Let’s get real. Those 15-hour flights to Australia are no joke, and if you’ve taken a few, you know how crucial a good airline is. The right business class flight can mean the difference between arriving refreshed or needing another vacation.
Each time I land in Australia, it feels like falling in love all over again—from sipping wine by Sydney Harbour to exploring Melbourne’s coffee spots and laneways. To help you arrive at your best, I reviewed over ten top airline routes between the U.S. and Australia, evaluating comfort, pricing, lounge perks, meals, and more.
Here are the six airlines that deliver premium comfort without the premium price tag.
1. Air New Zealand
- Route: Los Angeles to Melbourne (via Auckland)
- Estimated Fare: From $2,700 (one-way with deals)
What Makes It Worth It:
- 1-2-1 seat layout for direct aisle access
- Fully flat beds with ottoman, storage, and 11-inch entertainment system
- Exceptional Kiwi cuisine, including lamb and seafood
- Wine pairing from New Zealand vineyards
- Lounge access with meals, wine, and showers
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier combines practicality with indulgence, making it a strong value pick for business travelers and luxury tourists alike.
2. Qantas
- Route: Los Angeles to Sydney or Melbourne
- Estimated Fare: From $5,400 roundtrip (off-peak)
What Makes It Worth It:
- Fully flat Business Suite with aisle access
- Seasonal menus by celebrity chef Neil Perry
- Complimentary wine pairing with in-flight sommelier
- Deluxe amenity kits with Li’Tya skincare
- Qantas Lounge with gourmet dining, coffee, Wi-Fi
As Australia’s flag carrier, Qantas nails business class travel. From priority check-in to the private lounge, it’s a first-class experience at a business-class price.
3. Qatar Airways
- Route: Los Angeles to Melbourne (via Doha)
- Estimated Fare: From $5,400 one-way (with deals)
What Makes It Worth It:
- Qsuite: Private enclosed suites with lie-flat beds
- Business Class Suite on 787s for privacy and comfort
- Gourmet dining with award-winning wines
- Oneworld Alliance benefits for loyalty travelers
Qatar Airways offers arguably the best business class in the world. The Qsuite alone is a reason to book this route.
4. Singapore Airlines
- Route: Los Angeles to Melbourne (via Singapore)
- Estimated Fare: From $5,400 roundtrip (off-peak)
What Makes It Worth It:
- 1-2-1 seating with fully flat beds
- Spacious workspace with device charging and storage
- Personalized KrisWorld entertainment system
- ‘Book the Cook’ service for meal pre-ordering
- Elegant meals served on Narumi china
Singapore Airlines provides one of the most refined business class experiences, blending comfort, efficiency, and style.
5. United Airlines
- Route: Los Angeles to Melbourne
- Estimated Fare: From $5,300 roundtrip (off-peak)
What Makes It Worth It:
- Polaris seats that turn into flat beds
- Plush bedding and lumbar support mattress pad
- Pre-flight Polaris Lounge with gourmet meals
- In-flight dining and dessert cart
- Direct aisle access and noise-canceling headphones
United’s Polaris Class offers a modern, comfortable flight with solid lounge perks and easy nonstop routing.
6. Fiji Airways
- Route: Los Angeles to Melbourne (via Nadi, Fiji)
- Estimated Fare: From $3,900 roundtrip
What Makes It Worth It:
- 1-2-1 reverse herringbone seats on A350
- Fully flat beds with 17-inch entertainment screens
- High-quality food and drink options
- Pre-departure champagne and premium service
- Fiji Airways lounge with meals and drinks
Flying through Fiji adds a tropical flair to your long-haul trip while still delivering luxury and comfort.
FAQs
How much does a business-class flight to Australia cost?
- As of recent data, the lowest booked fare was around $4,878 from London. Average prices range from $5,000 to $6,000 depending on season and route.
Which is the cheapest month to fly to Australia?
- May, August, and September are typically the most budget-friendly.
What day is the cheapest to fly business class?
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer better availability and lower prices.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right business class flight to Australia is more than just a ticket—it’s your gateway to an elevated travel experience. Prioritize comfort, cuisine, and perks, and you’ll land ready to explore, not recover.
Book early, stay flexible, and consider less common routes for the best deals. Whether you go with Qantas, Qatar, or Fiji Airways, luxury travel in 2025 doesn’t have to cost a fortune.
Bon voyage!
