So you’re off to the land of burgers and fries? Great. But before you set off on your trip of a lifetime, you’re going to need to… get there. Of course, there are myriad options. However, as a cheapskate discerning flyer, you want value for money, right?
Well, you’re in luck; we’ve done the sleuthing for you. These are the best economic experiences for the US and Australia.
Air New Zealand to the USA (starting in Australia)
Why routes does Air New Zealand fly to USA via Australia
From Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane, via Auckland, to Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, New York, Hawaii or San Fansisco.
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Average flight time to USA with Air New Zealand
Between 17 and 20 hours from Australia (depending on the layover and which city you fly from).
Air NZ seat configuration in Economy to USA
With a pitch (legroom) of 31 (79 centimetres), an incline of 5 inches (12.7cm) and a width of 17.2 inches (44cm) Air NZ’s seats are no worse than the industry standard, but—for these flight routes—one inch more sardine-like than Virgin’s.
Food and Drink offering on Air New Zealand flights to USA
Fresh (by airline standards), flavoursome New Zealand food and wine from the Kiwi flagship airline’s world-renowned menus.
Luggage allowce for US flights with Air NZ
One carry on of 7kg, one checked in bag of 23kg.
Average ticket price from Air NZ from Australia
Aircraft servicing the Auckland to US route
Boeing 787-9, 777-300 and Boeing 777-200.
Conclusion
Not a bad option if you’re travelling from Melbourne, because you may well have to fly domestically to Sydney to get a direct flight to the US anyway. In this case flying via Auckland is a good option—particularly if you want to experiences Air NZ’s famed customer service or its Skycouch facilities. However if your goal is to get to the US as quickly as possible, with no stops, you’re better off going direct with Qantas or United.
Qantas flights to and from America
Which route does Qantas service to the USA?
Direct to Los Angeles from Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Or direct to San Francisco (from Sydney only). Or Direct to Dallas Fort Worth (from Sydney only).
Average flight time to the USA with QF
13 hours 50 mins (to Los Angeles from Sydney), 12 hours 40 mins (from Brisbane to Los Angeles), 14 hours 30 mins (from Melbourne to Los Angeles) or 15 hours 20 mins (Sydney to Dallas Fort Worth).
Seat configuation on Qantas flights to the USA
With a pitch (legroom) of 31 inches (79 centimetres), an incline of 5 inches (12.7cm) and a width of 17.2 inches (44cm) Qantas’s international economy seats are of the industry standard.
Food and Drink offering on Qantas flights on US routes
At Qantas a welcome drink is offered after take-off, as well as continuous snacks and refreshments throughout the flight. You can pre-select your meal online before takeoff, or leave your fate in the hands of the Qantas chefs.
Luggage allowance with Qantas in economy
Carry on, plus one piece of checked baggage up to 23kg.
Average price for flight to USA with Qantas
Aircraft servicing US Qantas routes
Airbus A380-800 and Boening 787 Dreamliner
Conclusion
One of the best ways to traverse the pacific. More direct than Air NZ, slightly quicker (although less legroom than) Virgin. Sydney to Dallas only worth it if you want to visit/have a connecting flight in Dallas, as this is one of the longest long-haul flights in the world. Side note: if you live in Perth, your best option is to fly to Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane and get one of these direct flights.
American Airlines flights to Australia
Why routes does American Airlines fly to Australia?
Direct to Los Angeles from Sydney only. Or via Auckland to Los Angeles, from Melbourne and Brisbane.
What’s the average flight time with AA?
14-15 hours (plus the layover, if you’re going via Auckland).
Seat configuration on American Airlines Economy
In a classic 3-4-3 configuration, American Airlines’ seat pitch is 31 inches (79 centimetres), with a width of 17 inches (43 centimetres).
Food and Drink offering with American Airlines in Economy
Although you may be underwhelmed by the brusque, “Beef, fish or chicken?” introduction to your flight, as one review points out, American Airlines’ dinner offering of beef with carrots, broccoli and mash is “unexpectedly tasty”. Same goes for the passionfruit dessert and the salted-caramel ice-cream usually on offer afterwards. Having said that, compared to wine-merchants-of-the-sky like Qantas, American Airlines’ wine options are limited, as are the snacks available during the bulk of the flight, which consist mainly of chips and water.
