American Airlines has announced plans to expand its service to Australia with a second route originating from its West Coast hub this winter.
The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline revealed on Monday that it will begin nonstop flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Brisbane Airport (BNE) starting this December.
This route marks the airline’s second nonstop connection to Brisbane and its third service overall to Australia.
The service is set to commence on December 5, aligning with the onset of the peak summer travel season in the Southern Hemisphere.
The announcement comes as Qantas, American’s Oneworld alliance partner, also revealed plans to increase its flight options between the two countries.
Steve Johnson, American’s vice chair and chief strategy officer, emphasized, “Together, we provide the most extensive service linking the United States with Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific.”
Details of American’s New Australia Route
Key to the announcement is American’s new nonstop route to Brisbane, located about 575 miles north of Sydney along Australia’s east coast.
American will operate its LAX-BNE service three times weekly from early December through the end of January 2026.
Passengers on this new route will enjoy the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners; however, it’s important to note that these will be standard 787-9s from the current fleet, not the newly configured “787-9P” models featuring the airline’s upcoming Flagship Suites.
For those wishing to experience the new suites with sliding privacy doors, it’s advisable to book flights on American’s DFW-BNE route, which resumes on October 26 for the peak travel season after its successful introduction last year.
In total, American will offer three routes to Australia this upcoming season, including its services from LAX and DFW to Brisbane and a nonstop service from LAX to Sydney Airport (SYD).
Growth in Brisbane
Brisbane continues to emerge as a popular destination for U.S. travelers, with peak-season flights from the U.S. including:
- American from DFW and LAX
- Qantas from LAX
- Delta Air Lines from LAX—recently reviewed by Flying Frugal’s Clint Henderson, who experienced the Delta One suite on their Airbus A350-900
- United Airlines from San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
Brisbane hotel review: A perfect stay: Explore Hotel X Brisbane Fortitude Valley, Vignette Collection by IHG
Qantas Expands Its Offerings to DFW
Qantas is also enhancing its flight services between the U.S. and Australia.
From December 3 through late January, the Sydney-based airline will operate daily flights on its route between DFW and Melbourne Airport (MEL).
This will allow for an increase in capacity on its DFW to SYD route, utilizing the Airbus A380, which is the largest passenger aircraft globally.
The Qantas A380 operates routes from both Melbourne and Sydney to LA, featuring a four-cabin layout with a capacity for 485 passengers, including 14 first-class seats, 70 business-class pods, 60 premium economy recliners, and 341 economy seats.
Qantas first-class flight review: The most comfortable way to fly Down Under.
How to Book American Airlines or Qantas Flights to Australia
Those interested in booking with American or Qantas can utilize American Airlines AAdvantage miles or Qantas Frequent Flyer points for award flights.
Qantas is also a transfer partner for American Express Membership Rewards, Citi ThankYou Rewards, and Capital One.
Travelers can discover seats on either airline via other Oneworld program partners, such as Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, British Airways Club, and Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, among others.
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