Australia, a land of stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant cities, is a dream destination for many. But with countless flight options from the US, Canada, and Europe, choosing the best airline can be overwhelming.
As a seasoned travel blogger with over 66 countries under my belt, I’ve meticulously analyzed 175 different flight routes to bring you the top 10 airlines for your Australian adventure. I’ve considered a range of factors, including seat comfort, in-flight amenities, meal quality, baggage allowances, and overall customer service.
Whether you’re seeking a luxurious long-haul experience or a budget-friendly option, this guide will help you find the perfect airline to kickstart your Australian journey.
Quick tip on how to find cheap flights to Australia
Looking for cheap flights to Australia right now? Before diving into all the airlines that fly to Australia, I first want to share a quick tip on how to save money on airfare.
For the past three years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to get amazing flight deals. All you have to do is enter your home airport and where you want to go, and from there, they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals. And the coolest part? It’s 100% FREE! In 2024, I saved thousands of dollars from their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $994 roundtrip fare from Boston to Sydney.
There’s a free and a premium version – the free one has pretty much everything you’ll need. Though if you’re like me and travel a lot every year, it’s worth upgrading to the paid version for $49 per year. In my experience, you’ll get your money back after finding just one discounted flight! As such, I recommend signing up for the free trial (you can cancel at any time) to try it for yourself. And if you like it, be sure to use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!
Now without further ado, here are the best Australia flights in 2025.
1. 🇦🇺 Qantas
- 🏠 Hub: Sydney (SYD)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer – part of Oneworld
- 🥂 Perks: Indigenous-inspired menu, award-winning wines, exceptional lounges
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book reward seats exactly 353 days in advance for best availability
Qantas is Australia’s flag carrier and oldest airline, celebrating over 100 years of service. The “Flying Kangaroo” offers direct flights to Sydney from Los Angeles (LAX), Dallas (DFW), and San Francisco (SFO), with connections throughout Australia with their modern fleet of Airbus A380s and the fuel-efficient Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
If you’re flying Premium Economy, expect generous legroom, dedicated cabin crew, and Neil Perry-curated meals. Their Business Class now features the luxurious Business Suite with direct aisle access and fully flat beds. First Class? Think private suites, Martin Grant pajamas, and multi-course tasting menus paired with vintage Australian wines.
Qantas is known for its distinctly Australian hospitality. Experience indigenous-inspired ingredients, barista-quality coffee, and a self-service bar on long-haul flights. Their baggage policy includes a generous two free checked bags in economy on international flights.
The airline’s Qantas Frequent Flyer program delivers exceptional value when you know how to use it. Points transfer in from major credit card programs like American Express and Capital One, and their famous “Points Planes” periodically release massive award inventory on select flights. For the savvy traveler, few things beat sipping champagne in the Qantas First Lounge in Sydney before your flight home.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Australia
Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel this year…so I couldn’t recommend it more!
2. 🇦🇺 Virgin Australia
- 🏠 Hub: Brisbane (BNE)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy X, Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Velocity Frequent Flyer
- 🥂 Perks: Cheerful service, excellent domestic network, The House lounges
- 💡 Pro Tip: Family pooling lets up to six family members combine their points for faster rewards
Virgin Australia has transformed from a low-cost carrier into a sophisticated full-service airline with a refreshingly different take on Australian travel. They focus primarily on domestic routes, with international partnerships connecting Australia to the world via Singapore Airlines, ANA, and United. Their fleet mostly consists of efficient Boeing 737s for domestic travel.
Their Economy X offers a clever middle ground with extra legroom, priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space for a modest fee. Business Class delivers a boutique experience with wide leather seats and Luke Mangan-designed menus featuring modern Australian cuisine.
Virgin Australia is known for its relaxed yet professional vibe. The cabin crew strikes the perfect balance between friendly and attentive without stuffiness. The airline embraces distinctly Australian casual luxury that resonates with travelers seeking premium without pretension.
✈️ My #1 Tip for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
Their free version is great, but Premium is where the real magic happens. I recommend doing the 14-day free trial. And right now, you can get 25% off Premium or Elite with my code: JON25.
