The 15 Best Airlines to Fly to Australia in 2026 (Tested and Ranked)

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I’ve spent the last decade obsessing over flights to Australia, logging over 200 hours in the air across 15 different carriers just to figure out which ones are worth booking. After analyzing seat configurations, miles redemption rates, route networks, and way too many inflight meal photos, I’ve narrowed it down to the 15 best airlines flying to Australia in 2026.

This list covers everything from nonstop options out of American hubs to the Asian and Middle Eastern carriers that make the journey surprisingly bearable. Some airlines earn their spot through incredible business class products, others through smart points partnerships, and a few simply because they’ll get you to Sydney without remortgaging your house. Whether you’re chasing kangaroos in the Outback or sipping flat whites in Melbourne, one of these airlines will get you there.

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1. 🇶🇦 Qatar Airways

• 🏠 Base: Doha Hamad International (DOH)
• ✈️ Best For: Connecting through Doha to Australia, especially from cities without direct flights
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business (Qsuite on most long haul routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy (50 lbs each), two in business (70 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Privilege Club (uses Avios), part of oneworld
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book 11+ months out using British Airways or Qatar Avios for the best Qsuite availability. American miles work but availability has dried up in 2025

Qatar flies from 12 US cities including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, LA, Miami, New York, San Francisco, Seattle, and DC. You’ll stop in Doha, then connect onward to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, or Canberra. Doha’s airport is modern, easy to navigate, and has fantastic lounges. For anyone not living near LA, San Francisco, or Dallas (where direct Australia flights exist), Qatar offers a comfortable one stop option without backtracking across the country.

The Qsuite is Qatar’s business class, and it’s one of the best in the world. You get a private suite with a door that closes, a fully flat bed, and on demand dining so you’re not waiting for a cart. I’ve flown it twice and slept better than most hotels. If you’re traveling with a partner, the middle suites convert into a double bed, which makes the 14+ hour flight from Doha to Australia surprisingly painless.

If you collect American Airlines miles, you can book Qatar business class for 70,000 miles one way, though availability is limited. A better option is transferring credit card points (Chase, Amex, Capital One, or Bilt) to British Airways, then booking through them or moving those points to Qatar’s own program. Both charge 70,000 points one way and release more seats.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Australia

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2. 🇸🇬 Singapore Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Singapore Changi (SIN)
• ✈️ Best For: West Coast travelers, families, and anyone who wants a stopover in Asia’s best airport
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First, and Suites (A380 only)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy (50 lbs each), two in business (70 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: KrisFlyer, part of Star Alliance (same alliance as United)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: If you want the famous Suites Class with the double bed, book the A380 from Sydney or Melbourne to Singapore. It’s not available from the US

Singapore Airlines flies from LA, San Francisco, Seattle, New York JFK, and Newark, but none of these routes continue directly to Australia. You’ll stop in Singapore and change planes, which adds a few hours to your total travel time. That said, Changi Airport is worth the layover with its rooftop pool, butterfly garden, free movie theaters, and over 100 dining options.

I’d pick Singapore over most US carriers for one reason: the crew. They train for months before stepping on a plane, and you feel it in every interaction. Nothing is rushed, nothing feels fake, and on a 16 hour flight that calm professionalism makes a real difference.

Singapore’s business class on the A350s and 777s includes a fully flat bed in a 1-2-1 layout, so everyone gets aisle access. First class offers more space and privacy, but the real prize is Suites on the A380, where two seats convert into a full double bed. Just know that Suites only flies from Sydney and Melbourne to Singapore, so you’d book it on the Australia leg rather than from the US.

For points, KrisFlyer transfers from Chase, Amex, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt. Business class runs around 92,000 miles from the US to Singapore, then another 68,500 to continue to Sydney or Melbourne. Availability is generally solid if you book around 6 months out.

