Australia is a bucket-list destination for its cities, beaches, Outback and the Great Barrier Reef. Sydney is the main gateway from North America, with Melbourne and Brisbane also receiving trans-Pacific flights and an extensive domestic network linking the rest of the country.
Cheap airfare to Australia is mostly about timing and flexibility. Compare fares across airlines and nearby airports, shift your dates a few days either way, and book when the price looks right.
Qantas is the national flag carrier and a oneworld member; US carriers such as American, Delta and United, along with Air New Zealand, Fiji Airways and others, connect Australia with North America.
December–January (Australian summer and school holidays) is the busiest and usually priciest period. Shoulder months such as April–May and September–November often bring better fares.
Sydney Kingsford Smith (SYD) receives the most flights from North America, with Melbourne (MEL) and Brisbane (BNE) also served.
From the US West Coast, flights to Sydney typically take around 14 to 16 hours nonstop.
Outside the December–January peak, shoulder months like April–May and September–November are often better value.
