Australia, New Zealand & the South Pacific - US to Australia (5 month notice)

Hey all,

I'm looking to be spending about five months doing some studying for a degree in Australia. I'm wondering if anyone has advice on the "cheapest" way to get there? I've searched with ITA a few times already with different combinations. Wondering if anyone had any suggestions?

I need to leave in the early part of July, returning late November/early December.

Any help would be appreciated! :)

Most discount tickets have maximum stay restrictions, typically either 1 month or 3 months; very few are for 6 months. This forces you to buy a higher fare category, usually double the cost of the cheapest tickets. One solution is to buy round-the-world fares, which are valid for a full year, or a circle-pacific fare. You get more travel for about the same price. Another strategy is to go with 2nd or 3rd tier airlines which often discount fares a lot in order to attract passengers. One that is pretty good now but has a horid reputation is Garuda (the Indonesian airline). You'll need to find a good travel agent as these fares are not published.

Hey there,

I figured that. Guess what I'm asking is...anyone have any thoughts on what airport(s) are the best/cheapest to leave the continental U.S. for Australia?

Hey there,

I figured that. Guess what I'm asking is...anyone have any thoughts on what airport(s) are the best/cheapest to leave the continental U.S. for Australia?

Well, for the direct flights, I don't think you have many options. LAX, SFO are I think the only direct US-Australia flights (on United and Qantas). Air Canada will go direct from Vancouver.

Otherwise, you're looking at stopovers in either Hawaii, New Zealand (which I think is also only serviced via LAX) or an Asian hub (Tokyo-Narita, Singapore, etc.)

Your final option is a big mileage run to get the miles you need for a frequent flyer award ticket to Australia. Then, you'll just pay taxes (~$85) on the award. :)

Only SFO, LAX and HNL have direct flights (also JFK through flight stops at LAX).