• Read next: Top Destinations in Asia
• You may also like: Cheap Places to Fly from Brisbane

3. 🇦🇺 Qantas

• 🏠 Base: Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Brisbane (BNE)
• ✈️ Best For: Direct flights from the US, especially if you collect American Airlines miles
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (A380 only)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy (50 lbs each), two in business (70 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Qantas Frequent Flyer, part of oneworld (same alliance as American Airlines)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book award seats 353 days out if using Qantas points. American miles only open at 331 days, by which point first class is usually gone

If you want to fly to Australia without stopping in Asia or the Middle East, Qantas is your best bet. They fly direct from LA to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, from San Francisco to Sydney, and from Dallas to Sydney and Melbourne. No other airline offers this many nonstop options from the US, and that alone makes them worth considering if you value your time over everything else.

The A380 is the plane you want for the longest routes, and Qantas runs it daily on Dallas to Sydney (since January 2026). First class on the A380 is a suite with a seat that converts to a bed, and I’d rate it above their 787 business class if you can get it. The catch is availability, because Qantas releases first class awards to their own members before American Airlines gets access. If you’re using AA miles, you’ll likely be stuck with business class unless you book last minute or get lucky.

Because Qantas and American Airlines work closely together, you can book Qantas flights through AA.com, earn and use AAdvantage miles on Qantas, and connect easily from smaller US cities through Dallas or LA on American flights. Business class from LA to Sydney runs around 80,000 AA miles one way, which is good value for a 15 hour nonstop. You can also transfer points from Amex, Citi, or Capital One to Qantas Frequent Flyer if you’d rather book through them directly.

• Read next: Prettiest Places in New Zealand

4. 🇭🇰 Cathay Pacific

• 🏠 Base: Hong Kong (HKG)
• ✈️ Best For: Adding a Hong Kong stopover, foodies, and anyone who wants the new Aria Suite
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business (Aria Suite on select 777s), no First Class on most routes now
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy (50 lbs each), two in business (70 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Asia Miles, part of oneworld (same alliance as American Airlines)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Check the seat map before booking. If it shows 45 business seats in a staggered layout, you’re getting the new Aria Suite. If it shows the old 1-2-1 layout, it’s the previous generation

I ignored Cathay for years because flying through Hong Kong felt like the long way to Australia. Then I tried it, and now I get why people swear by this airline. The food is fantastic, the crew remembers your name, and Hong Kong itself is worth the detour. Two nights there eating your way through Kowloon’s back alleys will change how you think about “layovers” forever.

Cathay flies from Boston, Chicago, Dallas, LA, New York JFK, Newark, and San Francisco, with Seattle joining March 2026. That’s more US cities than Singapore Airlines or Qatar, which matters if you don’t live on the West Coast. Their brand new Aria Suite business class started appearing on US routes in January 2026, and it’s the nicest business class seat I’ve sat in recently. You get your own suite with a closing door, and Sydney and Melbourne already have it on select flights, so you can fly the new cabin in both directions.

Asia Miles transfers from Amex, Capital One, Citi, and Bilt at 1:1. Business class runs around 70,000 miles from the US to Hong Kong plus 45,000 to continue to Australia. That’s slightly cheaper than Singapore Airlines for a similar routing, and availability is easier to find if you book a few months out.

• Read next: Breathtaking Places to Visit in North America

5. 🇦🇪 Emirates

• 🏠 Base: Dubai (DXB)
• ✈️ Best For: The A380 experience, first class bucket listers, and anyone wanting a Dubai stopover
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy (on retrofitted planes), Business, First
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy (50 lbs each), two in business (70 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Skywards (not part of any alliance, but partners with Qantas)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: The A380 has the onboard bar and first class shower. The 777 doesn’t. Check the aircraft before booking

Emirates is the airline you book when you want the flight to feel like an event. They operate the world’s largest A380 fleet. On those planes, Emirates’ first class includes a private suite with a shower, while business class has a lounge bar at the back of the upper deck. I flew their A380 business class last year and spent half the flight at that bar chatting with other passengers. It’s a different vibe to most airlines, where you sit in your seat and that’s it.

They fly from 12 US cities including New York, LA, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Miami, and Seattle, which is broader coverage than Qatar or Etihad. From Dubai you can connect to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide. Melbourne is getting a third daily flight in March 2026, and Adelaide receivd the brand new A350 in December 2025.

