 2024. in the last 7 days, cheapflights users made a total of 2,967,817 searches..

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Frequently asked questions about Australia first class tickets

Find answers to common questions related to first class tickets for flights to australia. get information on booking, amenities, upgrade options, and more. this faq section was last updated on april 5, 2024., what is the cheapest price for a first class ticket to australia.

A usual price for a First Class ticket to Australia is $5,646. Factors like departure/arrival dates or even airline preference can impact final rates. Find First Class deals as low as $5,546/person if flying from Los Angeles Airport.

What airlines can I book First Class flights to Australia with?

You can book First Class flights to Australia with Qantas Airways, American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Finnair, WestJet, Hawaiian Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, British Airways, Cathay Pacific and Iberia. These airlines are the most popular providers with the premium cabin at this moment.

How much do Business Class flight tickets to Australia cost?

The average price for a Business Class ticket to Australia recently is $4,761. For what you get as travel perks, Business Class cabin is a great alternative to First Class. First Class tickets are also usually 16% more expensive.

How many premium cabins does Qantas Airways have for flights to Australia?

Qantas Airways currently offers a couple premium cabin classes on flights to Australia: Business Class, Prem Economy Class and First Class. Still not enough? Try taking a look at other airlines or choosing a new departing point for more cabin options.

Browse thousands of different options on Cheapflights for your next trip

Toggle through the tabs below to find thousands of options on cheapflights for your next trip., search flights to australia by cabin class.

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The Best Ways To Fly to Australia With Points and Miles [Step-by-Step]

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Nonstop Routes Between North America and Australia

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For Americans, Australia is undeniably a far-flung destination. The continent is at least 14 hours by nonstop flight from the contiguous U.S. But its remoteness is no doubt part of what compels many travelers to head there in the first place.

Known for its awe-inspiring nature and rich indigenous culture, Australia is one of the top tourist destinations on the planet. However, flying to Australia can be a huge logistical undertaking , especially if you don’t know where to start planning your trip.

Although using points and miles can reduce the cost of flights, you definitely want to save up for business or first class if you can , and be prepared for the grueling nature of these ultra-long-haul flights.

Today, we’ll look at some of the best ways to fly to Australia using points and miles, particularly in a premium cabin. It’s important to know that some airlines are notorious for extremely limited award availability.

Since Australia is one of the more difficult destinations to reach, particularly from the U.S. and Europe, there will be fewer routes you can take .

There are a total of 7 airlines that operate nonstop flights between the U.S. (including Hawaii) and Australia. These are:

• Vancouver (YVR) – Brisbane (BNE)
• Vancouver (YVR) – Sydney (SYD)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Sydney (SYD)
• Honolulu (HNL) – Sydney (SYD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Sydney (SYD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Melbourne (MEL)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Brisbane (BNE)
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Melbourne (MEL)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Sydney (SYD)
• Houston (IAH) – Sydney (SYD)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Melbourne (MEL)
• San Francisco (SFO) – Brisbane (BNE)

Australia has some of the world’s most fabulous beaches. Check out our guide on The 15 Best Beaches in Australia in 2023 .

Best Programs for Booking Flights

Let’s take a look at the best programs to use to book award tickets to Australia. Generally speaking, award availability, especially in business or first-class, is extremely difficult to find . Flexibility and a willingness to book a positioning flight will help immensely when searching for award space.

The first program we will look at for award flights to Australia is ANA Mileage Club . The program offers an award chart and has some of the best pricing of any program. You can fly round-trip between the U.S. and Australia for less than what some programs charge one-way.

Although the program is a bit complex, there is plenty of value when redeeming ANA miles. ANA offers excellent redemption rates, tons of sweet spots, and a fantastic stopover and open-jaw policy. ANA is also a member of the Star Alliance, which opens many partner award options.

However, there are two main drawbacks with ANA. First, ANA only allows for round-trip award bookings. Second, ANA passes on fuel surcharges, which can be quite high on some partners.

ANA has 2 unique award charts:

• 1 for ANA-operated flights , which are subject to seasonal pricing fluctuations
• 1 for partner-operated flights , which are not subject to pricing seasonality

We will take a look at both options here. If you want to fly ANA and have a stopover in Tokyo, you need to look at ANA’s international award chart. Of course, this routing becomes significantly longer, but it provides the opportunity to fly ANA’s fantastic long-haul products twice in each direction.

Regarding ANA-operated flights, you will need to look out for 2 main things: The zones for the departure and destination points and the season for the award flight . ANA places North America in Zone 6 and Oceania in Zone 10.

Here is the round-trip award pricing (based on seasonality) for flights between the U.S and Australia (Zones 6 and 10, respectively) when flying on ANA itself:

With ANA being part of the Star Alliance, you can also use your ANA miles to fly on a few partner airlines. Seasonality does not apply to partner awards, and award space tends to be quite good for partners. Here is the ANA award chart for Star Alliance partners:

If you are looking for nonstop flights to Australia, you will want to look at 2 main partner airlines: Air Canada and United Airlines.

Both airlines provide an excellent premium cabin product. United offers their highly regarded Polaris business class product on most nonstop routes between the U.S. and Australia.

Air Canada’s product includes reverse-herringbone seats in a clean, airy cabin. If possible, we’d recommend you book Air Canada’s business class product over United’s in this scenario.

Here are some great example redemptions you can make:

• Round-trip in United Airlines Polaris business class for 120,000 ANA miles plus about $40 in taxes and fees
• Round-trip in United Airlines economy for 75,000 ANA miles plus about $40 in taxes and fees
• With an open jaw in Melbourne in United Airlines Polaris business class for 120,000 ANA miles plus about $40 in taxes and fees
• With an open jaw in Melbourne in Air Canada business class for 120,000 ANA miles plus about $40 in taxes and fees

To redeem your ANA miles, we recommend following these instructions:

• Use United’s website to search for award space.
• Visit ANA’s website .
• Choose ANA Mileage Club .
• Choose International, then Award Reservation .
• Log in to your account.
• Enter your desired route, dates, and the desired class of travel.
• Choose your flights.
• Reserve your flight and pay for any applicable taxes and fees.

Earning ANA Mileage Club Miles

ANA is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy . Amex Membership Rewards transfer at a 1:1 ratio, and Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio.

It takes around 3 business days for Amex points to transfer to ANA and about 4 business days for Marriott Bonvoy points to transfer to ANA.

You also get 5,000 extra ANA miles if you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points simultaneously, meaning you’d end up with 25,000 ANA miles overall.

Recommended Amex Cards (Personal)

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: See Pay Over Time APR
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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American Express Membership Rewards

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American Express ® Gold Card

This is the best card for food lovers who dine out at restaurants (worldwide), order take-out and want big rewards at U.S. supermarkets!

The American Express ® Gold Card  is a game-changer.

With this card, you can earn 4x Membership Rewards points at restaurants and you’ll also earn 4x Membership Rewards points at U.S. supermarkets on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x.

There isn’t another card on the market that offers a 1-2 punch like this. Of course, there are several other benefits of the Gold Card as well, including extra monthly dining rewards and more.

• 4x points per dollar at restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.
• 4x points per dollar at U.S. supermarkets, up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases; and 1x thereafter
• 3x points per dollar on flights purchased directly from airlines or at Amex Travel
• Up to $120 annual dining credit: up to $10 monthly statement credit when you pay with the Amex Gold card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com , Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations
• Up to $120 in annual Uber Cash : get $10 monthly in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S. when you add your Gold Card to your Uber account
• No foreign transaction fees (see rates and fees )
• Access to Amex’s The Hotel Collection
• Access to American Express transfer partners
• $250 annual fee (see rates and fees )
• No lounge access
• Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards ® points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 4X Membership Rewards ® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards ® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
• Earn 3X Membership Rewards ® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
• $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
• $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express ® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
• Get a $100 experience credit with a minimum two-night stay when you book The Hotel Collection through American Express Travel. Experience credit varies by property.
• Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees.
• Annual Fee is $250.
• Find the Amex Gold 75k or 90k Welcome Bonus Offer
• Benefits of the Amex Gold
• Upgrade Amex Gold to Amex Platinum
• Amex Gold Benefits for Military
• Amex Gold vs Blue Cash Preferred
• Amex Platinum vs Amex Gold
• Amex Gold vs Delta Gold

Business Owner?  Check out our article on the best  Amex business cards  that earn Membership Rewards.

ANA has separate award charts for its own flights and partner award flights. The program has some of the best award pricing on most routes.

One of the best ways to book nonstop flights to Australia is by redeeming Alaska Airlines miles . Although Alaska doesn’t operate flights to Australia, it has some great partnerships thanks to its membership in the Oneworld Alliance. Their partner airlines, American Airlines and Qantas, offer nonstop flights between the U.S. and Australia.

Currently, Alaska has a consolidated award chart for flights between regions. However, the loyalty program is slated to significantly change in March 2024 .

Alaska has announced that there will be a new distance-based award chart. This will be detrimental for flights between the U.S. and Australia, as the distances are already quite long between the continents.

Until the new award chart is in effect, here are the current award rates for flights between the U.S. and Australia using Alaska miles:

In addition to some great redemption rates, Alaska allows you to book stopovers , including when booking one-way awards. This provides an excellent option to connect from your entry point in Australia.

Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, offers one of the best products in all of points and miles: Qantas first class. However, as mentioned above, award availability is quite challenging to find.

• One-way in Qantas first class for 70,000 Alaska miles plus about $26 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Qantas business class for 55,000 Alaska miles plus about $26 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Qantas first class for 70,000 Alaska miles plus $26 in taxes and fees

The process for booking Qantas and American Airlines flights using Alaska miles is easy:

• Go to Alaska Airlines’ website.
• Sign in using your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Number and password.
• Search for your route pairing, dates, and number of passengers on the homepage (check off the box that says Use Miles ).
• Select your flight and click Add To Cart .
• Complete your booking by paying with miles and for any taxes and fees using a credit card.

Earning Alaska Airlines Miles

Alaska Airlines miles are relatively tricky to earn, as their only transfer partner is Marriott Bonvoy . Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, and with every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you receive 5,000 bonus miles.

