Lexi Webster
Australia is a destination that offers awe-inspiring nature and a rich indigenous culture, but getting there can be a challenge, especially if you're travelling from North America or Europe. Fortunately, there are many ways to get there using points and miles. This article will explore some of the best options for flying to Australia using points, including the best routes, airlines, and ways to maximise your points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airlines | Qantas, Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Air Canada, United Airlines, Virgin Australia, Air New Zealand, ANA, Singapore Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific, Jetstar, Japan Airways, Finnair |
| Alliance | Oneworld, Star Alliance |
| Credit cards | American Express, Capital One, Citi, Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card, Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant American Express Card, American Express Gold Card |
| Departure points | Los Angeles (LAX), Honolulu (HNL), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Vancouver, San Francisco (SFO), Houston (IAH), Auckland, Chicago, New York (JFK), Miami |
| Arrival points | Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE), Perth, Adelaide, Hobart, Cairns |
| Class | Economy, Business, First |
| Number of points | 42,500, 47,500, 55,000, 63,000, 67,000-100,000, 70,000, 75,000, 87,500, 90,000, 300,000, 400,000 |
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What You'll Learn
Best airlines for points-based bookings
Qantas is a popular option for those looking to fly between the U.S. and Australia using points. Qantas First Class is considered one of the best first-class products in the sky. Qantas Frequent Flyer members who are redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer points have access to exclusive award seats. Qantas' schedule opens up 353 days in advance, a few weeks earlier than most other programs. Qantas also tends to have more award availability to/from New Zealand than other programs, which makes this a nice option. Plus, you can transfer points from several different banks, so it’s easy to earn a lot of points with Qantas.
Alaska Airlines is another good option for points-based bookings to Australia. You can book one-way awards with a stopover included, which provides an excellent option to connect from your entry point in Australia. Qantas business class can also be booked cheaply using Alaska miles. Alaska Airlines also offers awards to Australia on Fiji Airways, Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air. However, using Alaska miles to Australia is less attractive because of the program’s devaluation.
Delta offers 2 nonstop flights between the U.S. and Australia, with another one between Los Angeles and Melbourne. Both of the current flights and the upcoming Melbourne flights can be booked for 65,500 points in economy and 165,000 points in business class. Delta One Suites, the airline's best business-class product, is considered one of the best international business class products in the world.
American Airlines is also an option for those looking to fly to Australia using points. A round trip from Los Angeles to Sydney costs 70,000 miles and around $100 in taxes and fees when booked through American. It usually doesn't cost any more miles to add a connection from your home airport.
ANA (All Nippon Airways) is part of the Star Alliance, so you can use your ANA miles to fly on partner airlines. Award space tends to be quite good for partners. ANA has a zone-based chart, with different prices for different zones. For example, a round trip between the U.S. and Australia costs 80,000 miles in economy and 150,000 miles in business class.
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Booking tips and tricks
- If you're flying from the US, you can book a one-way ticket to Sydney for under 52,000 Avios plus taxes through British Airways Executive Club. You can also redeem fewer Avios by paying higher cash surcharges.
- You can transfer points from different banks to your Qantas account to pool your points. For example, you could transfer 150,000 points from Capital One and 150,000 points from Citi to get 300,000 points in your Qantas account, which is enough to book four round-trip tickets to New Zealand.
- Qantas First Class is considered one of the best first-class products in the sky. However, award space is incredibly hard to find. You have a better chance of finding space when you book through Qantas Frequent Flyer rather than other programs.
- If you're looking for a nonstop flight to Australia, consider Air Canada and United Airlines.
- If you're looking for a cheaper rate, consider flying into Brisbane instead of Sydney or Melbourne.
- If you're looking to fly from the US to Australia in Qantas' first or business class, the best way is with Qantas' frequent flyer program.
- You can book a $1,000 flight for around 67,000-100,000 points with taxes included, depending on your credit card.
- If you're short on Aeroplan or credit card points, you could pay as little as 45,000 points and higher cash surcharges.
- If you're looking for a business class flight, consider booking with Air Canada Aeroplan, which charges 75,000 points and around $80 in taxes and fees for a one-way business class ticket.
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Economy vs business class
When it comes to flying to Australia using points, you may be considering whether to book a flight in economy or business class. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual preferences and circumstances.
Economy class is generally more affordable than business class, making it a good option if you're on a budget. It's also easier to secure an economy seat, even when booking last-minute, as there are more economy seats available on a plane. Booking an economy flight will also leave you with more points to spend on future trips. For example, a QantasLink flight between Sydney and Lord Howe Island in March 2022 could be booked for 8,000 Qantas Points and $90, saving you $717 on the regular ticket price. Additionally, some credit cards allow you to earn bonus points when booking economy airfare, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, which offers 5 points per dollar spent on airline tickets.
However, the overall experience of flying in business class is significantly better than in economy, especially on long-haul international flights. Business class offers larger seats, improved meal options, lounge access, expedited security check-in, and increased baggage allowances. For example, Qantas and Alaska Airlines offer first-class products that can be booked with points, providing a more luxurious experience. Additionally, business-class fares earn more miles than economy fares, and the extra space and comfort can be particularly valuable on overnight flights.
Ultimately, the decision between economy and business class depends on your priorities. If you want to travel more frequently and are willing to sacrifice comfort, economy may be the better option. However, if you want a more luxurious and comfortable experience, business class may be worth the extra points.
