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Australia has always been a dream destination for many, but the high cost of flights can make that dream seem out of reach. I’ve been there too—staring at expensive fares and wondering how I could explore this incredible country without blowing my budget.
Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours searching for ways to make the journey more affordable. And I’ve picked up a few tricks that have made all the difference. Whether you love planning every detail months in advance or prefer to jump on a last-minute adventure, there’s a strategy here that can help you save big.
I’ve tried everything from using frequent flier miles to booking with budget airlines, and even flying into lesser-known airports to cut costs. These are the best ways I’ve found to score cheap flights from the US to Australia. I hope these tips help you turn your dream trip into a reality, just like they have for me!
1. Sign up for Going.com
For the past few 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.
No matter which tier you choose, I can’t recommend Going enough. It’s helped me save thousands of dollars on flights, turning my dream trips to Australia into a reality.
2. Travel during off-peak seasons
One of the best ways I’ve discovered to save on flights from the US to Australia is by traveling during off-peak seasons. Australia’s peak travel period is from December to February, when summer is in full swing. Airfares skyrocket, and popular destinations like Sydney and Melbourne are packed with tourists.
If you can shift your travel plans to Australia’s winter (June to August), you’ll find that flights from the US are significantly cheaper. The weather in cities like Sydney and Melbourne is still mild—think cool mornings and sunny afternoons. This makes it a great time to explore without the crowds or the high prices.
I’ve scored great deals by flying out in late April or early May. The shoulder seasons, like March to April and September to October, offer the best of both worlds: pleasant weather and lower airfares. During these times, I’ve enjoyed a more relaxed travel experience with fewer tourists around and more affordable flights.
3. Use frequent flier miles and airline alliances
One of the best ways to save on flights to Australia is by making the most of frequent flier miles and airline alliances. Over the years, I’ve relied on these programs to turn long-haul flights into more affordable—and sometimes even luxurious—experiences. Here’s how you can get the most value from three major airline alliances.
Oneworld Alliance (American Airlines AAdvantage and Qantas Frequent Flier)
If you’re like me and often fly with American Airlines, their AAdvantage program is a fantastic way to earn miles for that big trip to Australia. American Airlines is part of the Oneworld Alliance, which includes Qantas—Australia’s flagship carrier. I’ve used my AAdvantage miles to book flights on Qantas from Los Angeles to Sydney, and it’s been a smooth experience every time.
Typically, you’ll need about 40,000 AAdvantage miles for a one-way economy flight, or 80,000 to 110,000 miles for business class. Qantas Points are also a solid choice if you can accumulate them. For example, you can transfer points from American Express Membership Rewards to your Qantas account.
If you’re not already part of these programs, sign-up bonuses can be a great way to get started. American Airlines’ co-branded credit cards often offer 50,000 to 100,000 bonus miles after meeting the minimum spend. This is definitely enough to get you well on your way to Australia.
Star Alliance (United MileagePlus)
United’s MileagePlus program is another strong contender for flights to Australia, especially if you’re based in cities like San Francisco or Houston. United is part of the Star Alliance, which includes Air New Zealand and Singapore Airlines.
For a one-way flight to Australia, you’re looking at around 40,000 to 50,000 MileagePlus miles in economy, or 80,000 to 100,000 miles for business class. I’ve found great value in using MileagePlus miles to fly Air New Zealand from Los Angeles to Sydney. The service is excellent, and the flight connections are convenient.
United credit cards often come with sign-up bonuses in the range of 60,000 to 70,000 miles, which can quickly add up if you’re aiming for a big redemption like this.
SkyTeam Alliance (Delta SkyMiles)
Delta’s SkyMiles program is worth considering if you’re based near a Delta hub like Los Angeles or Atlanta. Delta is part of the SkyTeam Alliance, and Virgin Australia is a key partner for flights to Australia.
Typically, you’ll need about 45,000 to 60,000 SkyMiles for a one-way economy ticket, and business class can range from 120,000 to 160,000 miles. While the redemption rates can be higher compared to other programs, Delta’s reliability and extensive network can make it a convenient choice.
Delta’s credit cards frequently offer sign-up bonuses of 60,000 to 70,000 miles, which can help you get closer to your goal. Plus, they sometimes offer promotions where you can earn even more miles based on spending categories.
