Here are the best flights to New York which skip that LAX stopover
By David Flynn, July 18 2018
When a business trip to New York beckons, most high flyers instinctively look for – and simultaneously dread – a connecting flight through LAX.
Both reactions are understandable.
The former, because Los Angeles is Australia's gateway to the US. Qantas, Virgin Australia, United, American and Delta all fly from Australia's east coast capital cities to LAX, with the second leg to New York made either on their own aircraft or that of a partner airline.
The latter, because – despite the improvements made to LAX's primary international terminal in recent years – this remains one of the worst airports to transit through.
By law, you've got to collect your bags on your point of entry into the USA.
That means waiting for your checked luggage, going through customs, dropping your bags back onto a transit belt or checking them in with your connecting airline, and then going back through the always-crowded TSA security checkpoint.
And depending on which airline you fly with, it can also mean changing terminals.
Losing the LAX leg
There are better and smarter ways to get to Gotham which let you skip LAX entirely.
The most obvious ones: head for a different US city. United Airlines has daily flights from Sydney to its hubs at San Francisco and Houston, while Qantas offers a daily Airbus A380 from Sydney to Dallas/Fort Worth with onwards flights to New York (and dozens of other destinations) on partner American Airlines.
Unwinding at United Airline's San Francisco Polaris lounge
(Qantas also flies to San Francisco, which is one of my favourite US cities, but LAX and Dallas are far better for connections on partner American Airlines.)
Alas, no matter which non-LA gateway you choose, you still have to to through the rigmarole of collecting your luggage once you land in the USA before it (and you) can continue to New York.
Plan B, then, is to fly straight into New York – even if there's a non-US stopover along the way.
New York via Hong Kong
Cathay Pacific currently rates as my favourite way to head to New York.
Cathay has four daily flights from Sydney to Hong Kong, so I can leave at a time which suits me – similarly, Cathay has three flights from Melbourne (and also flies from Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth).
From Hong Kong, there are four non-stop flights to New York. While this path takes a little longer than going via LAX – around 26 hours compared to 21 – it's worth it.
Cathay Pacific's Boeing 777 business class
Not only can you can skip the whole domestic transit experience, you get a consistent business class experience all the way (no downgrading of product on the domestic US legs) and can relax in some superb lounges at Hong Kong, or even break your journey in the Asian metropolis for some add-on business and/or pleasure.
New York via Singapore
From October 11, Singapore Airlines will begin non-stop flights from Singapore to New York.
SQ currently goes the long way around, via Frankfurt, with a massive Airbus A380 doing this 24 hour marathon.
But a new ultra-long range version of the fuel-efficient Airbus A350 will let Singapore Airlines dart directly from its home town to New York in 19 hours.
The globe-striding A350 is designed for distance, carrying just 67 passengers in business class and 94 in premium economy – there's not an economy seat in sight – but as you'd expect from what will be the world's longest commercial flight, these are the airline's very best seats with plenty of legroom and comfort.
Go non-stop in style: Singapore AirlinesAirbus A350 business class
Qantas is of course aiming for non-stops flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to New York (and London) in 2022, as part of its ambitious Project Sunrise, but is shooting for 300 passengers along with first class suites and economy class seats, and perhaps even bunk beds in the cargo hold.
New York via Vancouver
An option which many travellers overlook is to fly with Air Canada via Vancouver.
The Canadian flag-carrier has daily flights from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, with the later two cities featuring the jetlag-busting Boeing 787 Dreamliner.
Air Canada's international 'Signature Class' business class
On arrival at Vancouver Airport, head to the USA 'in-transit' facility so you can be checked through for US immigration screening before boarding your connecting flight on Air Canada (or Star Alliance partner United Airlines) to New York.
New York via Honolulu
Okay, this one's a little bit of a cheat because you still have the same baggage pick-up-and-drop-it-again as you would at Los Angeles.
The big difference? You're in Honolulu!
Most Australians consider Hawaiian Airlines as a 'holiday airline' because, well, Hawaii. But Hawaiian flies to a dozen cities on the US mainland, including New York, making this one of the more relaxed ways to head stateside.
Hawaiian Airlines international business class
You'll arrive at New York as a domestic passenger on a domestic flight, so there's none of those international arrives headaches.
What's more, this route provides the perfect opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved downtime in Hawaii on the way back home.
David Flynn is the Editor-in-Chief of Executive Traveller and a bit of a travel tragic with a weakness for good coffee, shopping and lychee martinis.
02 Mar 2013
Total posts 32
Tokyo and Seoul both deserve a mention. Tokyo especially because JAL in any class is a step up from the competition. Tight connection from Sydney and a bit of a long one from Melbourne (trip to Narita city on the layover is a good option).