There are also several ways to earn Alaska miles , including opening the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® Credit Card or buying Alaska Airlines miles when there’s a big sale.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
• 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
• No foreign transaction fees
• No annual fee
• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card from Chase ® !
• Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Card.
• 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49%–28.49% Variable
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Marriott Bonvoy

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Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card . The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

• Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
• Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
• Automatic Silver Elite Status
• 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
• One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
• Earn 3 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
• Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
• Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
• 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
• Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Card.
• Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
• The 75,000 or 100,000 Bonus Point Offer for the Marriott Boundless
• 23 Valuable Benefits of the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card
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Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card , the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
• 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
• 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
• Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
• 15 Elite Night Credits per year
• 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
• 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
• $250 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
• Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy ® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
• Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
• With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy ® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy ® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card ® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Plan It ® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
• $250 Annual Fee.
• Terms apply.
• APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card  is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

• 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy   program
• 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
• 25 Elite Night Credits each year
• Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
• Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
• Complimentary Platinum Elite status
• Steep annual fee of $650 ( rates and fees )
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card
• Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card at restaurants worldwide.
• With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
• Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
• Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy ® . Certain hotels have resort fees.
• Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
• $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton ® or St. Regis ® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ® : Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck ® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
• Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy ® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
• Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
• With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
• $650 Annual Fee.
• Best Credit Cards with Priority Access

Bottom Line: Redeeming Alaska Airlines miles for Qantas or American Airlines flights is a great way to fly to Australia, as long as you can find award availability. 

Avianca LifeMiles is another program that offers excellent redemption rates for flights to Australia. The airline is part of the Star Alliance and has plenty of transfer partners and no fuel surcharges on awards. It makes it incredibly easy to earn Avianca LifeMiles .

There are several great ways to redeem Avianca LifeMiles for maximum value , and award flights between the U.S. and Australia are 1 option. Here’s the award pricing for one-way flights between North America and Australia:

When you redeem LifeMiles for flights to Australia, you’ll fly on United Airlines or Air Canada.

Here are some great examples of redemptions:

• One-way in United business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus $31 in taxes and fees
• One-way in United economy for 40,000 LifeMiles plus $31 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Air Canada business class for 80,000 LifeMiles plus $31 in taxes and fees

Once you’ve solidified your travel plans, here’s how you can book your flight using Avianca LifeMiles:

• Go to the LifeMiles website .
• Click the flag icon in the top-right corner and choose English, if necessary.
• Click login and enter your LifeMiles number and password.
• Click  Fly at the top banner to search flights.
• Enter your route pairing, number of passengers, and cabin class. Click  Find Flights .
• Add your flight dates.
• Find your flights and pay with LifeMiles and for any taxes and fees using a credit card.

Earning Avianca LifeMiles

Earning LifeMiles is relatively easy, as the program is a transfer partner with several transferrable currencies. These include American Express Membership Rewards,  Brex Rewards , Capital One Miles,  Citi ThankYou Rewards , and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex, Brex, Capital One, and Citi points instantly transfer at a 1:1 ratio, while Marriott Bonvoy points transfer in around 1 to 2 business days at a 3:1 ratio.

It is worth mentioning that there are frequent transfer bonuses to Avianca, often around 30%. These transfer bonuses allow for redemptions to require even fewer points.

You can also buy LifeMiles — Avianca is known to offer giant sales with up to a 200% bonus on purchased miles . While purchasing miles is almost never the best idea, it definitely can be for Avianca redemptions.

Recommended Capital One Cards

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $300 annual travel credit on bookings made through Capital One Travel
• Unlimited complimentary access for cardholder and 2 guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• 10,000 bonus miles awarded on your account anniversary each year
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Add authorized users for no additional annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Elevate every hotel stay from the Premier or Lifestyle Collections with a suite of cardholder benefits, like an experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)

Capital One Miles

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Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• Access to Capital One transfer partners
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enrich every hotel stay from the Lifestyle Collection with a suite of cardholder benefits, like a $50 experience credit, room upgrades, and more
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
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Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Fraud coverage
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months
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If you’re looking to fly between the U.S. and Australia in Qantas’ first or business class, the best way is with Qantas’ frequent flyer program: Qantas Frequent Flyer .

Qantas first class is considered one of the best first class products in the world. However, award space is incredibly limited. Our guide covering when airlines release award seats outlines why booking Qantas first class is easier using Qantas Frequent Flyer.

Chiefly, Qantas first and business class are easier to book for 2 reasons:

• Qantas releases award seats exclusive to Qantas Frequent Flyer members, redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points
• Qantas’ schedule opens up 353 days in advance , a few weeks earlier than most other programs

For award redemptions, Qantas uses a distance-based award chart. However, multiple award charts are based on the airline you are flying.

Here is the award pricing for classic Flight Rewards with  Qantas ,  Jetstar , and  American Airlines :

Here’s the award chart for flights on Jetstar:

• One-way in Qantas business class for 82,000 Qantas points plus about $60 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Jetstar economy for 26,000 Qantas points plus about $60 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Qantas first class for 162,800 Qantas points plus about $60 in taxes and fees

Although award rates are typically higher, it may be worth using Qantas Frequent Flyer, as award space may be easier to find.

To book Qantas Frequent Flyer awards, here is what you need to do:

• Visit Qantas’ website .
• In the top-right corner, log into your account using your Qantas Frequent Flyer number, last name, and PIN.
• In the flight search box, enter your city and date pairings and number of passengers, and click the button that says Use points .
• Click  Search flights.
• Click the dates that works for you.
• Select your flights and click Continue.
• Pay using points and for any taxes and fees using a credit card.

Earning Qantas Frequent Flyer Points

There are numerous ways to earn Qantas points . Qantas Frequent Flyer is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards, Brex Rewards, Capital One Miles, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy.

Amex, Brex, Capital One, and Citi points transfer at a 1:1 ratio. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points transferred.

Amex transfers almost instantly to Qantas, Brex takes up to 1 business day, Capital One takes around 36 hours, and Citi takes around 2 business days. Marriott Bonvoy takes the longest, at around 6 business days.

Recommended Citi Cards

Citi Premier ® Card

Frequent flyers will enjoy 3x ThankYou Points at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, air travel, and hotels.

The Citi Premier ® Card is an excellent option for anyone looking for an all-around travel rewards credit card. The card helps you earn points fast with great 3x bonus categories such as restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotels. Plus, it offers access to airline and hotel transfer partners, doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, and has a reasonable annual fee!

• 3x points at restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations, airfare, and hotel purchases
• Access to Citi transfer partners
• Annual hotel credit
• $95 annual fee
• Earn 60,000 bonus ThankYou ® Points after you spend $4,000 in purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. Plus, for a limited time, earn a total of 10 ThankYou ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through June 30, 2024.
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Gas Stations, Air Travel and Other Hotels
• Earn 3 Points per $1 spent at Restaurants and Supermarkets
• Earn 1 Point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Annual Hotel Savings Benefit
• 60,000 ThankYou ® Points are redeemable for $600 in gift cards redeemable for $600 in gift cards or travel rewards at thankyou.com
• No expiration and no limit to the amount of points you can earn with this card
• No Foreign Transaction Fees on purchases
• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Citi ThankYou Rewards

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Citi Rewards+ ® Card

This no annual fee card rewards cardholders for everyday purchases. Earn bonus points at supermarkets and gas stations, plus your points are rounded up on every purchase.

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Plus, as a special offer, earn a total of 5 Thank You ® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025.*
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers for 15 months from date of first transfer and on purchases from date of account opening. After that, the variable APR will be 18.74% – 28.74%, based on your creditworthiness. There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• Earn 2X ThankYou ® Points at Supermarkets and Gas Stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter. Plus, earn 1X ThankYou ® Points on All Other Purchases.
• The Citi Rewards+ ® Card – the only credit card that automatically rounds up to the nearest 10 points on every purchase – with no cap.
• No Annual Fee
• APR: 0% intro APR on balance transfers and on purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR of 18.74% - 28.74%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each purchase transaction in US dollars
• Citi Transfer Partners

Citi Double Cash ® Card

Great card for the average spender with no specific focus category; worry-free cash-back earning on everything!

The Citi Double Cash ® Card  has long been one of the top cash-back credit cards on the market, and the card now has the ability to earn Citi ThankYou Points!

This means that cardholders of the Double Cash card will now earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases. Cash back is earned in the form of ThankYou Points . This means each billing cycle, you will earn 1 ThankYou point per $1 spent on purchases and an additional ThankYou point for every $1 paid on your purchase balance as long as there is a corresponding balance in your Purchase Tracker.

Citi has turned the Double Cash card into a top choice for those who are looking for an everyday, no-fuss credit card.

• Uncapped 2% for every $1 spent (1% when you buy and another 1% when you pay)
• Flexible redemption options
• No bonus categories
• 3% foreign transaction fees
• Lack of premium travel benefits
• Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
• To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
• Balance Transfer Only Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Balance Transfers do not earn cash back. Intro APR does not apply to purchases.
• If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
• There is an intro balance transfer fee of 3% of each transfer (minimum $5) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, your fee will be 5% of each transfer (minimum $5).
• APR: 19.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of the U.S. dollar amount of each purchase
• Cash Back Credit Cards
• Capital One Venture vs Citi Double Cash
• The 8 Best 2% Cash-back Credit Cards [2024]
• Best 0% Interest Credit Cards
• Best Credit Cards for Bills and Utilities

Citi Custom Cash ® Card

Earn big on purchases in your top eligible spend category, up to the first $500 each billing cycle, with no annual fee!

The Citi Custom Cash ® Card is inventive when it comes to cash-back credit cards. Instead of earning a set amount of cash-back on predetermined bonus categories, the Citi Custom Cash card earns 5% cash-back on your highest eligible spend category each billing cycle, without an annual fee.

Thanks to that unique perk, you’ll never need to worry about whether you’re using the right card for the right purchase, as your Citi Custom Cash card will always pay you 5% back on whichever category you end up spending the most on each month.

• 5% cash-back (on up to $500 each billing cycle) from your largest purchase category, including restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select travel, select transit, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs, and live entertainment
• Multiple redemption options
• No redemption minimums
• Your 5% category is limited to $500 in spend ($25 in cash-back) each month
• Not particularly rewarding for any purchases outside of your top 5% cash-back category
• Earn $200 cash back after you spend $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. This bonus offer will be fulfilled as 20,000 ThankYou ® Points, which can be redeemed for $200 cash back.
• 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% – 29.24%, based on your creditworthiness.
• Earn 5% cash back on purchases in your top eligible spend category each billing cycle, up to the first $500 spent, 1% cash back thereafter. Also, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• No rotating bonus categories to sign up for – as your spending changes each billing cycle, your earn adjusts automatically when you spend in any of the eligible categories.
• Citi will only issue one Citi Custom Cash ® Card account per person.
• APR: 0% Intro APR on balance transfers and purchases for 15 months. After that, the variable APR will be 19.24% - 29.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3%
• Citi Custom Cash Card Launches [Earn 5% Back on Your Top Purchases]

Qantas Frequent Flyer offers better award availability than partner airline programs. This is extremely important for those looking for Qantas first and business class award flights.

