Qantas announces direct flight route from New York to Auckland, then to Sydney, with bookings available using air miles.
Insider Scoop on Qantas Return to New York
Australia's flag carrier, Qantas, is making waves in the aviation industry with their latest announcement. After a hiatus due to the pandemic, Qantas will soon connect New York-JFK with Auckland Airport (AKL) in New Zealand.
Starting June 14, 2023, the thrice-weekly service will operate as a fifth-freedom flight from New York-JFK to Auckland and then connect onward to Sydney. This means passengers can book the New York to New Zealand flight without needing a ticket all the way to Sydney.
The airline will use flight numbers QF3 and QF4 for the eastbound and westbound services, respectively. All flights will be operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Qantas anticipates receiving three new Dreamliners from Boeing next year to support this route and its existing long-haul services.
This new route puts Qantas head-to-head with Air New Zealand, which plans to launch a nonstop New York service in just a few weeks, on Sept. 17, 2022. Interestingly, despite being an Australian airline, Qantas can operate this flight from New Zealand due to fifth-freedom rights.
To enhance traveler experience, Qantas will completely redesign its Auckland lounge to offer a first-class pre-flight experience for passengers.
Before the pandemic, Qantas connected Sydney with New York with a route that stopped in Los Angeles (LAX) in both directions. This won't be the last time Qantas serves New York-JFK, either. Looking ahead, the carrier still plans to launch its Project Sunrise routes, connecting the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) with both New York and London.
If you're eager to book a seat, Qantas has designated both the eastbound and westbound flight on June 16, 2023, as a "Points Plane," meaning every seat on each service will be available as a reward redemption. Be sure to act fast, as these seats are being snatched up quickly.
The Deal
- Airlines: Qantas
- Routes: Sydney (SYD) to New York-JFK via Auckland (AKL)
- Cost: One-way flights in business class can be purchased for 55,000 Alaska miles + ~$55 with Alaska Mileage Plan miles, 80,000 miles + ~$80 with American Airlines AAdvantage miles, or from 136,000 + ~$300 if booked via Qantas.
- Dates: June 21, 23, 28, and 30
- Pay taxes/fees with: Various options, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card for travel protections on the award flight.
Your Next Adventure Awaits
Whether you're eyeing Australia, New Zealand, or the United States, this new Qantas service offers an exciting opportunity for a memorable journey. Be sure to keep an eye on Qantas's official website for the latest updates and bookings.
Additional reporting by Zach Griff.
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- Qantas's return to New York will offer a thrilling travel opportunity, as they will connect New York-JFK with Auckland Airport (AKL) via a fifth-freedom flight, starting June 14, 2023.
- For those seeking to experience fine dining while traveling, they can opt for the Qantas-designed Auckland lounge, offering a premium pre-flight experience for passengers.
- To book a seat on this exciting route, travelers can consider using travel rewards provided by credit cards, such as Alaska Mileage Plan miles, American Airlines AAdvantage miles, or Qantas's own rewards program.
- The Qantas travel rewards can be supplemented with guides and lifestyle tips from various sources, aiding travelers in making the most of their journey, whether it's exploring Australia, New Zealand, or the United States.
- Stay informed about the latest news, reviews, and industry insights surrounding this route and Qantas in general by subscribing to travel-related newsletters and blogs.
