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 8th 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 Government 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.
PER/SYD Flights will be drastically reduced due to caps on arrivals as well.
WA has followed Sydney in capping the number of international arrivals into its airports to limit the number of people requiring hotel quarantine. These arrivals will be capped at 525 per week or approximately 75 a day effective immediately.
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!
If you have flights booked or are planning to book flights, right now it's difficult to do things online, so if I can help, please do reach out.
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.
Europe’s Borders Opening*
Rather than look at this as certain countries “banned” I’d like to just see this as Europe opens for nationals from 14 countries. Those countries include Australia and New Zealand.
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.
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 when I check 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.
Air New Zealand (NZ)
Still operating services from NYC – SYD//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
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]