Another great Oneworld program to utilize for award flights to Australia is American Airlines AAdvantage . With AAdvantage, you can fly on partner airline Qantas or American Airlines itself.

American AAdvantage has undergone significant devaluations over the years, but the program still has a great deal of value. For its flights, American Airlines has a dynamic pricing method. However, partner awards with American AAdvantage are not subject to dynamic pricing. They follow a simple award chart.

American Airlines places Australia in the South Pacific region on its award chart. Here is the partner award chart for American Airlines partners for flights between the U.S. and Australia:

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• One-way in Qantas business class for 80,000 AAdvantage miles plus about $40 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Hawaiian Airlines business or first class for 65,000 AAdvantage miles plus around $20 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Qantas business class for 80,000 AAdvantage miles plus around $40 in taxes and fees
• One-way in American Airlines Flagship First Class from 110,000 AAdvantage miles plus $11 in taxes and fees

To book your AAdvantage award, follow these steps:

• Search for award space on American Airlines.
• Book the flight online using AAdvantage miles.
• Pay the taxes and fees.
• Perform an award search using Alaska Airlines’ search engine (method outlined in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan section). You may need a search tool such as ExpertFlyer for Hawaiian Airlines.
• Call AAdvantage at 800-433-7300 and tell them your flight numbers, dates, number of passengers, and class of service .
• Pay using AAdvantage miles and a credit card for the taxes and fees to ticket your reservation.

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage Miles

Earning American Airlines AAdvantage miles is easy. Whether you’re using the Citi or Barclays co-branded AAdvantage credit cards or transferring from Marriott Bonvoy or Bilt Rewards , there are plenty of ways to earn AA miles quickly.

Marriott Bonvoy is a 3:1 transfer partner, and transfers from Marriott Bonvoy take around 2 business days to complete. Bilt Rewards is a 1:1 transfer partner, and transfers from Bilt take around 1 business day.

Partner awards are typically the best way to use American AAdvantage miles.

Lastly, we will look at one program in the SkyTeam Alliance, Virgin Atlantic Flying Club . Although Virgin Atlantic does not fly to Australia, its partner Delta Air Lines does.

Although Virgin has significantly devalued Delta awards over the years, some good award redemption options remain.

Virgin Atlantic utilizes a distance-based award chart for its SkyTeam partner awards . It has a particular award chart for travel on Delta and another one for Delta flights in regions outside of Europe.

Here is the award chart for Delta-operated flights based on distance:

Currently, Delta only offers one nonstop flight between the U.S. and Australia. This route can be booked for 65,500 points in economy and 165,000 points in business class.

With how far the U.S. and Australia are from each other, all flights between the continents are in the 6,001+ distance band . As a reference, the distance between Los Angeles (LAX) and Sydney (SYD) is 7,488 miles.

Fortunately, Delta’s sole Australia route features Delta One Suites , the airline’s best business-class product. Delta One Suites is considered one of the best international business class products in the world. Award availability can sometimes be hard to find , especially in premium cabins.

Finally, Virgin Atlantic also partners with Hawaiian Airlines, which can be useful for those in the Hawaiian Islands. Here’s the award chart for one-way Hawaiian Airlines flights between Hawaii and Australia:

This pricing is decent , especially if you plan to fly out of Hawaii. All the seats are lie-flat, though not all have direct aisle access. Nevertheless, for a flight of around 10 hours, 130,000 miles in business is a solid option.

Let’s put all of this together and show you some great example redemptions you can make:

• One-way in Hawaiian Airlines business/first class for 130,000 Virgin Points plus around $65 in taxes and fees
• One-way in Delta One Suites for 165,000 Virgin Points plus $5.60 in taxes and fees

Once you’ve decided on which flight you want to take, follow these steps to book your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club award flight online:

• Visit Virgin Atlantic’s homepage .
• Change the region by scrolling to the bottom of the page. Click the globe icon at the bottom of the page that says United States – English .
• Once redirected to the new page, type in your flight details in the top banner of the homepage. Enter your departure and destination cities, flight type, number of passengers, and travel dates.
• Click the button that says  Advanced Search towards the bottom-right of the banner. Click  Miles and select  Upper Class to search for business class award space.
• Click the arrow to perform the search. If there’s no award availability, scroll down and select  Show Flights for  Within 5 weeks . Redo the search.
• Although transferring points to Virgin Atlantic is normally instant, you can also request 5-day award holds by calling Virgin Atlantic at 800-365-9500 .
• Log in to your Flying Club account.
• Complete your booking by paying the miles, taxes, and fees.

Booking Delta awards is completely doable online. However, you may need to call to book Hawaiian Airlines flights if no online award availability shows up.

Want to monitor flight award availability without checking every day? Check out our guide on ExpertFlyer to learn how to set up automatic flight alerts.

Earning Virgin Atlantic Points

Earning Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points is easy, as the program is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  Capital One Miles,   American Express Membership Rewards ,  Marriott Bonvoy , and  Citi ThankYou Rewards .

American Express Membership Rewards, Bilt Rewards, Capital One Miles, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards instantly transfer at 1:1.

Marriott Bonvoy points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, usually within 1 business day. Additionally, when you transfer 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you earn a 5,000-mile bonus.

It is worth noting that there are frequent transfer bonuses to Flying Club from Chase and American Express.

It can be quite difficult to redeem award tickets to Australia. Fortunately, numerous points programs from all 3 major airline alliances can help get you there. However, award availability can be hit or miss at times.

Some programs like Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Avianca LifeMiles may charge a bit more for redemptions; however, earning their points and miles is easy, thanks to the numerous transfer partners of each program.

Other programs, such as ANA Mileage Club, provide some of the best rates but have limited transfer partners.

As always, it’s important to do your research and find out what program is best for you.

The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless ® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express ® Card, click here . For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant ® American Express ® card, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

Can i use virgin atlantic points for flights to australia how can i earn more miles.

Yes, you can use Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points for award flights to Australia. From the U.S., flights are operated by Delta Air Lines or Hawaiian Airlines.

Virgin Atlantic is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards ,  Capital One Miles,   American Express Membership Rewards ,  Marriott Bonvoy , and  Citi ThankYou Rewards .

Can I use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly to Australia?

Yes, you can use American Airlines AAdvantage miles to fly to Australia. You can redeem AAdvantage miles for flights on American Airlines or its Oneworld and non-alliance partners.

Which airlines include carrier-imposed surcharges on award flights to Australia?

Australia is one of the few countries that restricts fuel surcharges .

What is the best airline to fly to Australia?

If you’re considering booking business or first class flights, the best way to fly in first class is with Qantas. However, the flights are notoriously difficult to book with points, so it might not be realistic.

That being said, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines offer solid long-haul business class products.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

Australia is reopening: How to book a trip to Sydney with points and miles

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

Soon, Australia will once again welcome tourists and other visa holders as its borders finally reopen . From Feb. 21, you'll be able to travel there quarantine-free as long as you are fully vaccinated.

If it's your first time trekking Down Under, Sydney is a perfect place to start. Although it's a long way away, the city feels enough like home for newer travelers to feel comfortable exploring, while still being dynamic enough to allow the more experienced to find something new and exciting each time they visit.

Plus, there are lots of ways to get to Sydney and make the most of your stay there with points and miles. This can help you save a ton of money on your trip and upgrade the experience with nicer hotels and business-class airfare.

For more TPG news, deals and points and miles tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter .

Flying to Sydney with points and miles

The aptly named Sydney Airport (SYD) is the island nation's busiest, averaging more than 150,000 passengers each day pre-pandemic.

Despite it being a major world city, if you're in the U.S., you can currently only fly nonstop from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW) and Honolulu (HNL). And get ready for a long flight: The shortest, from Honolulu, runs almost 10 1/2 hours, while the longest, from Dallas, is a whopping 16 hours and 45 minutes. The good news is that once you arrive, the city center is about 5 miles away and easily accessible by train.

Redemption costs vary greatly, as does award availability. Aside from the heightened demand, some Sydney flights have been downsized to smaller aircraft, making finding award seats even harder. For example, Qantas' route from Dallas to Sydney was operated by an Airbus A380 prior to the pandemic but is now operated by a Boeing 787.

Booking flights with Qantas

If you're looking to fly American Airlines or Qantas from a city like Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco or Honolulu, consider booking directly through American AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan .

If you're lucky enough to find saver award space, American will charge you just 40,000 AAdvantage miles one-way in economy, 65,000 in premium economy, 80,000 in business class and 110,000 in first class.

Alaska charges those same rates for American flights and the following for Qantas flights: 42,500 miles for economy, 47,500 for premium economy, 55,000 for business class and 70,000 for first class. These are particularly excellent rates for Qantas flights, but award space can be tough to come by in premium cabins.

Of course, you can also book directly through the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program , which is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards , Capital One and Citi ThankYou Rewards , though the redemption rates are much higher, particularly in premium cabins.

Booking United flights to Sydney

United, on the other hand, flies nonstop to Sydney from Los Angeles and San Francisco.

One-way awards start at 40,000 United MileagePlus miles in economy, but can top 100,00 miles during busier periods. Meanwhile, one-way business-class awards range from 88,000 miles to over 200,000 miles now that United has transitioned to dynamic award pricing.

If there's saver-level space available, you could be better off booking through ANA Mileage Club, which charges 75,000 miles round-trip in economy and 120,000 miles in business class. You can also combine United flights with other Star Alliance carriers and pay the same number of miles.

You can transfer points to United from Chase Ultimate Rewards if you carry the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card and to ANA from American Express Membership Rewards .

Related: Everything you need to know about United Polaris business class

Booking Delta award flights to Sydney

Delta's award rates are even more inconsistent.

At the time of writing, we're seeing one-way economy awards range from 68,000 Delta SkyMiles to over 100,000. Meanwhile, Premium Select starts at 125,000 miles and Delta One business class consistently costs over 300,000 miles.

A better way to get on these flights would be through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club , which charges 45,000 points one-way for economy and 165,000 points for business class.

Delta is a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards , while Virgin partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards .

Related: The best ways to use points and miles to fly from the US to Australia

Where to stay

Sydney is home to hotels in all of the major hotel groups, so you'll have no problem using your points in the city. Here's a look at some of your best options in each of the major chains.

Redeeming World of Hyatt points in Sydney

If you're a World of Hyatt loyalist, you're probably familiar with the chain's hotel categories, and may have wondered how nice a Category 7 hotel really is.