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
13 Jul 2012
Total posts 118
New York via Seoul?
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2560
Tokyo and Seoul are certainly good options too! That said, the aim of this article isn't to detail every non-LAX option, it's just to present a handful of the 'best' of them to help traveller break of that LAX 'muscle memory', and that the ones chosen are also for varying reasons different in nature.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
25 Feb 2016
Total posts 23
Emirates via Dubai is also one I've tried and quite liked. You end up with roughly 2 x 14hr flights (from Melb) separated with a few hours in the Lounge if you're in Business.
24 Oct 2010
Total posts 2560
That's an interesting take on flying Emirates to New York. I know that some people from Perth find it works for them, but from Melbourne – yeah, a longer way but 2 x 14hr legs is an interesting approach, on those flights that bag would definitely be handy!
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
30 Mar 2011
Total posts 9
Hi Chris, This has actually become my preferred way to travel now last few years to DC and New York from Sydney as time wise it is about same as flying Cathay Pacific via HKG. The extra comforts of the bar/lounge in flight make it a decent way to go.
25 Sep 2013
Total posts 1242
Agree. If booked in J on the A380 (or even better, in F) it's a very comfortable way to travel, if you don't have to get to the US in the fastest routing possible.
Jetstar Airways - Qantas Frequent Flyer
18 Feb 2018
Total posts 7
Can confirm New York via Honolulu is a great option. Quite like Hawaiian Airlines too.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
20 Nov 2017
Total posts 113
New York via Taipei!
Cathay Pacific - The Marco Polo Club
02 Jul 2018
Total posts 37
I vote for JAL SYD-NRT-JFK or ORD for these marathon journeys.
05 May 2016
Total posts 616
I can't imagine that SYD, MEL & BNE to LHR and JFK will all start in 2022 as QF would likely get the aircraft over a period of time. If they do all six of those routes I guess they'd need about 15 aircraft give or take a few.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
01 Aug 2012
Total posts 7
I have flown this route - MEL - NYC on Cathay, Singapore (A340), JAL, Qatar and Etihad. Cathay and JAL are great but the return journey was not the best for US lounge access at JFK. Qatar is always good but Etihad has a special advantage of clearing US immigration in Abu Dhabi.
17 Jan 2017
Total posts 6
Etihad via AUH has the advantage that you can pre-clear US customs in Abu Dhabi then arrive in NYC as a domestic passenger. It saves a lot of pain.
08 Aug 2017
Total posts 42
I don't agree that LAX is such a horrible transfer. It used to be, and the numbered terminals range from OK to terrible, but Tom Bradley International Terminal is great: transiting on QF11/12 is a breeze; early morning security in TBIT is fast and painless, and the One World Lounges are great. And at the end of the day, it's the shortest trip. Travelling from SYD to NYC via Asia or the Middle East that is just so much longer just does not make sense to me.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
Inclined to agree. I usually take QF7 to DFW and onwards which for me works well. DFW is easy to get around. LAX is fine these days and the transit to QF 15 is no drama. If I had the time to spare then CX definitely
QF
04 Apr 2014
Total posts 209
I agree. With all the improvements getting through Tom Bradley is generally faster than Melbourne. I don’t generally have to do the transit bag drop there but I do fly AA out of terminal 4 which is fine.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
The Connector from T4 to TIBT is great
21 Jul 2012
Total posts 128
From SYD, AC via YVR is actually about half an hour quicker than QF11 via LAX because of the faster transit. They're running a 789 on the transcontinental flight now too, so no downgrade on that leg. The only catch is they land at EWR instead of JFK.
18 Jul 2018
Total posts 1
DFW can be an absolute nightmare. There can be extremely long lines at immigration with very few staff. QF7 is often delayed meaning the stress of transit is even higher.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jul 2015
Total posts 219
Surprising as you arrive mid afternoon when it's pretty quiet. With an ESTA and the automation it's painless. Last week was out of the airport in around 40mins. Now agreed that you need to leave enough transit time if connecting. QF 7 is not great on reliability so I take a 4.30 pm to LGA just to be sure.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
The only time I've entered the US via DFW I didn't have any issues from CBP/TSA. Had more issues that trip with the JL check in at ICN (they tried to claim my valid ESTA wasn't and demanded a visa that I didn't need. They quickly shut up and checked me in when I pointed to the CBP entry stamp from 3 months before.)
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Feb 2014
Total posts 439
SFO is definitely another to avoid, also.
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
What about JFK via MNL? Philippine Airlines starts with new A350 nonstop at end October 2018.
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 205
From the west cost, the quickest option is Cathay. The other slightly longer options are Emirates and Qatar.