The main tradeoff is time. Routing through Dubai adds around 10 hours compared to flying Qantas nonstop from LA. For points, Skywards doesn’t transfer from most US credit cards, so your best bet is booking Emirates through Qantas Frequent Flyer using Amex, Citi, or Capital One transfers.

• Read next: Emirates Business Class Review: Benefits, Seats, and Booking Tips

6. 🇯🇵 Japan Airlines (JAL)

• 🏠 Base: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• ✈️ Best For: A Japan stopover en-route to Australia, especially if you collect American Airlines miles
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, First (on select routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags (50 lbs each in economy, 70 lbs in business/first)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: JAL Mileage Bank, part of oneworld (same alliance as American and Qantas)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: JAL releases unsold first and business class seats 1 to 2 days before departure, so last minute bookings can score premium cabins at regular mileage rates

JAL doesn’t fly direct to Australia from the US. You’ll connect through Tokyo, which adds time but also opens up something most other routings don’t: a proper stopover in Japan without backtracking. If you’ve ever wanted to spend a few days in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka on the way to Sydney or Melbourne, JAL makes that easy to build into your itinerary.

From the US, JAL flies nonstop from nine cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Honolulu, LA, New York JFK, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. From Tokyo, they operate daily flights to Sydney and Melbourne. The service is distinctly Japanese in the best way. Crew members bow when greeting you, meals are presented with care, and everything feels considered rather than rushed. I flew JAL’s business class from LA to Tokyo last year and the difference in attention to detail compared to US carriers was obvious from the moment I boarded.

For points, American Airlines miles are your simplest option at 60,000 miles one way in business class from the US to Tokyo, with minimal taxes. First class jumps to 80,000 miles and is available on routes from Chicago, LA, New York, and San Francisco. The catch is availability, because JAL holds back seats for their own members. If you want better odds, transfer Bilt or Capital One points directly to JAL Mileage Bank, which sees inventory that American doesn’t.

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Brisbane
• You may also like: Most Beautiful Places in Europe

7. 🇯🇵 ANA (All Nippon Airways)

• 🏠 Base: Tokyo Haneda (HND) and Tokyo Narita (NRT)
• ✈️ Best For: Star Alliance loyalists and anyone chasing the widest business class seat in the sky
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Business Class, First Class on select routes
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags (50 lbs each in economy, 70 lbs each in business/first)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Mileage Club, part of Star Alliance (same as United)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book through Virgin Atlantic at 45,000 to 47,500 points one way in business. Transfer from Chase, Amex, or Capital One

ANA flies direct from Sydney and Perth to Tokyo, with Perth operating seasonally from October to March. From the US, you connect through Tokyo Haneda or Narita, same routing as JAL. The key difference is alliance. ANA sits in Star Alliance alongside United, so if you collect United miles or Chase points, this is your natural pairing. JAL works better for American and Qantas flyers.

I flew ANA twice last year and came away impressed but with one major caveat. Their flagship “The Room” business class on the 777-300ER is exceptional, with a seat so wide it feels closer to first class than traditional business. There’s a closing door, a 24 inch screen, and proper privacy. But that product only flies to select US cities like New York and LA. The Australia routes use 787 Dreamliners with older staggered seats. Check your aircraft type before booking.

For miles, Virgin Atlantic offers the best value at 45,000 to 47,500 points one way from the US to Japan. You cannot book online, so search availability on United’s website first, then call Virgin to secure the ticket. Their agents are excellent. ANA releases very little last minute award space to partners, so book 11 months out for the best options.

• Read next: Must-See Places in Chicago
• You may also like: Top Adventures in Houston
• For more reading: Hidden Gems in San Francisco

8. 🇰🇷 Korean Air

• 🏠 Base: Seoul Incheon (ICN)
• ✈️ Best For: Delta flyers and anyone wanting a solid Asian carrier without the hype
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Prestige Class (business), First Class
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags (50 lbs each in economy, 70 lbs each in Prestige/First)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: SKYPASS, part of SkyTeam (same alliance as Delta)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Forget earning SKYPASS miles directly since they lost all credit card transfer partners in 2025. Credit your flights to Delta instead and use SkyMiles for future bookings

I’ll be straight with you on Korean Air. It’s not going to blow your mind like Singapore or Cathay, but that’s part of the appeal. You get friendly Korean hospitality, the best bibimbap you’ll ever eat at 35,000 feet, and a business class seat that lets you sleep flat without paying Qatar or Emirates prices. It’s the dependable mid-range option that does everything well without trying to be flashy about it.

