The Federal Government has announced that Australia’s international borders will open in November. As a result, Qantas has advised it will bring forward the restart of some international flights.
From 14 November 2021, Qantas plans to operate*:
– Three return flights per week between Sydney and Los Angeles
– Three return flights per week between Sydney and London (Heathrow).
Airfares are now available for Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate families and some visa holders.
There’s been strong demand for the earlier departures and some December departures are already sold out. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the international flights.
Frequently Asked Questions…
How do you book on the early departures?
All flights on both routes for the first week will be ‘Points Planes’, meaning frequent flyers can access uncapped Classic Flight Reward seats across all cabins. Seats on these flights are also available as regular flight bookings.
What happens if border opening dates change?
Once the Federal Government announces the exact date that Australia’s international borders will reopen in November, the commencement dates for these two routes may need to be updated. Passengers booked on these flights will have the flexibility to make fee-free date changes for travel until 31 December 2022 (a fare difference may apply). If flights are cancelled by Qantas, customers are eligible for a refund or Flight Credit.
When will Qantas resume international flights to other parts of its international network?
At this stage, all other international routes that are scheduled to resume from 18 December 2021 will continue as planned. If other states and territories open their borders earlier and reduce quarantine requirements, Qantas may also resume flights on other routes sooner.
What are the requirements for customers to travel on Qantas international flights from 14 November 2021?
As previously mentioned, all passengers on Qantas’ international flights will be required to be fully vaccinated with a TGA-approved or recognised vaccine (some exemptions for medical reasons and children). They will also be required to return a negative PCR COVID test 72 hours prior to departure.
Customers on these flights will be required to home quarantine for seven days on arrival into Australia, in accordance with the requirements from the Federal and New South Wales governments.
Are people who live outside of NSW able to travel to/from Sydney on a Qantas international flight?
Yes. However, passengers will need to follow the relevant health and quarantine requirements to return back to their home state if it is not NSW.
The details of travel requirements are being finalised and more information will be provided in coming weeks.
*International flights remain subject to Government and Regulatory approval.