Qantas has just announced that they will launch a flight from Chicago to Brisbane. This is very exciting news and comes right on the heels of American and Qantas announcing their joint partnership. The flights are not available to be book yet but should be in the coming weeks.
When this route launches, O’Hare will have two direct flights to Oceania (Air New Zealand launched their Chicago to Auckland flight in November). I’m hoping this added capacity makes it easier to book to Oceania with miles.
Australia is the last continent besides Antarctica that I haven’t been to and I’m looking to book this flight as soon as its available. If you are using miles, the cost for a business class seat each way is at least 80,000 miles on American Airlines. The 80,000 miles is for the MileSAAver level and it is very hard to book (Trust me, I’ve tried multiple times). This may change soon, because American is introducing variable mileage rewards.
The best option to book this flight when award space becomes available is Alaska Airlines. A business class award is only 55,000 miles and a first class award is only 70,000 miles.
Are you looking forward to Qantas’ new Chicago route?