The United States is one of the most popular destinations for Australian travellers. But flights to North America are long and operate overnight in both directions. This makes a Business class bed a very attractive option for the trip across the Pacific. Premium cabin airfares from Australia can be very expensive. But there are ways to save money on Business class to the USA.
The most convenient flights – direct with Qantas, Virgin Australia, Delta, American Airlines or United – are normally the most expensive. But keep an eye out for sales which can bring the price to Los Angeles or San Francisco down to around $5,000 return in Business.
If you don’t mind connecting in Auckland, Air New Zealand often has some good deals on Business class flights. Fares were recently around $4,500 return during a sale. Air New Zealand not only flies to Los Angeles and San Francisco, but also Houston and soon Chicago. You’ll no longer earn Velocity points or status credits for Air New Zealand flights, but you can credit the miles to Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or any other Star Alliance airline.
China Airlines has some even cheaper fares for less than $4,000 return. You’ll need to fly via Taipei but you’ll have a comfortable lie-flat bed for the entire journey. (An even cheaper option is China Airlines Premium Economy, which can be under $2,000 return to North America.)
To save even more money on Business class to the United States, consider combining separate tickets. Fiji Airways Business class tickets from Nadi to Los Angeles or San Francisco can be picked up for as low as $2,600 return. Then, just add a cheap Economy return ticket from Australia to Nadi. You’ll still be in Business class for the long overnight flights but pay just over $3,000 in total. Fiji Airways’ A330 Business seats convert to angle-flat beds (i.e. not fully-flat). But they are still a comfortable way to fly for the price paid. If flying Fiji Airways, consider stopping over in Nadi for a few days to soak up some Fijian sun!
One final strategy for cheap Business class to the USA is to use Jetstar Business from Sydney or Melbourne to Honolulu. From Honolulu, you can pick up “domestic” Business or First class fares to mainland USA relatively cheaply. Jetstar’s Business class is more akin to Premium Economy, so you won’t get a lie-flat bed, but it’s priced accordingly. This strategy works particularly well for cheap one-way flights.
Our members have shared plenty of useful tips on the Australian Frequent Flyer forum: Syd to US route advice
