Flying from the US to Australia is no joke. It’s one of the longest (and usually most expensive) routes out there, and I know that pain firsthand. I’ve flown it three times now, and each time I walked away with the same lesson: you don’t have to pay the insane sticker price if you know the right tricks. Between points, mistake fares, and a few booking hacks I’ve learned as a travel blogger, I’ve managed to cut down the cost and make the trip way more affordable. In this guide, I’ll share the cheapest ways I’ve found to get to Australia in 2025 without draining your savings.
Flying to Australia At a Glance: My Top Money-Saving Hacks
- Use Flight Deal Alerts: I rely on Going to spot mistake fares and crazy deals I’d never find on my own. My code JON25 saves you 25% on Premium or Elite.
- Best U.S. Departure Cities: The cheapest fares almost always pop up from LAX and SFO. From Boston, I book a cheap positioning flight to one of those hubs and save hundreds.
- Travel Off-Peak: I avoid December–February. My best deals came in late April/May and September/October, when flights were cheaper and crowds smaller.
- Stopovers Can Save: Fiji, Hawaii, and New Zealand are my favorite layovers. On one trip, I spent three days in Fiji with no extra airfare cost…it felt like two trips in one.
- Points & Miles: I’ve flown to Australia for as little as 40k miles in economy by using American Airlines and Qantas redemptions.
- Alternative Airports: Brisbane is often cheaper than Sydney. I’ve flown into Brisbane first, then grabbed a cheap domestic hop to Sydney for less than $100.
- Book Early or Last Minute: I start searching 8–10 months out for peak season, but I’ve also scored 35% off by grabbing a last-minute fare when airlines drop prices.
My rule of thumb is to always stay flexible. The more you’re open to different airports, dates, and routes, the cheaper Australia becomes. Now, here are all my best tips in more detail!
1. Sign up for Going (My Favorite Cheap Flight Tool)
For the past 5 years, Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) has been my trusted resource for finding affordable flights, especially for trips overseas. Thanks to their flight alerts, I’ve managed to find epic flight deals to places like Sydney, Brisbane, and Perth without breaking the bank.
Going is a membership site and app that does the hard work of finding the best value flights from your chosen airports. Once you subscribe to their alerts (via email or app), you’ll get notified when deals pop up. This includes everything from mistake fares to deep discounts that you won’t find on your own.
There are three versions of Going: Limited, Premium, and Elite. If you’re looking for business and first-class deals around the world, you’ll want to sign up for the Elite version. I recommend trying the 14-day free trial, and if you like it, use my special promo code: JON25 to save 25%!
2. Best U.S. Departure Cities for Cheap Flights to Australia
Not all U.S. airports are created equal when it comes to finding affordable flights to Australia. Over the years, I’ve noticed that Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) consistently have the cheapest fares, often thanks to their nonstop routes to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. From the West Coast, I’ve seen roundtrip prices dip as low as $750–$900 in economy when booking at the right time.
Dallas (DFW) is another solid option, with American Airlines running direct flights to Sydney. Fares here usually start a little higher — think $1,000–$1,200 roundtrip. But it’s a good choice if you’re in the middle of the country. For East Coast travelers, New York (JFK) has occasional deals, though prices can be steeper at around $1,200–$1,400 roundtrip.
If you live in a smaller city (like Boston, where I’m based), you’ll usually save money by booking a cheap positioning flight to LAX or SFO first. I do this often, and it’s saved me hundreds compared to flying directly from Boston. It adds a step, but it’s worth it when you’re cutting serious costs on such a long-haul trip.
3. Travel during off-peak seasons
Flying to Australia in peak season (December–February) can destroy your budget. I’ve seen prices double around Christmas and New Year, especially to Sydney and Melbourne.
What I’ve found works best is flying during Australia’s winter (June–August). Airfares drop, and the weather in cities like Sydney is surprisingly mild. I’ve walked around in a light jacket on sunny afternoons and never felt like I was “missing summer.”
My personal sweet spot is the shoulder seasons. I’ve scored great deals in late April and early May, and again in September–October. Not only were flights cheaper, but I also had beaches with half the crowds and way more relaxed sightseeing in places like the Great Ocean Road.
👉 My Pro Tip: If you’re flexible, aim for shoulder or winter months and you’ll save hundreds compared to traveling in Aussie summer.
4. Stopover Destinations Worth Considering
One of my favorite ways to save money on flights to Australia is by choosing routes with stopovers…and turning them into part of the trip. Instead of dreading a long layover, I see it as a bonus destination.
Hawaii is the easiest win, especially if you’re flying from the West Coast. I’ve flown LAX–Honolulu–Sydney before, and it gave me a chance to relax on Waikiki Beach for a couple of days before tackling the long haul.
Fiji is another gem. Fiji Airways often runs competitive fares with a stop in Nadi. On one trip, I spent three days there between flights, and it honestly felt like getting two vacations for the price of one. New Zealand works the same way…Air New Zealand sometimes has deals where you can explore Auckland before heading on to Australia.
In Asia, Singapore and Tokyo are popular stopovers when flying Singapore Airlines, ANA, or Japan Airlines. Both cities are incredible for food, culture, and easy airport transfers.
5. Use frequent flier miles and airline alliances
One of the best hacks I’ve used to save on Australia flights is leaning on airline alliances and miles. These programs have turned what would’ve been $1,500+ economy tickets into affordable, and sometimes business class, flights.
