If you are wanting to head to The States next year (excluding the school holidays), now would be a good time to buy.
Cheap fares are available on Qantas, Virgin Australia and American Airlines. You must depart on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday to access these special prices.
For comparison purposes, the last time we saw fares this low ($849) was just two months ago. However, the cheapest prices we’ve seen in a long time ($749) was back in March.
Example fares
You can find nonstop flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to:
- Honolulu from $490 return (Jetstar only, so factor in checked baggage and food)
- Los Angeles from $891
- San Francisco from $1,035
- Chicago from $1,192
- Dallas/Fort Worth from $1,202
It seems that travellers in Adelaide can fly via one of the East Coast gateways for the same price. Readers in airports like Perth, Canberra and Cairns should budget for about $150 more.
How to choose which airline to fly in Economy Class to the US
If points are important to you, choose to fly:
- Qantas or American Airlines to boost your Qantas Frequent Flyer or Asia Miles balance
- Virgin Australia to earn Velocity Points or KrisFlyer miles
If you would prefer to have more legroom, you’ll get:
- 32 inches with Virgin Australia and Qantas (Boeing 787 Dreamliner)
- 31 inches with American Airlines and Qantas (Airbus A380)
This handy Google Chrome extension compares legroom across airlines when performing a flight search.
A word of warning
Travellers from Australia will find that their Australian Dollars have 10% less power compared to their peak over the past year, so make sure to factor that into your budgeting.
Depart: Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide
Arrive: Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago or Dallas/Fort Worth
Dates: mid-February to mid-September 2020 (excluding school holidays)
Airline: Qantas, Virgin Australia and American Airlines
Cost: From $891 in Economy
Where to credit points: Most of these fares earn points at a Discount Economy rate.
For example, on a return trip with Qantas or American Airlines between the East Coast and Los Angeles in Economy Class, you’ll earn 9,000 Qantas Points + 90 Status Credits. Point Hacks values those points at 2 cents each, meaning that you are effectively earning a cashback of $180—compare that to your $891 fare!
Read more in our guide to where to credit points.
Lounge access:
- If you hold Qantas Gold or above status, are a Qantas Club member or have Qantas lounge passes with one of these credit cards, you enjoy access to Qantas and associated partner lounges when flying Qantas or American Airlines
- Velocity elite status holders can enter to The House in Sydney and Melbourne and My Lounge in Brisbane when flying Virgin Australia
- American Express Card Members get access to the Sydney and Melbourne Amex lounges regardless of airline
- Priority Pass members can gain access to these lounges regardless of airline
Booking link: my suggestion is to compare your options at Google Flights and then click through to book directly on the airline’s website.
Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. Fares may disappear quickly, so we suggest booking as soon as you are confident in your travel dates.
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