Seriously, it’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made (in 8+ years).
The Velocity Frequent Flyer program offers family-friendly features like points pooling and generous status benefits. Their partnerships with major hotel chains and car rental companies make it easy to earn and use points beyond flights. Look for their frequent status match opportunities to enjoy lounge access and priority perks when visiting Australia.
- Read next: Top Destinations in Asia
- You may also like: Cheap Places to Fly from Brisbane
3. 🇳🇿 Air New Zealand
- 🏠 Hub: Auckland (AKL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Skycouch, Premium Economy, Business Premier
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Airpoints – part of Star Alliance
- 🥂 Perks: Innovative Skycouch, award-winning wines, renowned Kiwi hospitality
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book a Skycouch for couples or families to convert a row of Economy seats into a flexible space for lounging or sleeping
Air New Zealand isn’t just another airline connecting Australia to its Kiwi neighbor. This innovative carrier has built a reputation as one of the South Pacific’s most creative and customer-focused airlines. With multiple daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and other Australian cities to its Auckland hub, Air NZ offers convenient connections onward to North America. Their modern fleet includes Boeing 787 Dreamliners and A320/321neos to ensure comfort across the Tasman Sea.
In Premium Economy, you get spacious leather seats with leg rests and meals inspired by New Zealand’s best flavors. Step up to Business Premier, and you’ll get a full flat bed with memory foam, luxe bedding, and your own little space with direct aisle access.
Then there’s the Skycouch in Economy. It turns three seats into one clever, flexible space you can actually stretch out in. Perfect for couples or families who want to lie down without springing for Premium.
What really makes Air New Zealand shine is its personality. The crews are friendly, the food is fresh, and even the safety videos are fun to watch. Add in local wine and barista coffee, and your flight feels more like a warm Kiwi welcome than just a trip across the sea.
- Read next: Prettiest Places in New Zealand
4. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific
- 🏠 Hub: Hong Kong (HKG)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Cathay – part of Oneworld
- 🥂 Perks: Dim sum service, The Wing/The Pier lounges, artisanal drinks
- 💡 Pro Tip: Join their free “Cathay” membership for discounted fares and special offers
Cathay Pacific is more than just Hong Kong’s flag carrier. It’s known around the world for polished service and smooth travel, especially if you’re flying from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Cairns. With multiple daily flights through Hong Kong, Cathay makes it easy to connect to Australia in style. Their long-haul fleet includes modern A350s and 777s, offering solid comfort no matter where you sit.
Their acclaimed Business Class features private pods that turn into fully flat beds, while Premium Economy steps it up with extra space, better food, and priority perks. On select routes, First Class brings wide suites, fine dining, and luxe amenities like Bamford skincare.
It’s the little things that make Cathay stand out—like proper dim sum, specialty teas, and their signature Cathay Delight smoothie. The lounges in Hong Kong? Some of the best in the world, with noodle bars, day spas, and even a champagne room.
Transit through Hong Kong and you’ll experience some of the world’s finest airport lounges. The Wing and The Pier offer noodle bars, champagne rooms, and day spa facilities for premium passengers. Unlike many carriers, Cathay’s lounges maintain consistent excellence across their network. Their new “Fly Ready” service ensures all your travel documents are verified before you even reach the airport, making for a seamless journey to Australia.
5. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines
- 🏠 Hub: Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Main Cabin, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles – part of SkyTeam
- 🥂 Perks: Sky Club lounges, partnership with Virgin Australia, excellent reliability
- 💡 Pro Tip: Look for their “Flash Sales” when Delta slashes SkyMiles award prices to Australia
Delta Air Lines has seriously upped its game on Australian routes, becoming the top US carrier flying Down Under. They offer daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles to Sydney with convenient connections from across the US. Their Sydney service typically features their flagship Airbus A350s with all the latest cabin products.
Their Premium Select cabin is perfect for those wanting extra comfort without the business class price tag. Think wider seats with generous recline, leg rests, enhanced dining, and amenity kits. Delta One business class features private suites with sliding doors, custom bedding from Westin Hotels, and restaurant-style dining.