12 Dec 2012
Total posts 1029
I normally go via Tokyo. But then, I'm also usually changing tickets there as well.
I've done the SYD-JFK once, back when it was still the same aircraft QF107 through LAX.
24 Apr 2015
Total posts 128
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
What timing. Sincere Thanks, David. Well, this discussion is really helpful, thanks one and all. We've just won work in Guyana and need to be there reasonably regularly and the jump-off point to GEO is JFK. This is what I've worked out;
QF - Yes QF11/12 is straight through but the pricing is nasty and I'm just not keen on clearing in LAX (or DFW for that matter via QF7/8) - (22hrs)
SQ - When they do go SIN/JFK will be awesome, but not till year end 2018. I'd be a 'yes please' in 2019 - (unknown)
CX - This looks to be good for us as the timing is very nice and the CX product quite good. I understand that many people quite like CX & NYC - (29hrs)
JL - Nice Seating all the way and I like the pain free JAL approach. Lovely people, but SYD only - (29hrs)
QR - Yes nice product if you can get the new Business seats. I can get people in and out of other AUS cities too. Would I go QR over EK & EY? - (32hrs)
EK - They've got something for everyone and A380 all the way. Plus the car either side helps. My only issue is there is no EK Lounge in JFK (and hasn't been for nearly 12 months - (29/31hrs)
EY - Personally I still like the EY Business product in the A380. No complaints. Connections might be a bit out but I do believe you can clear US Customs in AUH (I believe) - (32hrs)
So there you go. I don't fly US Airlines (sorry to say). And at the moment I'm leaning towards CX. But, very much open to ideas. Sincere Thanks David for a great discussion point. Cheers!
03 May 2017
Total posts 26
Don't forget JL also fly out of MEL now too, usually departing just after midnight so pretty easy to connect to after a work day if needed.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
09 Jul 2014
Total posts 7
I would love to fly via ICN or PEK and do the polar route and on a 748 as well!
12 Aug 2017
Total posts 75
I tried the Air Canada business product and it was good. Fastest route too at 19hrs. Excellent To be able to swan through clean easy empty Vancouver for US Immigration. Then walk out at Newark as domestic passenger.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
I’d go for the new SQ service on A350 ! I’ve done the CX option a couple of times on 773ER - the return is hard and lounges meh, catering on CX needs a major upgrade
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Speak to me Grasshopper. 'AlecFabio' are you saying CX was 'average'? I thought the CX Lounges were quite world class and the First & Bus product quite up there. Am I mistaken?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
The CX lounges in HK are excellent , but ex NYC I had to use twice the AA loinge at T7! CXs product has deteriorated which reflects their drop on Skytrax ! I am now HK based and use them near weekly !
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
Apologies @BevanMcBevan for being short yesterday, was on the go. To reiterate, apart from the HKG lounges and good seats in J - which are certainly a good attribute for long flights, CX is not as good as it used to be: frequent delays, staff morale, their catering is terrible, 777s vs 787s/A350s on other a/l etc. Also cost, ex-HKG they charge A$11K-A$19K in J for that privilege. I have now switched to JAL and mirror what @biggles69 mentions. Dreamliners, great consistent service, good sleep and excellent transfers. Maybe I am a perfectionist ? The best out there is SQ, I have switched to them for 50% travel now and its worth exploring the new A350ULR to NY soon. Cheers
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Not a worry at all. We all do the best we can to assist. I do appreciate the follow through. As a heads up, we're probably going to do QR and do the QSuite all the way through. All the best AF.
15 Mar 2017
Total posts 3
For those in ADL the CX Hong Kong route saves the awful LAX transfer but also saves the equally annoying SYD or MEL transfer in Australia. No need for any domestic flights on any continent which is a big plus.
11 Mar 2012
Total posts 314
Love the PER-HKG-JFK route. Can choose between 2 - 12 hours in HKG and the CX J lounges are great.
04 Nov 2012
Total posts 212
We always go CX via HKG in J using points and have a short stopover each way and with so many US cities to choose from, its a no brainer. Tip stay at Regal Airport in HKG its attached to the Int. terminal and grab fast train ticket into town for a day or night out in this top notch city with so much to offer. In fact doing just that early next week to JFK.
10 May 2018
Total posts 12
If you're flying into New York (whichever airport it is), best to make that the one and only US airport you go through. There are plenty of options available.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
28 Feb 2017
Total posts 14
The ability to have US Customs preclearance here in OZ would negate this whole process. Canada, Ireland, the Caribbean & the UAE can all do it, why not us?
17 Sep 2015
Total posts 371
Os it too costly for the USA to send staff here (or engage we locals?)