Well, there are few better places to find out than at the Park Hyatt Sydney . This is arguably one of the most sought-after properties among award travelers, despite it being one of the very few hotels where Globalists can't use Suite Upgrade Awards. It's known for its breathtaking views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, spacious rooms and top-notch service.

Related: The best views in the world: A review of the Park Hyatt Sydney

A room here will set you back 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, depending on peak and off-peak pricing. Cash rates normally exceed $800 per night. If you're short on World of Hyatt points, you can quickly boost your balance by picking up the World of Hyatt Credit Card or World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, which are both currently offering significant welcome bonuses.

Of course, you can also transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Like your luxury for less? Don't overlook the Hyatt Regency Sydney. As a Category 5 World of Hyatt property, it'll cost you 10,000 fewer points per night — just 20,000 — than the Park Hyatt Sydney (12,000 fewer during peak dates). The rooms are well appointed and its Darling Harbour location is still very convenient, with a water taxi stop and train stops nearby as well as a bustling boardwalk.

Redeeming IHG Rewards points in Sydney

How does free sound to you? Use the annual reward night certificate from your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to snag a night at one of the brand's many appealing properties in Sydney.

Choose anywhere from a stately hotel like the InterContinental Sydney, normally about $220 or 32,000 IHG Rewards points per night, or the modern Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, starting at $160 or 30,000 IHG Rewards points per night. Likewise, you can opt for one of the city's several Holiday Inn properties.

For something a little more luxe, IHG also fields the new Kimpton Margot Sydney, where award nights start at 46,000 points. It's located in an updated art deco building in "the edgy south corner of the city" and offers amenities like a wine cellar, rooftop bar and rooftop pool.

Related: Flexible free night certificates from Marriott and IHG are coming — but it's not all good news

Redeeming Marriott Bonvoy points in Sydney

Maybe you're looking to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points . How about a stay along the Sydney Harbour Bridge? Pier One Sydney Harbour is an Autograph Collection boutique hotel situated next to the south pylon. Book this property for around $170 or 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Alternatively, for the same award rate, you can stay at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park, with an indoor rooftop swimming pool. There's also the chic new W Sydney, which is expected to open in November.

Related: 10 new hotels in Australia you can visit now that the country is reopening to tourists

Budget redemptions at chain hotels are harder to come by close to the Central Business District, so consider using a bank portal like the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal to book a hotel. When cash rates are low, this option can be cheaper than transferring points.

Related: The best ways to book hotels through online travel agencies and bank portals

Getting around

Sydney has a vast and modern public transportation system, mixing trains, buses and ferries.

Almost every mode of public transportation requires an Opal card, which you can find at any convenience or grocery store — top it off with your Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card so you can get 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar for the travel purchase.

Whether you're going to the airport, the beach or the park, your Opal card and Sydney's award-winning transit system can get you there. One caveat: Many of the trains stop running at midnight, so plan accordingly.

One of the best — and least expensive — ways to appreciate Sydney is by ferry. Take the ferry to Manly and return around sunset. The journey takes about 20 minutes each way from Circular Quay, and it's nearly impossible to take a bad picture of the skyline, the Opera House or the Harbour Bridge.

Related: 8 common misconceptions about visiting Australia

Taxis can be pricey but fortunately Uber is available all over the city. You should also consider seeing the city by bicycle. Sydney's topography is rather flat and makes for excellent biking, either on your own or with a tour. Related: Visiting Australia: Is Sydney or Melbourne better?

Bottom line

Sydney is a vibrant and friendly city, enjoyable as a quick stopover on your way to other parts of the South Pacific or as a destination in its own right. And while it can take a long time — and a lot of points and miles — to get there, you'll find plenty of ways to make your visit affordable no matter which programs you use. So whether you're new to traveling, new to points and miles or new to neither, any day in Sydney is a g'day.

Additional reporting by J. Keith van Straaten.

Find First Class Flights to Australia

Latest first class flight deals to australia.

Cheapest round-trip prices found by our users on KAYAK in the last 72 hours

FAQs for Australia first class flights

What is the most popular airline offering first class flights to australia.

Among KAYAK users, Emirates is the most popular airline offering First Class seats on flights to Australia.

Which airlines offer First Class tickets on flights to Australia?

Traveling to Australia and want to offer yourself a First Class experience? Depending on the origin, the following airlines offer seats in First Class: Emirates.

How does KAYAK find such good deals on First Class tickets to Australia?

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Australia for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

What is the best airline for first class flights to Australia?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to Australia is Air New Zealand, with an overall rating of 8.2.

Top 5 airlines flying to Australia

Ford not that great the seat not to big for leg room like other airline

New plane. Perfect gluten free meal Very flawless procedures from check-in to the landing. Taking off on time and landing even earlier and the luggages are already there after shortest arrival report.

It was ok. Not good and not a bad experience

not too bad but not too great either. Service on all airlines declined ever since covid. Your Delta Stewardess are not that friendly at all. :-(

I like your stewardess, they are nice. However, your food could have been better and wheres your dessert? You do not offer beer or scotch. I do not drink alcohol biut my husband can have one or two, he has to ask if he can have one. during dinner or lunch, it should be offerred. Also, you do not have the most famous drinks ginger ale

lunch was good; breakfast was kinda meh cabin temprature was way too high new entertainment system but somewhat limited content

I flew Asiana Air not Korean Air which was my original flight. So, I have no say about Korean Airlines right now. I hope you guys will not make any changes of my flight on Feb 15th. I want to fly Korean Air on Feb 15th. and make sure it is the same flightr njumber for my husband also and do not make any changes on either flights. thank you for reading my letter.

You did not put me on a Korean Air flight! so I do not have nothing to say

Going through security a second time to get on the next Korean Air flight was utterly ridiculous and unnecessary. We were in a International secure area.

Food was good, but it can be better if it add a little bit of oriental flavour, service is great too.

Flight attendants rude, they disappear for almost 3 hours not doing rounds to see what people needed. The laboratories were full of empty water cups, because they never come back to collect them.

The flight attendant, where kind of rude, there where hiding for almost 3 hours, without doing rounds to see if people needed water or pickup the water cups, the toilets were full of water cups, because they never come back to pick them up.

Flew on an Airbus 350-900. Excellent aircraft properly cleaned and serviced. Flight crew was excellent plane departed and arrived on time. The A350 has excellent air circulation far better than the 777. I would recommend Asiana to anyone looking to fly in a clean comfortable environment. This is my second round trip flight from New York to Bangkok via Asiana and I will book Asiana again!

The entertainment screens are dated and needs to be changed to new screens. Then when we got home, I found out 2 of our luggage’s were damaged (huge) and some items stolen.

I had the most wonderful experience from CEB bag drop through deplaning. The staff, the aircraft, food, and cabin crew were all amazing. I want to give a kudos to Marky from Mactan Cebu's Asiana airport staff for his exceptional customer service and assistance.

JetBlue's check-in was great, but there was an in-flight attendant who was very rude and unkind. I didn't realize that the bathrooms were already locked 30 mins prior to landing and needed to use the restroom. Instead of politely asking me to return, she rudely told me, 'NO, bathrooms are locked! Go back to your seat!' The JetBlue flight was more than an hour delay, which made me almost miss my connecting flight with Asiana. I understand the reasoning, but the action they took to get a hold of maintenance was time consuming. It took them more than 30 mins to get a hold of maintenance and for maintenance to get started. The Asiana flight and crew were wonderful, in general. They waited for us who were delayed from the previous flight before they took off and were very kind to take my checked baggage's info. Seats were a little uncomfortable for such long flight, but service and flight attendants were great! However, my 3 checked baggages are missing! They're lost somewhere in the transition. I'm writing this review 3 days after my arrival to the Philippines, and my 3 checked baggages, where my wedding dress is, are all still missing! I and the CEB airport crew have sent multiple emails to both JetBlue and Asiana, and neither has responded to any of our emails. Although, I was able to get in contact with JetBlue's Interline Department who confirmed that the bags were turned over to Asiana without confirmation details.

The full flat bed was not that comfortable, hard and lumpy., too much space wasted with those bulky walls and divisions instead of making the bed 3-4 inches wider. The compartment where you put your feet is like a shoebox, poor design. Toilets of A350 are just too small, sink is too small

Airfare was ok . Food not good , seat ok but not comfortable. Lay over too long , crew was ok Overall just ok

The crew was amazing and really nice. The OS on the entertainment system could use an update, though. It felt old and outdated but had anything you'd need to keep busy. I usually never use it anyways, but that did stand out.

Aside from a LOT of turbulence the flight was perfect! The flight crew was superb and the food was delicious!

First I will say this was really NOT an ANA flight. ANA used a UNITED jet to perform this flight. I specifically booked with ANA because I did NOT WANT TO FLY UNITED FOR INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS. So to spend $1800.00 and then discover after booking that it was going to be handled by United was very disappointing. I will be more careful next time when I book. The interior was very cramped in economy class; the dinner meal was terrible and also had extremely small portions for an international flight - the bread roll was ice cold and stale - that salad was very wilted; I’ve never had a “snack” that was so salty that it was difficult to eat; the breakfast “waffle” was practically unrecognizable. Really horrible meals for a very expensive international flight. Bathroom floor was also pretty dirty. I’m hoping my return flight is a real ANA airplane that is cleaned and serviced by ANA personnel with ANA meals. I will never book with ANA again if they continue to use UNITED airline jets. Yuck!!!🤢

Ticket was purchased as a United Airlines flight (operated by All Nippon) like what does that even mean? Makes for a VERY confusing flight experience. For instance, what do I look for a United drop off signage and ticket counter or ANA? No explanation anywhere to be found. I also felt a little bit scammed by the obsurdely restrictive seat selection provided. Only middle seats available!! Are you kidding me!! On 6hr + 10hr flights you're forcing me into the middle seat without telling me before I purchased the ticket?? This should be illegal. And to top it off, on the Tokyo LA leg there were quite a few empty seats including window seats! I must also say, the food was a dissappointing as well for my taste, fish with rice ( mostly plain white rice) or a vegetable medly for the breakfast meal? Should be at least 4 choices and at least 1 with eggs. Outside of these issues flight was otherwise ok.

Ground and flight crew were all courteous, extremely helpful and professional. Overall, process is really organized, from boarding to disembarkation.

This is a very long flight and the first time I have flown on a Japanese airline. I was very impressed with the staff. They worked hard and offered food and drink regularly. Plane was very well cared for. The let room was good . Food was ok but better than other airlines.

