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 24th of June, 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.
Hotel Quarantine
As you, no doubt have seen in the news, QLD has started to charge anyone entering the state from overseas for their own hotel quarantine, formerly the state paid. I expect the other states to follow suit – which could add significant added expenses to your trip home. Please keep up to date by looking at the individual GOV sites for your state. Let me know if you need help with this.
New order for work visas in the US
Please keep up to date (on America Josh) with your entry requirements back to the US if you leave the country – there are many new rules coming out by the current administration that may make it more difficult for expats coming into the US. The latest update is here.
Airlines that have changed flights or plans
Qantas (QF)
Qantas (QF) were expected to start their LAX-SYD route in August, this has now been canceled, 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 have updated their refund policy – so that it is easier to understand and hopefully easier for those whose flights were cancelled 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.
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.
Delta (DL)
DELTA Air Lines will resume its Australian operations next month, with the carrier confirming three weekly SYD-LAX flights restarting effective from 01 July (WED/FRI/SUN)l. 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
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
International re-openings
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]
