Qantas to San Francisco: Direct Flights Take Off Again
Qantas is set to reconnect Australia and the USA with the return of direct flights from Sydney to San Francisco. After a four-year break, this popular route is back, offering travellers a faster and more convenient link to the U.S. west coast. Operated on upgraded Boeing 747-400 aircraft, the Qantas to San Francisco service strengthens the airline’s trans-Pacific network and expands its partnership with American Airlines.
Qantas to San Francisco is back, bringing Australians a faster way to reach the U.S. west coast. The airline will restart direct flights from Sydney to San Francisco using upgraded Boeing 747-400 aircraft. This route strengthens Qantas’s partnership with American Airlines and expands trans-Pacific options for travellers.
Route Return & Schedule
The return of Qantas to San Francisco is a major milestone for the airline’s U.S. network. Direct flights will resume on 20 December 2015 and operate on peak days. From January 2016, the route will expand to six flights a week to meet demand. The relaunch restores one of Qantas’s most popular U.S. connections and gives travellers more flexibility.
This move reflects Qantas’s strategy to strengthen its long-haul operations while improving convenience for both business and leisure travellers. By reinstating the Sydney–San Francisco route, Qantas connects Australians directly to one of America’s most dynamic cities — a major hub for technology, finance, and tourism. The expanded schedule ensures better connections across North America and supports growing passenger demand for direct, time-saving trans-Pacific flights.
Fleet & Aircraft Details
Qantas will operate the Sydney–San Francisco route with upgraded Boeing 747-400 aircraft. The planes feature refreshed interiors, better in-flight entertainment, and improved comfort for long journeys. The airline’s fleet investment ensures passengers enjoy a premium experience while supporting efficient long-haul operations.
The upgrades also include improved lighting, redesigned lounges, and enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity, creating a smoother and more enjoyable flight experience. Through ongoing fleet modernisation, Qantas continues to balance efficiency with comfort — ensuring travellers experience the signature quality, safety, and service that define Australia’s flagship carrier.
Qantas–American Airlines Partnership
This route return aligns with the expanded partnership between Qantas and American Airlines. From 19 December 2015, American will launch daily flights between Sydney and Los Angeles using new Boeing 777-300ER aircraft. These services replace some Qantas-operated flights but increase overall network coverage. The collaboration creates more routes, shared benefits, and smoother connections for passengers.
The strengthened alliance allows both airlines to coordinate schedules, align loyalty programs, and streamline check-in and baggage transfers for connecting flights. Passengers can now enjoy more flexibility, faster transit times, and an expanded choice of destinations across North America and Australia. This partnership marks a significant step toward creating a seamless trans-Pacific travel experience for business and leisure travellers alike.
Impact on the Qantas Network
While Qantas will reduce a few Sydney–LAX flights, daily A380 services and Brisbane–LAX flights remain unchanged. The adjustments help optimise capacity while expanding U.S. coverage. With coordinated schedules and shared rewards, travellers can now enjoy more flexibility across Australia and North America.
Through coordinated schedules with American Airlines, Qantas can now offer travellers a greater choice of departure times, smoother onward connections, and improved access to key U.S. cities such as New York, Chicago, and Dallas. This enhanced cooperation strengthens Qantas’s trans-Pacific footprint and supports its long-term goal of delivering a seamless, high-quality travel experience between Australia and North America.
Executive Insights – Qantas to San Francisco
“Together with American, we can offer direct flights and unrivalled frequencies from Australia to Hawaii, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas Fort Worth, seasonal services to Vancouver and one-stop services to JFK via LAX,” said Alan Joyce, Qantas Group CEO.
Joyce added that San Francisco is now Qantas’s most popular U.S. destination. “The world’s largest airline will be talking more about Australia in their home market, and that’s great news for Australian tourism.”
FAQ – Qantas to San Francisco
Q: When will Qantas resume direct flights to San Francisco?
A: Direct flights from Sydney to San Francisco resume on 20 December 2015, expanding to six flights a week in January 2016.
Q: Which aircraft will Qantas use on the route?
A: Qantas will operate the upgraded Boeing 747-400, offering enhanced comfort and entertainment for long-haul travellers.
Q: How does the American Airlines partnership benefit travellers?
A: The alliance improves schedules, increases destinations, and provides smoother connections within the U.S. and Australia.
Q: Will other Qantas U.S. routes change?
A: Some Sydney–LAX flights will reduce, but A380 and Brisbane–LAX services remain unaffected.
A Stronger Pacific Connection
The relaunch of Qantas to San Francisco strengthens Qantas’s U.S. presence and expands travel choices for Australians. Through new aircraft, smart partnerships, and increased frequency, Qantas continues to offer premium service and strong trans-Pacific connectivity.