It was ok I thought because my flight was 1pm i was expecting to have lunch but it didn’t and after 7 hr finally dinner time was only chicken sandwich and next breakfast was an hour before plane land in Tokyo. so I should bring some food with me. Japanese flight attend was nice but the other was chewing gum and how she ask and respond to customers was not professional I felt. Maybe because Japan flight attendant is highly train and everyone looked very dress and professional so I was kind disappointed. I like that the bathroom was very clean .

Seat was roomy enough . The Asian selection for a meal was good . The tortellini was not very good. Service was excellent. O

It was very good. Lots of room with superior food and service. I will not hesitate to fly ANA in the future!

Lovely airport at Haneda. Great food selection. Spacious and private boarding area with dedicated bathroom for each gate.

They did not get my request for veg food that i made a month ago. Also did not have any backup veg food on board or fruit plate or simething. Very disappointing as i had hward about how grwat ANA was supossed to be. Alsio entertainment was lacking and screen and tech was subpar. Overall just mid to low tie. They are living off reputation and are being passed up by most other carriers.

I love everything about this airline but it could be better if the waiting time for boarding is on time.

Eva Air's Business Class is pretty decent. With the given price, I think that the food can be better.

Pleasant, comfortable, and entertaining. All told, ZERO issues with it. And sadly, so far the flight was WAY more comfortable than the hellhole that is "Lambug Beach Resort" at Badian Beach!

It was a pleasant fly with Eva Air from NYC to Taipei. The crew were friendly and the food was exceeded my expectation.

Pleasant crew. Very long flight, a bit uncomfortable at times being seated, but not too bad.

1. The entrance to boarding gate G5 (which is at a lower level) is from the walkway (which is at the upper level). That entrance was locked and there was no place for hundreds of people to sit at the upper level, for a long time as the flight was 45 minutes late. 2. The choice of movies on board was extermely limited and poor. 3. The staff was unhelpful and faked politeness.

They didn’t have ice for the drinks and only gave you half a cup of your beverage. Did not have enough water. I got dehydrated

Seats could have been more comfortable, but it was a pretty good experience all things considered

Boarding is fast and easy for economy class, food was ok baggage policies are good

I hope their usb charging port works. None of their usb port is working. Boeing 777 LA to Taipei (vs)

Poor services. Not meet 5-star airline standard. Disappointed with the poor food and drink selections. Cabin crew is not attentive at all. They even skipped me during meal service (not sure if it is intentionally).

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

Overall excellent but the Captain kept the seat belt sign on for far too long, especially at the beginning and end of the flight. It was 2 hours after take-off before the crew were able to start the service (on an 11 hour night flight, reducing our sleeping time) and the seat belt sign on went on during breakfast (90 mins before landing) and was not turned off again until we landed. This made for an uncomfortable journey of trying to limit fluid intake because it was unclear when the toilets would be available for use.

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

Food was not good. We asked for Muslim food and it was weird tasteless type of boiled veges.

Couldn’t request a vegan meal somehow but I noticed other people getting them

United flight from SFO to PDX was cancelled. I will ask for a refund. Had to book on Alaska

Good food and entertainment options. Great Staff that were all welcoming and caregiving.

There was a snafu with confirming seats at check which left us in limbo for the second leg of our trip. I believe the ANZ app is not well integrated with the systems at the terminal resulting in this disconcerting error.

Flight was canceled due to technical issue shortly before the check-in counters opened. Passengers were rebooked on a flight three days later. Request to be accommodated on Air Tahiti Nui could not be processed. Customer service sorted out the refund after calling and being put on hold for almost an hour.

Carring crew, nice ambiance of the cabin, comfortable beds, good food well served. We liked everything.

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7 Best Airlines to Fly to Australia this Year

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Australia is one of the most sought-after destinations in the world. With its diverse landscape, friendly people, and natural beauty it’s no wonder that many people want to visit this great country. It’s a country of extremes.

From scorching hot deserts to freezing snow-covered mountains, it’s hard to know what to pack for this destination. And if you’re flying there, then the flight will be just as unpredictable.

As the journey, there is rather a long one and many people wonder what airlines are best to get you there, and how long does it take to fly to Australia to begin with. When it comes to traveling , particularly for that long a distance, there is nothing more important than an airline.

Whether you’re flying domestically or internationally, the quality of your flight will make a huge difference in how much you enjoy your trip and will sometimes determine whether or not you want to go back.

If you are planning on taking a trip down under (way down under) then this blog post is for you. This blog post will cover the best airlines to fly to Australia and some top tips on how to make your flight smoother. Whether you’re looking for budget flights or luxury travel, we’ll cover it all in this article.

Best Airlines That Fly to Australia (at a glance)

• Qantas Airways ( check current Skyscanner deals) : Best All-Around Option with the most nonstop flights to Australia
• Emirates ( check nonstop routes ): Best Amenities with comfortable travel (many US flights from Washington, D.C.)
• United Airlines ( check Skyscanner deals ): Best Options From US West Coast (Los Angeles and San Francisco) 
• Virgin Atlantic ( check London options ): Best London Connection if nonstop isn’t an option (just get to London!)
• Singapore Airlines ( check direct booking options ): Best from SE Asia if traveling from outside of Europe or the US
• Etihad Airways ( check Eithad direct ) : Best from the Middle East, or Middle East layover halfway
• Cathay Pacific ( check options )

How Long is a Flight to Australia?

The duration of a flight to Australia is one of the things that puts a lot of people of visiting the beautiful country.

Most Australia flights take about 12 hours or more, so you’ll want to make sure that your itinerary includes at least two days between arriving and leaving. Couple that with the price of the flight, and it’s no wonder that Australia is considered an expensive destination.

On average, a flight to Australia from the US will take about 19 hours. Flights from Europe will take around 18 or 19 hours, and flights from Thailand, although slightly less, will still be about 11 hours.

This is just an estimate though – it could fluctuate by several hours depending on your departure city, the flight availability, how many layovers you have, and more. Some flights will take two full days or more from the time you depart to the time you actually set foot in the land down under.

How Much do Flights Cost to Fly to Australia?

We’ve already mentioned how flights to Australia can be pricey, but just how pricey are we talking?

Well, there are some budget airlines out there, but they’re often not direct flights. You’ll more than likely have to make at least one, two, or even more layovers on your way there.

This means that cheap tickets might actually be expensive in the end because you’re paying for all of those extra fees and layover hotels along the way.

A standard flight from the US to Australia is going to cost you an average of between $1200 to over $2000 for a return ticket. Flights from Europe are not much better at about €900 to €1500.

And these are just for economy class. Some in business class flights or first class are closer to a whopping $10,000 each.

For example, Emirates Airlines is known for its high-end service and other luxury amenities like sleeping berths in the sky suites, private showers, and 5* dining. If you’re looking for a very luxurious flight experience then this might be your airline of choice.

On the flip side, if you’re an adventure seeker and willing to go with a budget airline then you might be able to get your flights for as little as $500. But, trust us, they’re not likely to be very comfortable! And when you’re traveling that far, comfort should be one of your top priorities.

It all depends on what is important to you when booking a flight, but remember that price doesn’t always equal quality. It’s definitely worth it to do some research before making any big decisions so you can find the best flight to Australia for your trip.

What Should You Look for When Booking a Flight to Australia?

So, we’ve covered the price of flights and how much they can cost, but there’s more to consider than just that.

If you’re looking for a comfortable flight experience then we recommend choosing an airline with great amenities. For example, some airlines even offer flat bed pods where you can lie down completely if you wanted to sleep during your flight. Nice, right?

And don’t forget about the room to stretch your legs. Being cramped up in a tiny space for nearly 20 hours is bound to make anyone feel claustrophobic. Not only that, but it can give you DVT from reduced blood flow to your legs.

Make sure you have enough legroom by checking out the seat map before booking any flights. This will give you an idea of where the seats are located throughout the plane and how much room you’ll have.

These are some of the most important things you should consider before choosing an airline to fly to Australia:

On a flight that long, you’ll definitely want to have all of the legroom you can get. This is especially important if you’re tall or on the larger side. Check out SeatGuru for recommendations on which seats are most comfortable, and then check out seat maps before choosing your flights.

Entertainment Options

If you plan to spend a lot of time in the air, then you should consider paying extra for entertainment options. Spending hours upon hours stuck on a plane can be mind-numbing, so why not fly with an airline that can provide you with a mini-movie theatre?

Some airlines even have wireless headphones that allow passengers to choose from hundreds of TV shows and movies, while others offer touch screens built into the backs of seats that allow you to choose from a wide variety of shows.

Plus, some airlines even have wifi on their planes now. This can be super useful for those who want to catch up on work or stay connected with the world as they fly across time zones. Or, if the airline’s choice of movies isn’t up to your taste, you can bring your own computer and watch your own!

It’s not always cheap though so we recommend looking into this before paying extra for an airline that offers wifi.

Types of Airplane Models for Flights to Australia

Another thing to keep in mind is the plane model. Airlines like Singapore Airlines and Emirates Airlines have newer models with some of the latest amenities on their planes, while budget airlines are known for having older airplane models without any frills at all.

Common models seen on taxiways to Australia include:

• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner ( commonly used by United Airlines, others )
• Boeing 777-200
• Airbus A350

Energy Efficiency

These days, green travel is so important and we all need to do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. And that includes when you fly, particularly long distances, like to Australia.

Some airlines use new Boeing 777-200 LR planes or Airbus’s A350 that are 20% more fuel-efficient than the previous model. So, it’s worth looking into what kind of plane your chosen airline uses.

Not only does an airplane burn through a lot of energy getting off the ground, but they also burn a lot of fuel when their engines are idling on the ground, so the number of layovers you have on your trip to Australia will affect your carbon footprint. Some models also have more energy-efficient engines, so it’s worth doing some research before choosing your airline.

Cleanliness

We know that most airlines pride themselves on being clean and hygienic, but some budget airlines tend to slip up a little bit when it comes to this.

Sometimes you might notice dirt or spills in the seat pocket of your plane seat, so if this is important for you then we recommend choosing an airline with better reviews about their cleanliness.

COVID Safety

Another thing to consider is safety, in the present climate, particularly when it comes to COVID-19. COVID safety is important to consider when flying long-haul, so you should check out some reviews before booking your next flight.

While all airlines are required by law to abide by the same standards, some definitely take it more seriously than others and Australia has been one of the strictest countries when it comes to COVID measures from day one. So, this is something you’ll definitely want to bear in mind.

Next, you should definitely check out some reviews before booking your next flight.

You can find these on Google or TripAdvisor and they’ll give you a better idea of what to expect from that airline in terms of food service, staff demeanor, legroom, customer service, and cleanliness levels.