My overall recommendation
While I often earn miles through American Airlines, I’ve got a soft spot for Qantas Frequent Flyer. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the Aussie experience from the get-go, flying directly with Qantas is a treat. Their service is top-notch, and their routes are some of the most direct from the US. I’ve used Qantas Points (which you can earn through various US credit cards that transfer to Qantas) to book upgrades to business class, making that long-haul flight a lot more comfortable.
4. Consider budget airlines and layovers
When it comes to finding the absolute cheapest flights from the US to Australia, being open to budget airlines and layovers can be a game-changer. Sure, it might take a bit longer to reach your destination. But if you’re like me and don’t mind the adventure, you can save a ton of money!
Fly with low-cost airlines
One of the best strategies I’ve found is piecing together flights with budget airlines. While there aren’t many ultra-low-cost carriers that fly directly from the US to Australia, you can get creative with your routing.
For example, I’ve found that flying from Los Angeles to Honolulu with Hawaiian Airlines, and then onward to Sydney with Jetstar, can be significantly cheaper than a direct flight. Plus, if you time it right, you can spend a couple of days enjoying the beaches of Hawaii before continuing your journey.
Another route I’ve explored is flying from the US to Southeast Asia with a budget airline like AirAsia or Scoot. From there, you can then catch a connecting flight to Australia. For instance, you could fly from Los Angeles to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia, and then on to Sydney. It’s not the fastest way, but it’s often one of the cheapest.
Add layovers to your trip
Layovers are another great way to cut costs. I’ve found that some of the best deals involve layovers in cities like Honolulu, Tokyo, or even Fiji. Fiji Airways, for example, sometimes offers affordable flights with a layover in Nadi. It’s a great excuse to spend a day or two exploring a new place before continuing your journey to Australia.
If you’re open to longer layovers, Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific often have deals where you can stop in Singapore or Hong Kong on your way to Australia. I’ve taken advantage of these deals before, and not only did I save money, but I also got to explore a new city on the way.
5. Fly into alternative airports
If you’re looking to save on flights from the US to Australia, consider flying into alternative airports beyond the usual Sydney and Melbourne. These options are often cheaper and can offer unique travel experiences.
Brisbane (BNE)
Brisbane is often overlooked, but it’s consistently one of the cheapest airports to fly into from the US, particularly from cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. I’ve found that flights to Brisbane are significantly cheaper than Sydney, and it’s a great entry point for exploring Queensland’s beautiful places, like the Great Barrier Reef and the Gold Coast. Plus, it’s a major hub for Qantas and Virgin Australia, so you’ll have plenty of onward travel options.
Perth (PER)
Perth might not be on every traveler’s radar, but if you’re interested in exploring the rugged beauty of Western Australia, it’s a fantastic entry point. Flights to Perth are sometimes cheaper than those to the eastern cities, especially from West Coast US cities like Los Angeles or San Francisco. Perth is served by several international carriers, including Qantas and Singapore Airlines. The city itself offers a relaxed vibe. And from there, you can easily access stunning destinations like Rottnest Island and Margaret River.
Adelaide (ADL)
Adelaide is quieter but often more affordable, especially if you’re flying from cities like Dallas or Houston. It’s the perfect gateway to explore South Australia’s wine regions or the scenic Kangaroo Island. Although Adelaide has fewer flight options, the lower cost and unique nearby destinations make it a great choice.
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.
6. Book early or last minute
Over the years, I’ve learned that two strategies can really pay off when booking flights to Australia: either book as early as possible or wait until the last minute. Both approaches have worked for me, depending on how flexible I am with my travel plans.
If you’re like me and love to plan ahead, booking your flight to Australia well in advance can save you a lot of money. Airlines often release their cheapest seats months before departure, and locking in a good deal early can give you peace of mind. I usually start checking fares about nine months out, especially if I’m planning to travel during peak times. Early booking has helped me secure some fantastic prices that I wouldn’t have found closer to the travel date.
On the other hand, if you’re flexible with your dates and don’t mind a bit of spontaneity, waiting for last-minute deals can also be a smart move. Airlines sometimes drop prices close to the departure date to fill unsold seats, and I’ve scored some amazing last-minute deals this way.
Even when I’m rolling the dice with last-minute bookings, I rely on Going to keep me in the loop. Their alerts are a lifesaver, helping me spot those last-minute drops in price so I can pounce on a deal before it’s gone. With these strategies and the help of Going, your dream trip to Australia is closer (and more affordable!) than you think.