21 Jul 2012
Total posts 128
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 27
In March I did a 5 day SYD-JFK return Bus Cl on QF/JL via Haneda. It was the easiest smoothest trip ever with a single 4 hour stop at Haneda's superb first class lounge each way. Even the morning arrival at JFK T1 was amazing - though baggage, customs and immigration in 30 minutes.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
22 Jun 2018
Total posts 7
Oh I agree , almost forgot - I did it ex HKG and the JL option was excellent !
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
That sounds nice bigglles69. You liked the JL product?
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
29 Mar 2015
Total posts 94
Syd and lax are definitely the worst two transit airports. Given most of my flights are melbourne /canada and just hanging on to qantas platimum looking at JAL and Cathay as best options. Just wish qantas would start more direct to canada flights.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 27
JL was excellent - lie flat beds, good privacy, excellent menu & movie choices, and smooth Asian service. Best is the Haneda stop-over with superb 1st lounge (I'm QF Platinum) situated less than 50 metres from the arrival and departure gates. (Their JFK lounge is not to the same standard but adequate.)
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Good on you Biggles. Many Thanks. Cheers to you.
19 Jul 2018
Total posts 1
For me JFK via Narita or Haneda with JAL is the way to go. Seamless transfers, great J class product and excellent lounges. Way better than the disruption at LAX.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Question. I've got staff keen to go via the Middle East. Any experience out there on EK, EY, QR? Much Appreciated.
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
See my previous comment re EK. I have done this route several times in F and J, but never Y. One stop, easy transit in Dubai, great service and super comfortable, private seating. And a bar if yoiu need it! I would not cross the Pacific unless I was staying on the east coast, as the EK legs become much longer to LAX, SFO or SEA..
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
23 Oct 2015
Total posts 27
I actually found the Haneda route on Expedia. They were also offering options via Beijing on Air China or HGK on CX........and I paid just over A$7K return for QF/JL c/f over A$13K quoted by QF via LAX.... win /win !!
QFF
16 May 2016
Total posts 66
For me it's all about speed, therefore SYD to DFW or IAH to NYC.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
15 Nov 2017
Total posts 49
Just did the morning flight from SYD with UA at 6am just before customs opening. Dragged my bags between terminals but was though security and in the United Club at T7 within the hour. After a coffee to wake up had a quick shag in a canoe (i.e Budweiser) before boarding to ORD.
QFF
16 May 2016
Total posts 66
Yep, LAX is much better than it used to be. Pretty painless really when arriving that early. Place is empty.
24 Apr 2014
Total posts 269
If Air NZ ever does AKL to New York, that would be a good one stop route from Melbourne.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Sep 2011
Total posts 15
It is a pity that the article ignores the West Coast of Australia, but I am happy that we do have great options to NYC out of Perth that avoid the dreaded LAX transit. My top 4 would be SQ via SIN at a swift 25 hours including transit, CX via HK in 25.5, QR via DOH at 28 hours and EK via DXB in about the same. All of these options with a single international transit are better than any options via the east coast of AU with two transits in woeful airports & longer overall travelling time!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Understand the predicament CWT Traveller, but in Chris & John's defence, the East Coast market is the 80% plus of travel. I have staff in WA and work this issue often.
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
16 Sep 2011
Total posts 15
I agree that they do a great job Bevan. But occasionally it would be nice if Perth was not left out of an article like this. 4th busiest airport in the country!!
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Don't forget Emirates. Yes, the longer way round, and I wouldn't recommend doing it if you're stuck in Y, although the EK A380 Y seats get a consistently good write-up. However in J or F, there is one stop in Dubai, excellent seating and service. And no LAX!!
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Jeez you are a EKdevotee. I just landed in JFK and did First all the way. Raving? No. I think the EK product needs improvement (in particular the ICE). Cheers
Emirates Airlines - Skywards
05 Jun 2017
Total posts 28
Haaa haaa yes. Each to their own. My name rather gives it away
20 Nov 2015
Total posts 2
Honestly LAX is the best way to get to New York (if you are flying Qantas). It is the quickest way even if the connecting AUS flights are delayed (which they usually are). The Bradley terminal is a really cool experience, and in the morning there are hardly any lines, so clearing immigration/security is not a problem. Also the transcontinental flight is on the same QF jet (formerly 747, now 787) so you get the same high quality on both legs
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
01 Mar 2013
Total posts 171
Hi QantasFlyer. Love the loyalty, bravo. I'm in the US at the moment and came through via BNE on the 787 - very nice. Can you please confirm that QF now have the 787 doing the US Domestic leg (LAX/JFK) now having replaced the 747?
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Here are the best flights to New York which skip that LAX stopover