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 10th 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.
Airlines that have changed flights or plans
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!!!
Etihad – also starting to fly into SYD/MEL in July.
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:
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 August 1st (SYD/MEL/BNE).
Delta (DL)
Delta are planning to run daily from NYC – SYD (via LAX) from July 2nd.
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 (i.e. MEL/ADL/PER/BNE/DRW/CNS residents) again – WIP
Other news
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.
Questions & Bookings
Do you have questions? Do you need travel advice? Contact Josh by his email, [email protected].