The routing works nicely if you’re coming from cities Delta serves well. You’d fly into Seoul Incheon, which I’ve connected through twice now and enjoyed. There are free showers, sleeping pods, a spa, and even a Korean culture museum. From Seoul, Korean Air flies direct to Sydney and Brisbane, so you’re looking at two flights totalling around 20 to 22 hours depending on your US departure city.

Korean Air has been quietly refreshing its fleet over the past year. If you happen to book onto one of the updated aircraft, the experience jumps up a notch. The new Prestige Suites 2.0 now have closing doors on the 787-10s, which puts them much closer to what Cathay and JAL offer. They’ve also introduced a premium economy cabin on the retrofitted 777-300ERs with 39 to 41 inches of legroom. For only about 10% more than economy, that’s where I’d put my money on a 10 hour flight to Sydney.

• You might enjoy: 11 Amazingly Beautiful Places in South Korea (My 2026 Guide)

9. 🇳🇿 Air New Zealand

• 🏠 Base: Auckland (AKL)
• ✈️ Best For: Families, couples who want to lie flat without paying business class prices, and anyone keen on a New Zealand stopover
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Economy Skycouch, Premium Economy, Business Premier
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: One or two checked bags depending on fare (50 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Airpoints, part of Star Alliance (same as United)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book United MileagePlus miles at around 40,000 one way in economy from the US to Auckland, then pay cash for a cheap connection to Australia

Air New Zealand does something no other airline does, and once you know about it, you’ll wonder why everyone hasn’t copied them. The Skycouch turns a row of three economy seats into a flat sleeping surface with a mattress pad, pillows, and sheets. For around $500 to $1,200 extra per row depending on the route, you and a partner can sleep horizontally on a 12 hour flight. I’ve spoken to families who swear by it for getting kids to sleep, and solo travellers who say they’d choose it over premium economy every time.

From the US, Air New Zealand flies nonstop from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, Honolulu, and New York to Auckland. That New York route clocks in at over 17 hours, which is exactly why they’re launching Skynest bunk beds on it in 2026. Economy passengers will be able to book a private sleeping pod for four hours mid-flight for around $250 to $400, then head back to their seat feeling human again.

The catch is that Auckland isn’t Australia. You’ll need to connect onwards to Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, adding another 3 to 4 hours. But if you’ve ever wanted to visit New Zealand, this routing lets you build in a free stopover and knock out two countries in one trip. Air New Zealand also just announced a new Queenstown to Brisbane seasonal route starting June 2026, which opens up direct ski trip options from Australia’s east coast.

• Read next: 12 Amazing Hidden Gems in New Zealand Only Locals Know About

10. 🇦🇪 Etihad Airways

• 🏠 Base: Abu Dhabi (AUH)
• ✈️ Best For: Premium experience with easy connections to Europe, Africa, or India on the same trip
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business Class, First Class (on select aircraft)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Two checked bags in economy on most fares (50 lbs each)
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Etihad Guest (partners with American AAdvantage)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: AAdvantage only sees Etihad business award seats within 30 days of departure, so book last-minute or pay cash

Etihad flies nonstop from New York JFK, Chicago, Washington Dulles, Boston, and Atlanta to Abu Dhabi, with Charlotte joining in early 2026. From there, connections fan out to Sydney and Melbourne, plus dozens of cities across Europe, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent. The Abu Dhabi airport has US Customs preclearance, so when you land back in America you walk straight to baggage claim like a domestic arrival.

By 2026, the Sydney route will be entirely operated by the new Airbus A350-1000. This aircraft has Etihad’s newest business class seats with closing doors, fully flat beds, wireless charging, and Bluetooth so you can use your own headphones. Melbourne still flies the Boeing 787 with a good but door-less business product. If having your own private cocoon matters to you on a 14 hour flight, check which aircraft you’re booking before you pay.

