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 17h of June, 2020 and includes Carribean & European re-opening information.
Information is changing regularly so be sure to check back each week for updates. Do you have questions? Do you need travel advice? Contact Josh by his email, [email protected]
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.
Important note before we start
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.
Be sure to review this information before looking into travel and flights as there are still a vast number of restrictions in place.
Compulsory Quarantine in Australia
Please note, the 2-week quarantine is still in place in Australia and Queensland has now announced that you will be required to pay for it yourself:
People arriving in Queensland from overseas will be charged fees for quarantining in government arranged accommodation from 1 July 2020.
Why are you only charging now?
On 29 May 2020, National Cabinet gave the go-ahead for states and territories to start charging international arrivals for quarantining costs.
The quarantine direction has been in place for over two and a half months and it’s well-publicised.
More information here on America Josh and on Queensland.gov.au
Airlines that have changed flights or plans
Qantas (QF)
***BREAKING NEWS*** Qantas (QF) were expected to start their LAX-SYD route in August, this has now been canceled in disappointing news today, 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 (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 regrounded their remaining international passenger operations after government funding for the handful of overseas routes they were flying came to an end.
Delta (DL)
DELTA Air Lines will resume its Australian operations next month, with the carrier confirming three weekly SYD-LAX flights restarting effective from 04 Jul. 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.
Emirates (EK) & Etihad (EY)
Have some great news for Emirates here, with NYC starting their resumption to Dubai on the 15th June! Great result here, giving NYC another option to get home. With Emirates you can now fly direct into MEL/PER/SYD/BNE via Dubai, great result here!!!
DXB – 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
Airlines and flights that have stayed the same
United (UA)
Still the most reliable route to Australia for New York-based expats.
Daily service from San Francisco to Sydney through June/July – still have not had any problems with these flights. Unfortunately, it looks like due to domestic travel issues, some days (not all) the flights no longer connect – meaning an overnight in SFO would be required.
Air New Zealand (NZ)
Still operating services from NYC – SYD/MEL/BNE (via AKL) 2-3 times weekly
Qantas (QF)
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 regrounded their remaining international passenger operations after government funding for the handful of overseas routes they were flying came to an end.
LAX route is expected to start again on August 1st (SYD/MEL/BNE).
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. MEL/ADL/PER/BNE/DRW/CNS residents) again
Other news & flight information
Airlines continue to offer flexible booking terms for changes, which hopefully help with peace of mind and getting people less fearful of traveling.
We’re also seeing refunds and cancellations taking a significant amount of time with delays due to Coronavirus.
Most airlines are now taking serious steps to do social distancing on board, with domestic US services being severely disrupted/selling out as they have decreased their seats on board up to 40%, with mandatory vacant seats between guests. This is making it difficult to plan even domestic trips away, as the availability has drastically been slashed.
Re-openings for the Caribbean
Mexico:
Quintana Roo – June 8, 2020
Caribbean:
Antigua/Barbuda – June 1, 2020
Aruba – July 10, 2020
Barbados – July 1, 2020
Bahamas – July 1, 2020
Bermuda – 14-day quarantine – No official re-open border date
Bonaire – June 15, 2020
Cayman Islands – September 1, 2020
Curacao – Until further notice
Dominican Republic – July 5, 2020
Grenada – June 30, 2020
Jamaica – June 15, 2020
Puerto Rico – 14-day quarantine
St. Barthélemy – June 22 ,2020
St. Lucia – June 4, 2020
Turks and Caicos – July 22, 2020
USVI – June 1, 2020
USA:
Florida – 14-day quarantine for individuals entering the state of Florida from the New York Tri-State Area (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York)
Hawaii – 14-day quarantine thru July 31, 2020
Central America:
Costa Rica – July 1, 2020
Belize – July 1, 2020
American Airlines re-opening of European routes
Origin Destination Schedule change:
- Charlotte – LHR Service resumes Aug. 5
- Charlotte – Munich (MUC) Service resumes Aug. 5
- Dallas – Dublin (DUB) Service resumes July 7, 3x/week
- JFK Paris (CDG) Service resumes Aug. 5
- JFK LHR Service remains 1x/day through Aug 5
- JFK Madrid (MAD) Service resumes Aug. 5
- LAX LHR Service resumes Aug. 5
- Miami – Madrid Service resumes Aug. 5
- Chicago – Athens (ATH) Service resumes Aug. 5
- Chicago BCN Service resumes Aug. 5
- Chicago DUB Service resumes Aug. 5
- PHL LHR Service resumes Aug. 5
- PHL MAD Service resumes Aug. 5
- PHL Zurich (ZRH) Service resumes Aug. 5, 3x/week
- Phoenix – LHR Service resumes Oct. 25
- Raleigh – LHR Service resumes Aug. 5
Questions & Bookings
Do you have questions? Do you need travel advice? Contact Josh by his email, [email protected]