American Airlines luggage allowance
Like Virgin you get two checked bags of up to 23 kilograms each, plus one carry-on bag (no weight restriction) and a personal item.
Average economy fair with AA
Aircraft servicing US to Austalia with American Airlines
Amerian Airlines Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner – View seatmap
Conclusion
Chances are you’ll be on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which were introduced into the fleet last year to phase out the Boeing 777-300ER’s. So from an aircraft (and convenience) perspective, its good value for money, especially if you live in Sydney. Otherwise, if you live in Melbourne or Brisbane we would recommend Air NZ as they stop over in Auckland too, and typically provide better customer service for a comparable price.
United Airlines flights to Australia
Routes United to Australia
Direct to Los Angeles from Sydney and Melbourne only. Or non stop to San Francisco (from Sydney only).
Flight time to Australia with United
14-15 hours from Sydney to LAX, 15-17 hours from Melbourne to LAX. 13-14 hours from Sydney to San Francisco.
Seat configuration on United
Configuration: 3-3-3. Pitch: 32 inches (81cm). Recline: 3 inches (7cm). Width: 16.3 – 17.3 inches (41.4 – 43.9cm).
Food and Drink offering for economy passengers with United
Complimentary meal service, mid flight snack, beer and wine and a “choice menu snack shop” available if you want to purchase extra.
Luggage allowance with United Airlines in economy
One carry on bag, plus two check in bags of no more than 23kg each.
Average ticket price with United
From $980 return.
Aircraft in service for US / Aus routes
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
Conclusion
Great option for the price conscious consumer. Little difference in terms of customer satisfaction between Sydney and Melbourne, however there is a discernible difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco in terms of customer satisfaction so avoid LAX if you can (yes, we know, it is often a necessary evil).
Delta Airlines flights to Australia
Routes Delta use to Australia
Direct to Los Angeles from Sydney.
Average flight time to Australia with Delta Airlines
14-15 hours.
Seat config on Delta flights
Pitch: 31-32 inches (78 – 82cm). Width: 18.5 inches (47cm). Recline: standard. Layout: 3-3-3. Oh and although the legroom is the same, the seat itself isn’t as comfortable as the Virgin counterpart; it’s slightly thinner.
Food and Drink offering with Delta in economy
In Delta’s Basic Economy section, you’ll enjoy complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, juice, sodas or water. There’s also a selection of alcoholic drinks, served in moderation, and breakfast, lunch and or dinner depending on the time of day you fly. Some reviewers prefer Delta’s food to Virgins, but really it comes down to personal preference.
Luggage allowance with Delta
Carry on, plus one checked bag of a maximum of 23kg.
Average ticket price with Delta
From $1,000 return.
Aircraft in service for US/AU route
Boeing 777-200LR.
Conclusion
A decent, budget friendly option for Sydney-siders making the trip to LA. Definitely worth considering an upgrade to Delta Premium.
Fiji Airways flights to USA (starting in Australia)
Whichn cities does Fiji Airways fly into
Los Angeles via Fiji. Flights available originating from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Flight time via Fiji to and from the USA
Total: 17-18 hours. This typically comprises of: 3 hours 50 minutes—Sydney to Nadi, 10 hours 45 mins—Nadi to Los Angeles (plus a two hour layover). The return trip is the same but typically an hour or so slower (due to the West to East jet stream).
Seat config on US bound flights
The only airline of this bunch to go with a 2-4-2 economy configuration. Pitch: 31-32 inches (78-81cm). Width: 17.3 inches (44cm). Recline: standard.
Food and Drink offering on Fiji Airways in economy
Fiji Airlines will provide you with South Pacific cuisine, alongside a full range of beverages and light snacks.
Luggage allowance in economy with Fiji
7 kilos carry on, 23 kilos checked.
Average ticket price with Fiji Airways
From $945 return.
Aircraft servicing US/AU route
Airbus Industrie A330-300 (most flights). Boeing 737-800 (occasionally used for some legs of the flight).
Conclusion
There’s no there’s no point flying this route unless you want to spend a couple of nights in Fiji (the overall flight time to Los Angeles via Fiji is at least two hours longer than any of the direct flight routes in this list). However, if you’re looking to break up your trip we’d recommend doing it here, with a few cocktails in the sun, rather than in an Auckland airport lounge, for pretty much the same price.