American AAdvantage charges 70,000 miles one way in business class from the US to Abu Dhabi, which is excellent, but Etihad only releases those seats within 30 days of departure. Book further out and you’ll need Etihad Guest miles directly or Air Canada Aeroplan. For flexible travelers who can book last-minute, this remains one of the best business class deals available since cash prices often exceed $5,000.

• Read next: Most Beautiful Places in Canada

11. 🇦🇺 Virgin Australia

• 🏠 Base: Brisbane (BNE)
• ✈️ Best For: Australians connecting domestically, or travelers who want Qatar Airways’ Qsuite product with a different booking option
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business Class (on Doha flights, using Qatar’s Qsuite)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: Weight-based system, varies by fare type
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Velocity Frequent Flyer (partners with United Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book through Virgin Australia to earn Velocity Points on Qsuite flights instead of Qatar Avios, then use those points for United domestic flights in the US

Virgin Australia returned to long-haul international flying in June 2025 after years of focusing solely on domestic routes. The airline now operates daily flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, and Melbourne to Doha, where you can connect onward to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East via Qatar Airways. The planes are Boeing 777-300ERs wet-leased from Qatar, staffed by Qatar crews, featuring the same Qsuite business class. You’re essentially flying Qatar Airways with a Virgin Australia flight number.

This arrangement creates an interesting option for points collectors. If you book through Virgin Australia, you earn Velocity Points instead of Qatar Avios, and Velocity partners with United for US domestic flights. The partnership also doubled seat capacity between Australia and Doha, which has pushed fares down on this competitive corridor and given travelers more schedule options than booking Qatar alone. Free Starlink WiFi is included for all passengers on these flights.

From the US, Virgin Australia doesn’t fly directly, so you’d need to position to Australia first via United or another carrier. The main appeal is using Velocity Points for domestic Australian flights once you arrive, or booking the Doha route with points if you’re already in Australia. With 95,500 Velocity Points getting you a one-way business class seat to Doha and onward connections available on Qatar, this is worth considering if you’ve accumulated Velocity Points through credit card transfers or United flights.

12. 🇹🇭 Thai Airways

• 🏠 Base: Bangkok (BKK)
• ✈️ Best For: Adding a Thailand stopover to your Australia trip without paying extra
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Business (Royal Silk), First (limited routes)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 30kg (66 lbs) checked in economy
• 💳 Loyalty Program: Royal Orchid Plus (Star Alliance)
• 🎯 Pro Tip: United miles can book Thai business class when other programs show nothing available

Thai doesn’t fly to the US, so you’ll need to get yourself to Bangkok first, usually on a Star Alliance partner like United or ANA. Once there, Thai operates direct flights to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. The reason to consider this routing is if you want to spend a few days in Thailand on the way to Australia without buying two separate tickets. Bangkok is one of the world’s great food cities, and breaking up the journey with pad thai and temples beats sitting in an airport lounge.

Thai Airways’ business class product is perfectly comfortable but showing its age. You get a lie-flat seat, fresh Thai food, and warm flight attendants. What you don’t get is the privacy doors or fancy touches that Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific offer. The airline went through bankruptcy and only recently started recovering, so the cabins haven’t been refreshed in years. If you’re paying cash, Thai usually runs cheaper than the competition on similar routes, which partially makes up for the older seats.

For points bookings, United MileagePlus has quietly become the best way to snag Thai business class awards. Other Star Alliance programs have been mysteriously blocked from Thai’s inventory lately, but United still sees availability. Transfer Chase or Bilt points to United if you want to try this route.

13. 🇺🇸 Delta Air Lines

• 🏠 Base: Los Angeles (LAX)
• ✈️ Best For: Americans who want a US carrier with no overseas connections
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Comfort+, Premium Select, Delta One
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 23kg checked in economy
• 💳 Loyalty Program: SkyMiles
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Award prices change daily so check often for drops

Delta is the simplest way to fly to Australia if you hate the idea of connecting through Asia or the Middle East. All three of their Australian routes leave from Los Angeles nonstop, which means one familiar airline and one US airport before you land in Australia. Sydney runs daily year-round and has been operating since 2009, so it’s reliable. Brisbane and Melbourne are newer and currently seasonal, running about three times weekly from December through March during the Australian summer.