Reviews are super helpful when it comes to narrowing down your choices, so if you’re looking for a budget airline then you should definitely check out the reviews that have been posted about them before booking.

You can also find user-submitted photographs on TripAdvisor and other review sites which will show you what kind of things you can expect on board different airlines.

In-Flight Service

Some airlines offer better in-flight service than others and this might be something you want to look into depending on your needs.

On a long flight to Australia, you will almost be guaranteed some sort of included refreshment, but if you’re looking for a more ‘premium’ experience, then higher-end airlines definitely have something to offer.

Some airlines have wifi on their planes now. This can be super useful for those who want to catch up on work or stay connected with the world as they fly across time zones. But whether or not it’s free or a paid extra will depend both on the airline, and the class of your ticket. But it’s worth mentioning that WIFI can be an expensive extra.

Baggage Options

We also recommend looking into the baggage options before booking your ticket.

Most airlines charge for checked luggage and some even have a much stricter cap on weight allowance than others do. So, you definitely want to make sure that you take this into consideration as it can depend on what kind of trip you’re taking or how long you’ll be gone for.

On most flights, you can take a carry-on bag with or without being charged for it. However, there are some airlines that do charge for this service so it’s definitely worth checking out before booking your ticket.

Ticket Prices to Australia

Of course, the price will be a very important factor in which airline you fly with to Australia. The price can vary a lot depending on where you’re coming from and how long you want to spend in transit.

While some budget airlines might be cheaper than others, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are better valued for money as well so we recommend checking out all your options before committing to a ticket.

On the other hand, there are also some airlines that might cost more but offer better service and amenities as well so you should definitely look into these things too.

As of Summer 2023, a “good deal” is spending less than $2,000 on a ticket from the US to Australia. This is very anecdotal, so be sure to check below for the latest averages.

To get a good barometer on current ticket prices to Australia:

• Check Expedia here
• Check Skyscanner here

Cancellation Policy

Finally, you should look into the airline’s policies on cancellations as this can vary a lot depending on what company you’re flying with.

If you find that your plans have changed and there is no way for you to fly, then some airlines will be more understanding than others so it might be worth checking out their cancellation policy before committing to buying a ticket, particularly in the current climate.

The Top Airlines for Flying to Australia – Our Recommendations

Qantas: best overall option.

Qantas Airlines is one of the best airlines for flying to Australia and it’s also one of our top recommendations.

This is an airline based in Sydney, so if you’re looking for a good connection when arriving at your destination then we definitely recommend Qantas Airlines as they fly internationally from all over the world.

Qantas Airlines also happens to have the most nonstop flights from the United States, including (as of this update):

• Los Angeles (LAX) TO Brisbane (BNE)
• Los Angeles (LAX) TO Melbourne (MEL)
• Los Angeles (LAX) TO Sydney (SYD)
• San Francisco (SFO) TO Sydney (SYD)
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) TO Sydney (SYD)
• Honolulu (HNL) TO Sydney (SYD)

They also offer a Vancouver (YVR) – Sydney (SYD) for those located in the Pacific Northwest.

The Dallas-Forth Worth flight is notable as it’s one of the few direct flights available from interior US and can be easier than dealing with the chaos of LAX.

Qantas offers great service and amenities onboard and additionally, they also offer free wifi to all of their passengers.

Their baggage allowance is generous as well, as they allow 30kg in economy class, 40kg in business and premium economy, and a huge 50kg in first class. They also allow 7kg carry-on baggage in the economy class and 10kg in higher classes.

For those who want some extra legroom during their flight down under, Qantas has different options available depending on how much money you’d like to spend. Their first-class ticket comes with a lie-flat bed, restaurant-style dining, and an armchair suite.

The higher the price, as usual with these kinds of airlines, the more amenities and legroom you get so it might be worth looking into this before committing to a flight.

How to Book Qantas:  You can try booking direct here , but I like to get some baseline price expectations from Expedia here and then hunt for deals on Skyscanner here ( if you are flexible on exact travel days ). 

Emirates Airlines: Best Amenities 

Another one of the best airlines for flying to Australia is Emirates Airlines .

Emirates Airlines are based in Dubai, so if you’re traveling from there then this might be a great option.

They fly internationally across Europe and Asia as well, however, most flights that they offer will take passengers through their hub in Dubai before heading out to other destinations further down under like Perth or Sydney. However, this isn’t necessarily a downside as you can easily extend your layover and spend a few days lounging on the beautiful beaches of Dubai underneath the Burj Khalifa.

While you may have stopovers, the Emirates flights themselves are high end experiences even for the their “basic economy” options.

This airline has all kinds of options available when it comes to booking your flight with them but we recommend looking into these depending on what kind of trip you’re taking since prices can vary quite significantly between different routes and times etc.

While some airlines charge for checked luggage, Emirates also allows a generous 30kg baggage allowance in their economy saver class without charging any extra fees. Similarly again, their first class will also allow 50kg of checked baggage. For hand luggage, you’re allowed a 7kg limit in economy, and a 10kg limit in first.

However, if you do want to upgrade to first class, Emirates has a bit of a reputation for being, well, incredible!

They have fully lie-flat beds, individual temperature controls for each seat, and personal minibars.

Their first-class seats are also around twice as wide as an economy so if you’re the kind of person who likes to lounge about in your bed when traveling then this might be a great option since it’s not possible when flying economy.

They also offer lots of freebies (such as pajamas and a pillow), an exclusive dining experience, and a private onboard shower! Not bad for a flight to Australia!

United Airlines: Best West Coast US Options

United doesn’t have the amenities of an Emirates or the flight options of a Qantas, but it does offer some different US based (West Coast) options to choose from. 

While some of the options have shifted post-COVID, United Generally as at least 2 daily options from either SFO (San Francisco) or Los Angeles (LAX) to either Sydney or Melbourne . 

As with most US based airlines, don’t expect an amazing flight experience. United is middle of the pack and certainly fewer amenities and perks than almost any of the other Airlines on my list. 

Because of the flight options and US based connections, United tends to shake out as a more affordable option, however.

If you are a United Mileage member and based in the United States it’s going to be hard NOT to at least check the fares to rack up huge miles to Australia. 

Further Reading on United:

• United vs Delta Compared
• United vs Lufthansa Compared
• United vs Jetblue Compared
• Top United Credit Cards for Points

Virgin Atlantic Airlines: Best London Connection

Another one of the best airlines for flying to Australia is Virgin Atlantic Airlines .

This is another airline that offers great connections to Australia ( also may show up as Virgin Australia ), usually flying, and connecting, from London’s Gatwick Airport.

This airline has a pretty good reputation for being one of the best airlines to fly with due to their friendly staff and overall comfort while onboard.

They have lots of options available when it comes to checking in your luggage so definitely look into this before you book any flights since prices can vary quite significantly depending on what route you’re taking. However, they do allow a slightly smaller 23kg checked baggage allowance for economy class tickets. this rises to 32kg for their upper-class fares.

They also offer free wifi during your flight down under so if you’ve got some work or just want to catch up on something then this might be worth looking into booking onto beforehand.

As for their first-class cabins, you can expect the largest seats available on any Virgin planes, private lounges , complimentary chauffeur services to and from the airport, priority boarding, and 5* dining in the sky.

• Virgin vs Alaska Airlines Compared
• Virgin vs Jetblue Compared

Singapore Airlines

Originating in, you guessed it, Singapore, Singapore Airlines is another great option for flying to Australia .

This airline has really top-notch service and most of their flight routes are very modern, comfortable planes however they aren’t the cheapest airlines out there so if you’re on a budget then it might be worth looking elsewhere first.

However, this airline does have some pretty unique features that make them stand out from other options available when traveling to Australia. They fly direct flights all the way down under with two different types of plane depending on what route you take which makes your journey much more efficient.

Even their economy class seats as designed to give you more legroom, recline and are especially comfortable for long flights. They also feature modern entertainment systems, and some of the best food you can eat on a plane.

If it’s first-class you’re after, then Singapore Airlines is another airline that has some truly unique features to their upper-class cabins. They have individual suites with sliding doors, minibars, fine dining, private entertainment systems, comfortable armchairs, and your own bed.

For couples traveling, you can even choose a double suite Singapore Airline ticket, which has a double bed! Then, once you’re suitably relaxed, you can freshen up before you land with your own private vanity counter.

If you’re after an even more luxurious experience then Singapore Airlines does not disappoint!

Etihad Airlines

Another middle-eastern gem, Etihad Airlines is one of the best airlines to fly with if you’re looking for affordable flights to Australia .

They fly direct from their hub in Abu Dhabi and the prices of this airline are usually somewhere between Virgin and Singapore Airlines (if you’re flying economy). They have a slightly smaller baggage allowance of 20kg checked and 7kg hand luggage for economy class. This goes up to 12kg (across 2 bags) of hand luggage and 50kg of checked luggage for first class.

Their first-class cabins offer every single amenity that you could ever think of on a plane including an onboard lounge, private suites with your own bed, entertainment system, luxury shower rooms complete with televisions so you can catch up on some TV shows while being pampered.

Then if it’s not quite enough for you then they do have “The Residence” which is three times larger than any other cabin space available on aircraft around the world. This includes two bedrooms as well as living rooms, dining, bathrooms with showers, and even butler service.

This airline’s economy class cabins are pretty great too. You’ll get free wifi, individual entertainment systems per seat with over 400 movies and TV shows to choose from all in high definition, noise-canceling headphones for your comfort, reclinable seats that give you plenty of legroom, as well as a blanket and pillow if you want one.

If you’re flying with this airline, you’re likely going to have a connection in Abu Dhabi (once again, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing if you can turn it into an extended layover). Plus they have some really nice lounges at their Abu Dhabi hub where guests can relax before boarding their next flight.

Cathay Pacific

Last but by no means least, Cathay Pacific .

For many people, this airline is usually the best option to fly with if you are looking for a good price-to-quality ratio that isn’t going to cost too much money when traveling down under.

They have some really great services on offer including their economy class cabins which feature adjustable headrests in all seats so you can get comfortable and relax while watching one of the most extensive inflight entertainment systems available along with noise-canceling headphones, reclining chairs allowing plenty of legroom, individual air vents at each seat, blankets, and pillows if needed.

Each passenger also gets 7k hand luggage and 2 free pieces of checked luggage as well. The checked luggage has to weigh no more than 30kg.

If it’s first-class travel then they’ve got something for you too. You’ll get a very comfortable seat that reclines into a flat bed, individual entertainment systems per passenger with over 400 movies and TV shows to choose from all in high-definition screens plus noise-canceling headphones for your comfort.