To maximise the value of your points, consider factors such as the length of your flight, the availability of award seats, and the potential for earning bonus points or miles. Additionally, compare the number of points required for different airlines, as some may offer better redemption rates or have more attractive frequent flyer programs, like Qantas.
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Direct vs connecting flights
When flying to Australia, you can choose between direct and connecting flights. Direct flights are usually faster and more convenient, but they may be more expensive or have limited availability. On the other hand, connecting flights may offer more flexibility and sometimes even cost advantages, but they increase your total travel time.
Direct Flights
Direct flights to Australia are available from various international cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Singapore, London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Auckland, and more. Qantas, the flag carrier of Australia, offers the most direct flights between Australia and other countries. With Qantas, you can fly non-stop to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and other Australian cities. Additionally, British Airways provides direct flights from London to Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Direct flights are generally more convenient and time-saving, as you don't need to worry about layovers or connecting flights. However, they may come with certain challenges. Firstly, direct flights to Australia can be extremely long, often exceeding 7,000 miles in length from the continental US. This means that you should be prepared for the gruelling nature of these ultra-long-haul flights, and consider saving up for business or first class for added comfort. Secondly, award availability for direct flights can be limited, especially in premium cabins. It is recommended to book well in advance to secure your preferred dates and cabin class.
Connecting Flights
Connecting flights to Australia can be a good alternative if direct flights are not available or if you want to explore additional options. For example, you can fly with Virgin Australia, an Aeroplan partner airline, which offers various connecting flights across its network. Singapore Airlines is another excellent option for relatively direct routing and a great in-flight experience. They offer single-connection flights to Australia through their US hubs, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York (JFK).
Connecting flights can provide more flexibility in terms of pricing and availability. For instance, if the price of a direct flight from Brisbane to Vancouver is high, opting for a connecting flight to Sydney might offer a more affordable alternative. Additionally, by planning your trip in advance, you can sometimes find better pricing for connecting flights, especially if you have access to elite programs or upgrade options.
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Top destinations in Australia
Australia is a large country with eight states and territories, so it's impossible to explore everywhere in one trip. Sydney is Australia's most-visited destination, attracting over 3.1 million visitors in 2023. The city offers something for everyone, from holidaymakers to business travellers. Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and the Gold Coast are also popular destinations for international tourists.
If you're looking for natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland is a must-visit. This World Heritage Site offers world-class dive sites, secluded white beaches, and colourful coral. The Daintree Rainforest, also in Queensland, is another World Heritage Site where the rainforest meets the sea. For more untouched natural beauty, Moreton Island is largely protected as a National Park, with pristine blue waters, lush rainforest, and famed natural wonders such as Mount Tempest, the world's largest coastal sand dune.
For a Mediterranean vibe, Lorne is a coastal town just a two-hour drive from Melbourne, with thriving arts and culture and beautiful beaches. The Yarra Valley, a six-hour drive from Melbourne, is known for its boutique hotels, wineries, and cheese shops. Mallacoota, surrounded by national parks, is another natural wonder, located at the mouth of the Wallagaraugh River.
If you're looking for a secluded island getaway, Kangaroo Island is a nature reserve home to an abundance of local kangaroos, as well as koalas, sea lions, and other Australian wildlife. The Quobba Coast, located south of the Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area, offers fishing, walking, and snorkelling, with wildlife including wild goats, leatherback turtles, and humpback whales. Coonabarabran, a central-west town in NSW, is located near the Warrumbungle National Park, Australia's first and only Dark Sky Park, known for its crystal-clear skies.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best ways to fly to Australia using points include:
- Qantas: Qantas has put many of its flights to Australia back on the schedule, including its ultra-long-haul route from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) to Sydney (SYD).
- Alaska Airlines: You can use Alaska miles to fly Qantas business class at a cheaper rate.
- ANA: ANA is part of the Star Alliance, so you can use your ANA miles to fly on partner airlines such as Air Canada and United Airlines.
- American Airlines: American Airlines usually doesn't charge more miles for adding a connection from your home airport.
The number of points required for a flight to Australia can vary depending on factors such as the airline, class of service, and routing. Here are some estimates:
- Economy flights: Start at a minimum of 42,500 miles each way.
- Business class: Can range from 63,000 to 90,000 miles one-way.
- First class: Qantas first class is one of the best options and can be booked with points, but award availability is challenging.
Yes, there are several credit cards that can help you earn points for flying to Australia. Here are a few options:
- American Express Gold Card: Offers bonus Membership Rewards points that can be transferred to partner airlines such as ANA.
- Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card: Allows you to earn points that can be transferred to Alaska Airlines for booking award flights.
- Co-branded airline credit cards: Consider cards from airlines that fly to Australia, such as Qantas, Air Canada, or United Airlines.
Here are a few tips for finding the best flights to Australia using points:
- Compare prices: Use tools like Google Flights to compare prices and find the best routes.
- Leverage transfer partners and airline alliances: Take advantage of transfer partners and airline alliances to pool your points and increase your options.
- Be flexible with dates: You might find lower prices or better availability by being flexible with your travel dates.
- Consider alternative airports: Look for flights to different Australian cities, as prices can vary. For example, Brisbane may have cheaper rates than Sydney or Melbourne.