The good news is Delta uses their Airbus A350 on all Australian flights, and their Delta One business class on this plane is the best you’ll find on any American carrier. Every seat has a sliding privacy door, lies completely flat, and has direct aisle access. The entertainment library is huge and WiFi became free for SkyMiles members on long haul flights in late 2025. Economy is fine but nothing special, though Premium Select offers a solid middle ground with more legroom and better meals.

The frustrating part is booking with miles. Delta uses dynamic pricing, which means there’s no award chart telling you what a flight should cost. Business class to Sydney might show 85,000 miles on a Tuesday and 140,000 miles for the exact same flight on Wednesday. American Express Membership Rewards transfer to SkyMiles at a 1:1 ratio.

14. 🇺🇸 United Airlines

• 🏠 Base: San Francisco (SFO), Los Angeles (LAX)
• ✈️ Best For: Americans who want the most Australian destinations from a single US carrier
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Plus, Polaris (business class)
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 23kg checked in economy
• 💳 Loyalty Program: MileagePlus
• 🎯 Pro Tip: United cardholders and elite members see expanded Polaris saver award space that others can’t book

United flies to more Australian cities than any other American airline. From San Francisco you can reach Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and as of December 2025, Adelaide. Sydney and Melbourne run daily year round while Brisbane and Adelaide operate seasonally during the Australian summer, roughly December through March. If you live on the West Coast this is the most convenient way to reach Australia on a US carrier, though East Coasters will need to connect through San Francisco or Los Angeles first.

United flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners on all Australian routes, and their Polaris business class is comfortable if not flashy. You get a lie flat seat with direct aisle access in a 1-2-1 layout, but there are no privacy doors like you find on Delta or the Asian carriers. What United does better than anyone is bedding. The Saks Fifth Avenue mattress pad, cooling gel pillow, and thick duvet are excellent and make sleeping on a 15 hour flight much easier. The food is hit or miss depending on the route and the crew, but Premium Plus offers a solid middle ground if you want more space without paying for business.

MileagePlus uses dynamic pricing but saver awards to Australia start around 35,000 miles one way in economy and 70,000 in Polaris when availability exists. Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One, Bilt, and Amex all transfer to United. The partnership with Virgin Australia means your MileagePlus status carries over for lounge access and upgrades on domestic Australian flights once you land.

15. 🇺🇸 American Airlines

• 🏠 Base: Dallas Fort Worth (DFW), Los Angeles (LAX)
• ✈️ Best For: Texans and anyone who wants the deep Qantas partnership
• 🛋️ Cabin Options: Economy, Premium Economy, Flagship Business
• 🧳 Baggage Policy: 23kg checked in economy
• 💳 Loyalty Program: AAdvantage
• 🎯 Pro Tip: Book Qantas flights with AAdvantage miles at fixed partner rates instead of dynamic AA pricing

American flies to Australia from two hubs, which is useful if you live in Texas or the Southwest. From Dallas Fort Worth you can reach both Sydney and Brisbane nonstop, and from Los Angeles you can fly to Sydney and Brisbane as well. The Brisbane routes are seasonal and typically run from October through January during the Australian summer, while Sydney operates year round. What makes American interesting is the tight partnership with Qantas. You can book a single itinerary that starts on American and continues on Qantas to dozens of smaller Australian cities without switching loyalty programs or juggling separate tickets.

American rolled out new Flagship Suite business class seats on their Boeing 787-9 aircraft in mid 2025, and these seats finally have privacy doors. This puts American on par with Delta and ahead of United. You get a lie flat bed, direct aisle access, USB-C charging, Bluetooth audio, and a 17 inch screen. The Dallas to Brisbane route specifically uses the new Flagship Suite configuration, so if you want to try the upgraded product that’s the route to book. Los Angeles flights may still use older aircraft.

AAdvantage miles work well for Australia because partner awards on Qantas use fixed pricing rather than dynamic rates. Expect around 80,000 miles one way for Qantas business class to Sydney or Melbourne. Citi ThankYou points transfer to AAdvantage at 1:1, and you can also use British Airways Avios or Alaska miles to book the same Qantas flights.