Then once you’re suitably relaxed before landing they will offer you some pajamas so you can be more comfortable on the flight down under.

They will also allow you to check up to 50kg of luggage, and bring 15kg into your cabin with you.

Honorable Mentions & Special Situations

While the above airlines made the list for the best options for MOST travelers, there are a few cases to consider different airlines when flying to Australia.

• Hawaiian Airlines : Hawaiian offers direct, nonstop flights from Honolulu to Sydney , so if you are flying from Hawaii (or can get there), it’s a worthwhile special situation.
• Air Canada :  Air Canada has recently added some flight paths to Australia, worth considering if you are in Canada (or close enough). Their Vancouver (YVR) location is useful for those living in the Pacific Northwest (ideal for Seattle), or can get there cheaply (or on an easy hop). 
• Delta Airlines : Delta doesn’t have the most direct options, with just one direct flight from LAX to Sydney as of this writing, BUT for SkyMiles members they offer a fairly large selection of flights to key European hubs for conneqcting flights if flying from the East Coast. 
• Qatar Airways : Some decent options originating in the Middle East OR as an airline change layover stop coming from Europe or the United States.
• Air New Zealand : Due to it’s home base proximity to Australia, Air New Zealand can be a good option for smaller interior regional airports within Australia, or just as an alternate route path. New Zealand is also a phenomenal place to visit, so can be a great first or second leg to your trip, particularly if flying from the West Coast US.

What Criteria Did We Use to Make These Selections?

The criteria we used to select these airlines was based on the quality of service offered aboard, what is included for each type of flight ticket purchased, and any possible added upcharges.

First, we looked at legroom. As anyone who has spent time in an airplane knows, legroom can be very important.

Then we looked at the entertainment systems available on each flight and if it was worth the money you were paying for your ticket or not. This is because sometimes these screens are pretty small which makes watching a movie difficult without straining your eyesight, however other times they can be so big that it’s a little ridiculous.

Next, we looked at the quality of food and drinks available onboard as well as if there were free snacks or not, how much you would have to pay for them (if anything), and whether or not was actually any good or worth buying.

Then we checked out what extra services could be purchased on board such as in-flight wifi, whether there were any amenities for first-class passengers or not (such as pajamas and better food), and what you would have to pay extra if wanted them.

We looked at luggage allowances, whether or not you would have to pay extra for checked luggage, and what the weight allowance was.

We also considered how many pieces of baggage were included in your ticket price as well as whether they allowed carry-on bags if so, what their size limitations were on them (if any), and whether it cost extra money to bring a bigger bag on board.

Next, we thought about the types of cabins available on each flight. Were they suites, business class seats, or economy? How big was the space between your sqeat and the person next to you’s (legroom), did it recline into a bed or not, how many hours were included in your ticket price for entertainment systems, etc.

Finally, we looked at the airline itself. What sort of safety records did they have, what was their history like in terms of customer service and overall satisfaction? Were there any recent complaints or issues that would make us question whether it was worth flying with them or not? All these factors were considered when making our list!

Should You Travel Economy or Business Class to Australia?

There are plenty of arguments for upping your class for a flight to Australia.

Business-Class

First, let’s talk business class. For someone who is looking to get the most out of their flight experience without breaking the bank, this might be a good option for you.

With most airlines, you’ll get slightly more legroom with reclinable seats. This means you’ll get much more sleep on your long-haul flight from the U.S., Europe, or Asia to Australia.

You’ll also get a decent amount of luggage allowance with most airlines offering around 20-30kg for checked luggage depending on what airline you fly with. They will usually provide blankets and pillows as well along with some nice amenities if you fly business.

First-Class

So, what about first class? Well, this really is the tip of the iceberg if you’re after a luxury flight.

You can expect to find individual entertainment systems per passenger, noise-canceling headphones for your comfort, reclining chairs that allow plenty of legroom, and even flat beds on most airlines.

There are also usually more food options available in first-class than there is in business class as well as champagne or any other beverages you might like before takeoff. You’ll get a priority luggage allowance (around 50kg) too and some will even throw in a chauffeur service that allows you to save on airport transfers.

But, of course, what about the price? Well, it’s important to keep this topic in mind when looking at airline prices because sometimes they can be pretty hefty depending on which airline you fly with.

Economy, on the other hand, is easily the cheapest option. But it also comes with more limited luggage, less luxurious services, and considerably less legroom. Cramped conditions for a long-haul flight that’s quite this long are certainly going to be miserable.

But for many, a higher seat class is simply out of their price range. And you could argue that, yes, you will be cramped, but it’s only for one day – it’s doable, right?

That really depends on your tolerance levels, and your wallet!

Which Class is Best?

At the end of the day, you need to make sure that the price of flying with a particular airline is worth your money and will be able to provide you with what you’re looking for. If it isn’t, then don’t just go choosing any old cheap airline – think about which airlines offer good value-for-money when traveling down under.

It’s also important not just to look at prices but compare options too before committing. Using airline comparison sites like Skyscanner, KAYAK, or flight deal finders like Scott’s Cheap Flights can seriously help bring the costs down.

This is the advantage of the flying economy – you’ll still be able to reach this beautiful country as prices will be much lower. But you might need to spend 18 uncomfortable hours in order to get there.

So, ask yourself, how much does that flat bed really mean to you?

Top Tips for Flying to Australia

Once you’ve booked your flight it’s time to get ready for the trip.

First, you’ll need some essentials packed in your hand luggage like sunscreen and sunglasses as well as an extra pair of clothes just in case something happens during this long-haul flight.

All products are tested for strength, durability and performance based on the demands of frequent travelers. Orders of $150 or more qualify for free standard shipping , no code needed. Need it sooner? Choose expedited or priority.

You should also make sure that you have all documentation you might need before getting on any flights.

If you’re getting ready for that flight to Australia, here are some top tips to make it more bearable:

Check What You Can Bring Into the Country

You might not be allowed to bring some items like fruit or meat into the country even though they are essential for cooking when traveling in Australia. To save uncomfortable encounters at the airport, make sure you know what you’re allowed to bring in and what you’re not.

Pack light if possible, especially with hand luggage. This will help with making sure that everything gets there safely without missing any flights along the way and it’ll also help make getting through the airport a lot easier.

Plan Your Travel Arrangements to Australia Ahead of Time

This might seem like common sense, but it’s also important that you plan out your travel to Australia before the time comes. This means that you should know which airport is closest to where you will be staying and how you will get there, as well as what time the first flight of your trip will be.

Prepare for a Long Haul Flight

If you’re not a good flier, then it might be time to prepare for that long-haul flight. Make sure you get enough sleep the night before and eat some light meals beforehand – this will help make those 18 hours of flying more bearable. Plus, pack all your essentials in your hand luggage, including everything that you’ll need on those layovers.

Sort Out Your Tourist Visa in Advance

You might need to get your tourist visa sorted out in advance if you’re flying into Australia. You should always check with the embassy where you will be landing first, but this is something that can help speed up the process and save on any last-minute problems upon arrival.

Check the Entry Requirements Before You Book

Particularly when it comes to COVID-19 requirements (as Australia has been noticeably strict), it’s worth checking the entry requirements before you book your flights. That way, if you need to take any tests or quarantine at the border, you will already be aware.

Choose Your Airline Carefully

This might seem like an obvious tip, but it’s also important that you choose your airline carefully for this trip. Make sure to look at the baggage allowance policy and consider whether or not they have any wide-body aircraft before booking.

Book Well in Advance

Booking well in advance is one of the best ways to make sure that you get a good value for your flight. This way, airlines are more likely to offer discounts as they have yet to sell out their tickets, so it’s worth looking at flights up to 18 months before departure if you’re on a budget.

Upgrade to Premium or Business class – If You Can!

If you can afford to upgrade your ticket, then it might be worth looking at upgrading. Not only does this mean that there are more empty seats in the economy section for those who really need them or if they happen to get upgraded themselves, but also that airlines will have a better chance of making up their costs on these flights.

FAQs about Airlines that Fly to Austrlia

Answer: Many airlines fly to Australia, but some are more popular than others. The best airlines that fly to Australia include Virgin Atlantic, Cathay Pacific Airways, Singapore Airlines, and Qantas Airlines, Emirates Airlines, and Etihad Airlines.

Answer: The best way to fly depends on a number of factors. Some people prefer flying direct, while others would rather have more stops longer layovers. However, we believe the best way to fly to Australia is with one layover to break up the flight but to turn that layover into a couple of days in a city such as Dubai, or Singapore.

Answer: Qantas is considered the best airline in Australia, but there are a number of airlines that have been known to provide excellent service.

Answer: The cheapest month to fly varies depending on the airline and destination. But, in general, the low season is the cheapest time to fly down under. This includes May, June, July, and some of, September.

Answer: A flight to Australia typically costs between $1000 and $2000 USD for economy class flights. Business or first-class flights are considerably more.

Answer: Flying to Australia will typically cost you at least 18 hours or more in the air, so it’s important to think about when you would like to arrive. You’ll likely lose a day or so in the air to get to the country. However, some flights are as long as 50 hours +, which means you’ll lose a good few days in transit to the country.

Let’s Fly to Australia!

Overall, flying to Australia isn’t necessarily the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a great holiday destination that’s full of beautiful landscapes and wonderful people, then it’s one of the best places in the world.

We know that when you’re looking for a flight to Australia, it can be difficult. We hope this article has helped you with your search and you now know what to look for and some of the best airlines to fly to Australia. Happy travels!

Additional Airline Recommendations by Destination:

• Best Airlines to Fly to London That Are Worth Choosing
• Best Airlines to Fly to Spain
• Best Airlines Worth Flying to Japan
• Best Airlines to Fly to Italy This Year
• Best Airlines to Fly to Miami
• Best Airlines to Fly to Miami Guide

Find First Class Flights to Melbourne Airport

When to book first class flights to melbourne airport, faqs for melbourne airport first class flights, how long is a flight to melbourne airport, how does kayak find such good deals on first class tickets to melbourne airport.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights to Melbourne Airport for economy class as well as First Class travelers.

What is the best airline for first class flights to Melbourne Airport?

The highest-rated airline by KAYAK users offering first class flights to Melbourne Airport is Rex, with an overall rating of 9.0.

Top 5 airlines flying to Melbourne Airport

Boarding could be smoother but that's probably more to do with the airport infrastructure

I liked the friendly team, the roomy comfortable seats, easy to use on flight entertainment, flights on time,

Personal kind attention to all.App was not spot on, but staff able to deal with any requests.Staff were legends !!

Enjoyed the comfort of the seats, slight delay to departure time but prompt takeoff and landing.