Delta is known for rock-solid reliability with industry-leading on-time performance. Their inflight service has that classic American hospitality vibe but with a modern touch. The airline has invested heavily in their food and beverage program across all cabins, partnering with Union Square Hospitality Group for elevated meals.
Their partnership with Virgin Australia gives you seamless connections throughout the Australian continent once you land. The SkyMiles program might not always offer the best redemption rates, but their frequent Flash Sales can be absolute steals. Plus, their Sky Club lounges keep getting better every year with premium food offerings and craft cocktails.
- Read next: Breathtaking Places to Visit in Los Angeles
- You may also like: Free Things to Do in Atlanta
- For more reading: Top Activities in Detroit
6. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Abu Dhabi (AUH)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Space, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest
- 🥂 Perks: Flying Nannies for families, 787 Dreamliner service, Middle Eastern hospitality
- 💡 Pro Tip: Their “Neighbor-Free” program lets you bid on keeping adjacent seats empty in Economy
Etihad Airways brings a touch of Arabian luxury to Australian skies with daily flights to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane from its sleek Abu Dhabi hub. The UAE’s national carrier uses primarily Boeing 787 Dreamliners on Australian routes, known for larger windows, better air quality, and reduced jet lag.
Their Business Studio on the 787 offers private pods in a 1-2-1 configuration with direct aisle access and fully flat beds. The seats are angled to maximize space, and their “dine anytime” concept lets you eat when you want, not just when the crew decides. Economy Space offers the same seat as regular economy but with up to 4 inches of extra legroom.
Etihad is famous for its thoughtful touches throughout the journey. Their unique Flying Nanny program offers specially trained crew members to help families with children. The airline serves Arabic coffee and dates as a welcome gesture, and their amenity kits in premium cabins feature luxurious Acqua di Parma products.
Transit through Abu Dhabi is a breeze with US pre-clearance facilities, meaning you complete US immigration before boarding your connecting flight home. Their lounges feature shower facilities, buffet dining, and barista-made coffee. For those wanting to break up the journey, Etihad offers stopover programs with discounted hotel rates to explore the UAE.
- Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Brisbane
- You may also like: Most Beautiful Places in Europe
7. 🇺🇸 United Airlines
- 🏠 Hub: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Plus, Premium Plus, Polaris Business
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus – part of Star Alliance
- 🥂 Perks: Polaris lounges, extensive US connections, improved catering
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book “Excursionist Perks” using MileagePlus miles to add a free one-way flight within Australia
United Airlines has completely transformed its Australia service in recent years, becoming a solid choice for transpacific travel. They fly daily from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Sydney, with Melbourne service operating seasonally. Their Australia routes feature Boeing 787 Dreamliners with their latest cabin products.
Their revamped Polaris Business offers direct aisle access from every seat with custom Saks Fifth Avenue bedding and cooling gel pillows. Premium Plus is United’s true premium economy with wider seats, upgraded dining, and amenity kits. Even standard Economy Plus gets you extra legroom for the long haul across the Pacific.
United now takes food and drink seriously across all cabins. Business class passengers enjoy multi-course meals with restaurant-style service, while economy gets upgraded options and complimentary beer and wine. Their partnership with Illy coffee means decent java even at 35,000 feet.
The airline’s MileagePlus program offers excellent value with relatively reasonable award rates to Australia and minimal fuel surcharges. For those with United Club membership or Star Alliance Gold status, you’ll enjoy access to Air New Zealand lounges down under. Before departure, United’s exclusive Polaris lounges in the US offer sit-down dining and shower suites.
- Read next: Must-See Places in Chicago
- You may also like: Top Adventures in Houston
- For more reading: Hidden Gems in San Francisco
8. 🇹🇭 Thai Airways
- 🏠 Hub: Bangkok (BKK)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Royal Orchid Plus – part of Star Alliance
- 🥂 Perks: Traditional Thai service, massage services in Bangkok lounges, orchid corsages
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book their 60-minute complimentary massage in the first class lounge when connecting
Thai Airways brings vibrant Thai hospitality to Australian skies with flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth via their Bangkok hub. The Thai flag carrier primarily uses Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s on Australian routes, offering a consistent product with distinctive purple and gold color schemes.
