Cheap flights to America for 2021

The United States of America is filled with big cities and natural wonders. Los Angeles, Las Vegas and San Francisco on the west coast are closest to Australia and you will enjoy favourable weather year round. Visitors to New York on the east coast can marvel at the snow in winter.

The easiest way for Australian travellers to reach the United States is to fly non-stop to Los Angeles from Sydney, Brisbane or Melbourne with Qantas, Virgin Australia, Delta and United Airlines. There are a number of connecting options from other Australian airports to New York, San Francisco and beyond. It's very common for Australia travellers to transit through Los Angeles since it's one of the busiest airports in the world with around half of the arriving passengers connecting to another flight.

See our latest USA flight deals

Cathay Pacific

Up to 25% off business class flights

Available on select travel dates to Japan, London, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, San Francisco and more. Must book 30-90 days in advance. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 18 Jan 2021

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Skyscanner

Flights to USA from $412 return

Available on select flights in 2021 to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, New York and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Honolulu with Jetstar.

Last verified 12 Jan 2021

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Deal ends 2 Feb 2021

OneTravel

Up to USD$25 off booking fees

Available on select travel dates. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada and more. Maximum of 5 travelers. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 12 Jan 2021

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Coupon code ends 31 Jan 2021

Qatar Airways

Guaranteed flexibility on flights

Available on 2021 flights to London, Paris, India, Greece, USA and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 7 Jan 2021

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Deal ends 30 Apr 2021

How much are flights to America?

With LAX, JFK Airport, Dallas Fort Worth Airport and O'Hare International Airport being some of the most popular airports in the United States, here's what's considered to be a good deal compared to the average cost of a flight from Australia to America.

America flight time

• From Sydney: Approximately 14 hrs + when flying direct to Los Angeles International Airport
• From Melbourne: Approximately 15 hrs + when flying direct to Los Angeles International Airport
• From Brisbane: Approximately 13 hrs + when flying direct to Los Angeles International Airport
• From Perth: Approximately 20 hrs + with one stopover, landing at Los Angeles International Airport

Airlines that fly to America

• American Airlines
• Delta
• Qantas
• United Airlines
• Virgin Australia

America insider flight tips

• If you’re not looking to fly direct to Los Angeles, then a common option is to fly with an Asian carrier such as China Eastern, China Southern or Korean Air. You could also fly to Auckland with Air New Zealand or to Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines. From these transit airports, you can take a direct flight to other parts of North and South America.
• Save yourself time and money by booking your flight to America on one ticket. This means that if there’s a delay and you miss your flight, the airline will accommodate you on the next departure. Delays are common with strict security measures in force at US airports. If this happens and you’ve booked separate flights, then you may end up bearing the cost.
• Once you’re in the United States, there are local budget airlines, such as JetBlue, Southwest and Spirit Airlines, to get you to your destination. America occupies a vast territory and many major cities have more than one airport. Don’t get caught out by accidentally booking a cheap onward flight that departs from a different airport than the one you arrive at as getting there could cost you time and money.
• While flights from the east coast of Australia take 12-14 hours to Los Angeles, you’re looking at around 20 hours to get to New York. Travellers from Perth can fly to the Big Apple via Asia or the Middle East with an airline such as Etihad or Emirates.
• You will need to acquire an ESTA visa before entering the United States, even if you're transiting to a different country. You must apply for your visa at least 72 hours before your flight departs, so it is best to apply as soon as you book your flights to avoid any dilemmas.

How to get from the airport

You’ll generally find reliable public transport from most major American airports as well as taxis, car-sharing services and Uber. Official porters outside the terminals can help you with your luggage and will expect a $1-$2 tip. You should also tip taxi drivers around 10% of the fare total. If you’re planning a road trip, then you can book a car in advance with any of the major car rental companies and get picked up at the airport. Passengers travelling onwards will find convenient shuttle services between terminals at all major airports.

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) has a shuttle bus connecting it to the public Metro Line and to popular destinations around Los Angeles. New York’s JFK airport has an economical AirTrain system connecting passengers to the New York subway line and bus services. From Las Vegas McCarran International (LAS), shuttle buses and public buses from the arrivals terminals serve hotels on or around The Strip. In Washington D.C., Reagan National Airport (DCA) has its own subway stop while Dulles International Airport (IAD) has an express shuttle service to the Metrorail.