It asks about entertainment tho it’s not applicable. 10/10 for Rex 👌🏻

Not sure how to answer on the entertainment as there wasn’t any.. Comfort, I wasn’t comfortable as I was on the window side and a morbidly obese man sat in the middle and eased out into my space. I had sciatica so I wasn’t able to move much to get comfortable. Food wise I have a wheat allergy and asked if there was a gluten free option and was given a Byron bay cookie which was lovely tho it wasn’t wheat free. Not to worry. I wasn’t expecting there to be any appropriate snacks for me anyhow. The staff were very generous with the snacks and their concern for the passengers. The staff were amazing tho. Truly amazing ! One of the staff must have noticed my discomfort and helped me out to stand in the back of the plane to stretch which I really appreciated. I would fly with REX again without hesitation. Thank you very much. It was my first flight with you and I look forward to my return flight home on Tuesday. Best wishes to your company 👌🏻

All good, was a one hour flight so no food or entertainment which was expected

Rex is an underrated airline. Its my first time flying them and they were fantastic. the only things that annoyed me about my flight were things other passengers did so it was nothing i or REX could change

Really enjoyed flying with Rex the boarding and booking baggage on was easier than most. I will beat using Rex next time.

On time and a quick flight and staff vert good

All was good, the only thing was it didn't run on time.

Great meal. Best seats ever! They need to teach other airlines how to do that.

Overall excellent but the Captain kept the seat belt sign on for far too long, especially at the beginning and end of the flight. It was 2 hours after take-off before the crew were able to start the service (on an 11 hour night flight, reducing our sleeping time) and the seat belt sign on went on during breakfast (90 mins before landing) and was not turned off again until we landed. This made for an uncomfortable journey of trying to limit fluid intake because it was unclear when the toilets would be available for use.

The staff and crew on board were excellent. Business class however, was very weird. I thought we would have individual pods, but the way it was set up was unexpected. Not very private and If you wanted to lay down, you had to have an entire bed made up for you by the crew, rather than how Delta one works where you could just lie down whenever you feel like it. It was a 16 hour flight. I chose not to have my bed made, and that turned out to be a good idea because everybody who had their bed made had to wait for the crew to roll up their mattresses. So strange!

Food was not good. We asked for Muslim food and it was weird tasteless type of boiled veges.

Crew were pleasant, happy to be there and were a joy to be around. Entire operation was professional, well thought out and ran like a Swiss clock.

Couldn’t request a vegan meal somehow but I noticed other people getting them

They announced food service but then never came around. We also couldn’t land so kept trying to get to runway and then had to come up and go around happened like 3 times and cause the child next to me to start throwing up

Good food and entertainment options. Great Staff that were all welcoming and caregiving.

The recline on the seat in front of me came back so that I was staring at the top of the man’s head in front of me the whole trip. He refused to bring his seat back up twice every time he was instructed to do so and only relented when he had a tray of good in front of him. And then right back in my lap!!! Horrible man!! I complained to the staff multiple times, but no one would address the issue. Otherwise, it would have been a perfect flight.

I requested an aisle seat and got a middle seat The flight gate was changed and the flight was delayed

It was a great flight Food was great Crew was spectacular

They made me check my carry on even though there was room We un boarded in a strange way but overall it was good

Seating cramped; close to toilet, foul smelling and noisy, very unhygienic and disease risk Free and paid Wi-Fi NOT accessible at all - misleading advertising Very expensive sunglasses disappeared from back seat pouch. Coffee disgusting and cold

It seems paying premium economy does not make difference with economy. No priority boarding, not worthy paying extra$$$ for premium economy.

Wonderful service, planes and interior in great condition, very pleasant experience

Flying with Singapore airlines is always excelllent - the crew are lovely and the food too is great. It’s my number 1 airline

They were able to assist my elderly father and myself after not being able to check in to scoot. The counter service was phenomenal. They did what they could to get us on the next plane so we could catch our Connecting flight. Scoot closed early on us so we ended up missing our flight.

They are great with every aspect of customer service. Helped my elderly father and aided him with using the restroom.

Transfer within the same terminal and lots of facilities at the airport.

Flight from Dubai to Zagreb very bad cabin crew. Bad food

Service needs to improve. Air hostess do not register flyers request and we need to keep on repeating our request to them on multiple occasions

The experience was not as pleasant returning as leaving. Went through clearance twice, crew was not as customer focused.

Absolutely terrible delays for 3 hours changed seats after we paid an upgrade on both legs. It appears it’s up to us to request a refund after they down graded our seat. Never again !!

Superb experience. I hope they bring back the fast track option at Heathrow immigration.

Very bad !! My confirmed ticket got canceled with out notifying me in hyd airport , crew didn’t help us out !! They were very rude!! They made me pay for the confirmed ticket again !! Can you please let us know how I can get the refund for the ticket I paid

Check-in process at Bengaluru airport was atrociously slow. Emirates should allow baggage drop option after online check-in and verification of documents. The rest of the flight was quite good and we didn't have any complaints.

More space all around is practically essential on long international fights, and Emirates definitely delivers. But food selection and taste was only average. Otherwise, the flight was smooth and the cabin crew service was fine.

Crew in Hyderabad could have been more helpful they were only focused on ripping customers.

Well emirates since after covid recovery their service became much poorer than before , old planes to some destinations, untrained staff , rude , inflexible, and poor food, this specific flight the plane felt like in the 90s , and staff behavior was rude due to usual incidents in these flights for some destinations, i understand this but they pit everyone at the same basket, a readiness to be rude anytime

Book first class plane tickets to Melbourne Airport

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• First Class

The 5 Best Airlines For First Class In 2024

• Airlines are still focusing on premium products, including first class.
• Air France, Lufthansa, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines have quality first class experiences.
• However, All Nippon Airways could be the best first class experience to discover in 2024.

Despite airlines shying away from first class seating during the past few years, especially before the pandemic, there has been a resurgent focus on premium products in 2023 and 2024. Demand for first, business, and premium economy class seating has driven airlines to innovate and refresh their top-of-the-line products, with several carriers introducing new first class seats and suites.

If you were to look to tick off a few bucket list-worthy first class seats to fly on in 2024, several airlines have introduced or are planning to introduce new first class cabins during the year, indicating that the crème de la crème of airline seats is not going away anytime soon.

Air France’s La Première

Announced in: may 2022.

Aircraft available on:

• Boeing 777-300ER

While the cabin is not available yet, Air France has promised that it will be during the upcoming winter season, which starts in October 2024. The carrier announced that it was redesigning its La Premiere cabin, exclusively deployed on its 777-300ERs, in May 2022.

At the time, Air France said that La Premiere would be the longest on the market, offering up to three modular configurations that can be fully privatized, including transforming the seat into a sofa or a bed. Furthermore, the carrier promised that it would appear on more aircraft than previously.

Benjamin Smith, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Air France, said that La Premiere represents the best of French excellence and is a vital part of the airline’s DNA. The executive noted that even at the peak of the pandemic, the airline saw the importance of a first class cabin, especially on routes across the Atlantic Ocean.

Pictures: Air France Teases New First Class Seat Design

Lufthansa allegris, announced in: february 2023.

• Airbus A350
• Boeing 787-9
• Boeing 777X

While Lufthansa teased the new designs of its first class cabins in October 2022, the German airline officially introduced the new Allegris cabins, including new first class seats, in February 2023. The seats will feature on Airbus A350, Boeing 787, and 777X aircraft, upon their delivery to the German airline.

At the time, Lufthansa said the new Allegris seats would be introduced with its latest Airbus A350-900 aircraft in 2024. However, two of its most recent Airbus A350-900 aircraft were straight sent to the desert, reportedly because supply chain issues derailed the airline’s plans to introduce the new cabins on the two aircraft, which is why they are now parked at Teruel Airport (TEV), Spain.

Why Lufthansa Has Flown Two Brand New Airbus A350s Straight To Storage

Nevertheless, while they might be delayed, the first class cabins will still have plenty on offer, including unprecedented privacy for the German airline’s top-of-the-line seats. For example, Lufthansa said that customers can warm or cool their seats in the suite according to their needs.

Lufthansa Pushes New Cabin Launch To 2024 Due To Delivery Delays

Etihad airways the residence, announced in: may 2014.

• Airbus A380

While ‘The Residence’ is not a new product, the fact is that with the return of the airline’s Airbus A380 aircraft, passengers once again can enjoy ‘The Residence,’ an even more luxurious cabin than first class on the UAE-based Etihad Airways flights.

The one new development with the self-advertised three-room suite in the sky is that starting April 2024, the airline will deploy its Airbus A380 aircraft to fly between Abu Dhabi Zayed International Airport (AUH) and New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). When the aircraft returned to service in July 2023, the airline deployed it only on the AUH – London Heathrow Airport (LHR) route.

A380 Return: The Fleet Of Etihad Airways In 2024

Singapore airlines first class, announced in: july 2013.

While it has been more than a decade since Singapore Airlines first unveiled its newest first class product, the cabin still has been one of the top-rated cabins globally as the airline has managed to provide an unparalleled experience to its customers.

Unfortunately, the carrier’s Boeing 777-300ER only welcomes four first class passengers since its other long-haul aircraft, including the Airbus A350-900, A350-1000, A380, and Boeing 787-10, only have business class seats. The only exception is the Airbus A380, with the airline offering the ‘Suite’: a similar experience to Etihad Airways ‘The Residence.’ When Singapore Airlines announced the cabin in July 2013, it said that the seat would introduce a new industry benchmark for premium air travel, including redesigning its business and economy class seats.

5 Reasons Flying Singapore Airlines Is Worth It

All nippon airways the suite, announced in: july 2019.

All Nippon Airways (ANA) announced its new first class seats in July 2019 . The airline, which also publicized its newest business class seat on the same date, described the then-new suite as designed by combining Japanese heritage and Western design.

While Skytrax rated Singapore Airlines’ first class as the superior product in 2023, maybe ANA, whose first class was ranked as the third-best seat in the world, will have what it takes to take it to the next level. After all, Air Frances’s La Premiere, voted second-best, is getting a refresh, which could go either way and provide a potential opportunity for ANA.

The Japanese carrier offers its first class product on two aircraft, its iconic ‘Flying Turtles,’ the Airbus A380s, and the Boeing 777-300ER. When it introduced the new suites, ANA said that this was the most spacious fully enclosed seating ever seen on an ANA aircraft, adding that features include privacy-enhancing doors and a 43-inch monitor, which also showed entertainment in a 4K resolution.

Which US Airlines Still Have First Class In 2024?