Their spacious Royal Silk Business Class features fully-flat beds on most long-haul routes with direct aisle access. Royal First Class on select aircraft offers semi-private suites with turndown service and premium champagne. Even Economystands out with extra legroom and signature purple Thai silk pillows.
Thai’s legendary warm hospitality makes even the longest flights pleasant. Their cabin crew offer traditional Thai wai greetings, orchid corsages for female passengers, and attentive service with genuine smiles. The menu showcases authentic Thai cuisine alongside Western options, with seasonal tropical fruits and signature Thai iced tea.
Transit through Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is a highlight with Thai’s remarkable lounges. Their Royal Orchid Spa offers complimentary neck and shoulder massages for business class passengers and full hour-long treatments for first class guests. The airline frequently offers stopover packages at great rates, perfect for breaking up the long journey to Australia with a few days exploring Thailand’s beaches or bustling Bangkok.
9. 🇰🇷 Korean Air
- 🏠 Hub: Seoul Incheon (ICN)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Prestige (Business), First
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: SKYPASS – part of SkyTeam
- 🥂 Perks: Exceptional service, Korean cuisine options, spacious seating
- 💡 Pro Tip: Book award tickets 331 days in advance for best availability on Sydney routes
Korean Air offers a fantastic alternative route to Australia via its ultra-modern Incheon hub outside Seoul. With daily flights to Sydney and Brisbane, this SkyTeam carrier provides tranquil service aboard their Boeing 787 Dreamliners and Airbus A330s. The airline has built a solid reputation for reliability and consistency.
Their Prestige Class business seats feature fully-flat beds in a spacious 2-2-2 configuration. While not the most cutting-edge design, they compensate with generous dimensions and excellent bedding. The newer Premium Economy is rolling out gradually across their fleet, offering 38″ pitch and upgraded amenities.
Korean Air stands out for its meticulous service culture that’s formal yet genuinely warm. Their cabin crews consistently rank among the world’s best for attentiveness and precision. The food program balances Western options with signature Korean dishes like bibimbap served with gochujang sauce on the side so you control the spice level.
The airline’s Incheon hub is a dream for connections with streamlined security, free transit tours for longer layovers, and excellent lounges featuring Korean specialties like ramyeon noodle bars. Their SKYPASS program offers good value redemptions to Australia, and partnerships with US credit card programs make points easy to earn. The airline’s generous baggage allowance of two free checked bags in economy is perfect for longer Australian vacations.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in South Korea
10. 🇨🇦 Air Canada
- 🏠 Hub: Vancouver (YVR)
- ✈️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Signature Class (Business)
- 🎯 Loyalty Program: Aeroplan – part of Star Alliance
- 🥂 Perks: Maple Leaf Lounges, stopover options in Canada, easy US connections
- 💡 Pro Tip: Their “Latitude” fare includes free same-day changes and upgrades to Premium Economy or Business
Air Canada has emerged as a compelling option for Australia travel with daily nonstop flights from Vancouver to Sydney and Brisbane. Their transpacific service features Boeing 787 Dreamliners with their latest cabin products and efficient connections from across North America.
Their award-winning Signature Class offers private pods with lie-flat beds and luxurious amenities like mattress pads and duvets. Premium Economy provides a substantial upgrade from standard economy with wider seats, expanded legroom, enhanced dining, and premium wines.
Air Canada delivers polished North American service with Canadian warmth and bilingual flight crews. Their onboard dining program in premium cabins features Canadian ingredients and wines, while economy passengers enjoy complimentary meals with beer and wine. The entertainment system offers extensive content in multiple languages.
The airline’s newly revamped Aeroplan program offers flexible routing rules and reasonable redemption rates to Australia. Their Vancouver hub provides easy US pre-clearance facilities and stunning Maple Leaf Lounges with barista coffee and hot food options. Consider booking their “stopover” option to enjoy a few days in beautiful Vancouver or Toronto en route to Australia for no additional airfare.
- Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Canada