Oneworld Alliance (American Airlines AAdvantage and Qantas Frequent Flier)
I’ve used my American Airlines AAdvantage miles to book Qantas flights from Los Angeles to Sydney, and the process was seamless. Expect about 40k miles one-way in economy or 80k–110k for business class. You can also transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to Qantas. If you’re just starting out, the AA credit card bonuses (50k–100k miles) are usually enough to book a one-way ticket.
Star Alliance (United MileagePlus)
Living on the East Coast, I’ve often tapped into United’s MileagePlus program since they partner with Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines. Around 40k–50k miles gets you an economy ticket, and I once snagged a business class redemption to Sydney at 80k miles, which felt like a steal. United cards regularly offer 60k+ bonuses, which can cover a big chunk of the trip.
SkyTeam Alliance (Delta SkyMiles)
I’ve used Delta SkyMiles out of Atlanta, and while their redemption rates can be higher (45k–60k economy, 120k+ business), the reliability is solid. Partnering with Virgin Australia helps, and the service has always been top-notch. If you’re flexible, Delta promos can still be a win.
My Take
While I earn plenty of American miles, my favorite redemptions have actually been with Qantas Points. There’s something special about starting an Australia trip on their flagship carrier. I’ve even used Qantas Points to upgrade to business class, which made that 15-hour flight a whole lot easier.
6. Consider budget airlines and layovers
If you’re hunting for the absolute cheapest flights to Australia, flexibility is your best friend. I’ve saved hundreds by mixing budget airlines with strategic layovers. It usually means a longer trip, but I see it as an excuse to explore another destination along the way.
Fly with low-cost airlines
There aren’t many ultra-budget carriers flying direct from the US to Australia, but you can get creative with routes. I’ve flown Los Angeles to Honolulu on Hawaiian Airlines, then continued to Sydney with Jetstar. Not only was it cheaper than a nonstop, but I also got a bonus beach day in Hawaii.
Another trick I’ve tried is routing through Asia. For example, AirAsia and Scoot sometimes run crazy-cheap fares from the US to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. From there, you can hop a connecting flight to Sydney, Melbourne, or Perth for far less than a direct ticket would cost.
- Read next: The Cheapest Domestic Airlines in Australia
Add layovers to your trip
Some of my best savings came from layovers in cities like Tokyo, Honolulu, or Nadi (Fiji). Fiji Airways, for instance, often has great deals with a free or cheap stopover. I once spent two extra days in Fiji at no extra airfare cost…one of my favorite travel detours ever.
If you don’t mind longer travel times, look for flights on Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific that allow a stopover in Singapore or Hong Kong. I’ve done this twice and loved it…I saved money and got to explore another city along the way.
7. Fly into alternative airports
Sydney and Melbourne usually get the spotlight, but I’ve saved money (and had some great adventures) by flying into other Aussie airports first. These lesser-used gateways often come with cheaper fares and still connect you to all the big destinations.
Brisbane (BNE)
Brisbane is my go-to hack for saving money on flights. I’ve found it consistently cheaper than Sydney, especially from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Plus, it’s the perfect base to explore Queensland’s gems like the Gold Coast and the Great Barrier Reef. Once you’re there, domestic flights to Sydney or Melbourne are quick and affordable.
Perth (PER)
If you’re flying from the West Coast of the US, Perth can be surprisingly affordable. I once flew LAX–PER for much less than a nonstop to Sydney. Perth itself is underrated: Rottnest Island, Margaret River wine country, and Australia’s wild west coast are all nearby. Singapore Airlines also runs solid deals into Perth, making it worth checking.
- Read also: The Most Affordable Airports in Australia
Adelaide (ADL)
Adelaide is less flashy but often more affordable, especially from hubs like Dallas and Houston. It’s a hidden gem gateway to South Australia’s wine regions and Kangaroo Island, which I loved visiting for its wildlife, rugged scenery, and unique restaurants. While there are fewer direct flights here, the savings and unique experiences make it worthwhile.
My Pro Tip: Whenever I’m planning my trips, I rely on Going to find the best deals…especially for these alternative airports. It’s honestly made the difference between paying a fortune and saving enough to splurge on amazing experiences once I’m there. If you’re serious about finding the cheapest flights to Australia from the US, Going is a must-have in your travel toolkit.
8. Book early or last minute
Over the years, I’ve learned that flights to Australia reward two very different strategies: plan way ahead or embrace spontaneity. I’ve used both successfully depending on the trip.
Book Early
When I know I’m traveling during peak times (like around Christmas or Aussie summer), I start checking fares 8–10 months out. Airlines often release their cheapest seats early, and locking them in has saved me hundreds. For example, I once snagged a roundtrip to Sydney in July for under $1,000 by booking nine months in advance. If you wait too long during high season, those same tickets can jump to $1,800+.
Go Last Minute
On the flip side, flexibility can pay off big time. A couple of years ago, I booked a Los Angeles to Melbourne flight less than two weeks before departure and paid 35% less than the average fare. Airlines sometimes slash prices close to takeoff just to fill seats, and if you’re not picky about exact dates, it’s worth rolling the dice.
Either way, I rely on Going to keep me updated. Their alerts have flagged both those early-bird steals and the last-minute drops that I’d never find just searching Google Flights every day.
- You may also like: My Favorite Airlines to Fly to Australia in 2025
