Every week we're going to check in with Travel Josh Engstrom, Travel Expert from Liberty Travel to get an update on flights between the United States and Australia. This is the update for the week of the 15th of July, 2020.
Information is changing regularly so be sure to check back each week for updates.
Please note that all flights coming into Australia, have reciprocal flights leaving, so while the schedules will be different of course if you see an airline coming in – they will also be leaving to go back to point of origin.
As many countries enter phase one and two of lifting lockdowns and re-opening borders, it’s sometimes tough to work out whether you can fly into or transit different countries. Let me give you a great trusted link to get any info on entering countries:
https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/international-travel-document-news/1580226297.htm
This is IATA – the world body for all things air travel – a trusted source and they are updating regularly.
Melbourne Flights diverted for the next two weeks
In a worrying development the Victorian govt. has diverted all inbound international flights away from MEL for the next two weeks, people in transit now and over that course will be affected.
Flights will be drastically reduced due to caps on Arrivals
Australia has capped its inbound passenger total to 4000 per week, this is going to impact getting into Australia and make a difficult process even more stressful and uncertain. The importance of booking with a travel agent showcased in these turbulent times.
Routes most likely to be affected: LAX – SYD; SFO – SYD – United have already come out and capped their westbound capacity to 50 pax per flight!
Hotel Quarantine
NSW/QLD/SA/WA and VIC charging travelers now for their quarantine
*NB The process for checking your purchase date for tickets is done at the hotel, please contact me for assistance on how to best plan for this.
SA flags intent to pass on quarantine charges for international arrivals
The South Australian Government has spoken of it's intent to charge arriving international travelers for their quarantine stays. This situation is still developing but media reports suggest this will begin from Saturday this week and charges will be similar to those NSW are charging. We expect further information to be released over the course of the week. The information will be updated on the South Australian Health Website.
NSW Releases (Update 13 July 2020)
We have been able to confirm that if customers purchased tickets before 11:59 pm 12 July AEST but have since had to change their ticket they will still receive an invoice for charges on check out. This invoice will include information on how to apply for an exemption. Unfortunately, we can not give customers a clear answer to if this will be granted as the decision lies with the NSW Government.
OVERVIEW The NSW Government has released details of its plan to charge arriving travelers for their quarantine stays. They will begin to charge international travelers for their hotel quarantine accommodation from 12:01 am Saturday, 18 July.
Customers who purchased their flights before 11:59 pm 12 July AEST will be excluded from quarantine fees. These travelers will still be required to quarantine in government arranged accommodation.
Airlines that have changed flights or plans
United (UA)
Still the most reliable route to Australia for New York-based expats – Still only from SFO – SYD
United is expanding to also offer LAX – SYD flights from the 8th of September, this is a good sign that travel volume is expected to rise.
Daily service from San Francisco to Sydney through July/August – still have not had any problems with these flights. United have just posted their upcoming routes for August, great news, Sydney flights are still going to be running daily from SFO.
Delta (DL)
DELTA Air Lines has resumed its Australian operations, WED/FRI & SUN. There are flights from NYC to connect in LAX. The addition is part of a staged global resumption of operations adding 1,000 flights system-wide subject to demand and evolving COVID-19 restrictions. Pricing is good, and looks like there’s plenty of availability – please reach out to me if you’ve flown them in the last week and what your feedback is on their service!
Airlines and flights that have stayed the same
Virgin Australia (VA)
Now that it looks clearer that this airline will remain in the longer term, a media release from the two new stakeholders state that Virgin Australia will honor the more the $100 million worth of tickets canceled due to COVID and the company going into bankruptcy, this is great news for Aussies in the US who had their original VA flights canceled. Unsure whether they will be able to get refunds still, but at least when they do start flying again, you will be able to use your existing credit.
QANTAS (QF)
QF were expected to start their LAX-SYD route in August, this has now been canceled, and checking their schedule, I can’t see any flights until at least November – this is a very sad departure, with new updates to come as they are released.
Qantas has updated their refund policy – so that it is easier to understand and hopefully easier for those whose flights were canceled to get a refund.
Qantas (and Virgin Australia) this week, as expected, suspended all remaining international flights that were in operation in cooperation with the Australian Government (https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/qantas-and-virgin-australia-suspend-remaining-international-flights-20200608-p550jl.html):
Qantas and Virgin Australia have re-grounded their remaining international passenger operations after government funding for the handful of overseas routes they were flying came to an end.
Air New Zealand (NZ)
Still operating services from NYC – SYD//BNE/ADL (via AKL) 2-3 times weekly
Singapore Airlines (SQ)
Changi Airport is going to open its airport soon to non-Singapore Nationals, this could also be a great option moving forward for non-Sydney residents who don’t want to do the Sydney quarantine Flights start from 17th July (i.e.ADL/PER/BNE residents) again
Emirates (EK), Etihad (EY) and Qatar (QR)
With Emirates you can now fly direct into PER/SYD/BNE via Dubai, great result here!!!
NYC – BNE – Thursdays only
NYC – PER – Wednesday’s only; DXB – MEL – Tuesday’s, Thursday’s & Friday’s; DXB – SYD – Monday’s, Wednesday's & Saturday’s
ETIHAD – daily connections from NYC – SYD
QATAR – NYC – BNE – MON/WED/FRI; NYC – PER TUE/THU/SAT/SUN
Questions & Bookings
Do you have any questions? Do you need travel advice? Contact Josh by his email, [email protected]
