Business Class Flight Deals from San Francisco to Sydney from $3271

Planning Your Trip

Airports near San Francisco: Which One Is Best for You?

If you plan on flying from San Francisco, you’ll find that most flights to Sydney in this area depart from the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), which is the main international airport in the area and is also the only airport close to San Francisco that offers nonstop flights to Sydney. However, since SFO is a big and crowded airport, the security lines here may be long, and navigating the airport may take quite some time during peak hours.

If you want to avoid the crowds and potential delays caused by them at SFO, you might consider flying out of the Oakland International Airport (OAK). It is located across the San Francisco Bay and it’s smaller and less crowded than SFO. However, OAK doesn’t offer any nonstop flights to Sydney.

Another option near San Francisco is the San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), located in Silicon Valley. SJC is easy to navigate and typically less crowded than SFO. But, similar to OAK, SJC doesn’t offer nonstop flights to Sydney.

Alternative routes from the U.S.

If you want to take a trip to Sydney, departing from San Francisco is a great option, as you’ll find several nonstop flights to take you to your destination. But if you’d like to make a little detour on your journey and spend some time in a different U.S. city before leaving for Sydney, you might consider Los Angeles or Dallas. Out of all the U.S. cities, Los Angeles has the most direct flights to Sydney, so you’ll definitely find one that matches your travel preferences. But if you prefer departing from the central area of the U.S., Dallas has several options you can choose from.

San Francisco to Sydney

If you want to get from San Francisco (SFO) to Sydney (SYD) without any stops, you can choose a direct flight with Qantas, which will take you to your destination in approximately 15 hours. Your trip will be comfortable in their newest business suite, which features fully lie-flat seats with direct aisle access, memory foam cushions, and partitions that offer you privacy during the flight. Such flights cost about $7,500 if you book 3-4 months in advance, but might cost over $13,000 if you decide to book at the last minute.

If you don’t mind having a layover, you can pick a flight with Fiji Airways, which offers flights with a layover in Nadi, Fiji (NAN). You’ll get to Sydney in 19 hours on average, depending on how long your layover is. Despite taking more time to reach Sydney, this route comes with a unique perk — a tropical layover. If your layover at the Nadi International Airport is long enough, you can step out and take a short trip to Wailoaloa Beach, which is just 10 minutes away from the airport. Here, you can relax by the ocean before your next flight.

Also, at the airport, you’ll find handcrafted Fijian souvenirs, authentic Fijian cuisine, and a spa inside the Fiji Airways Lounge. If you’re open to breaking up your trip with a short island escape, this might be the perfect alternative to a nonstop flight. If you book early, you might get a ticket for as little as $6,000, although the usual prices range from $6,900 to $9,600. The prices might get as high as $13,000 for last-minute flights, especially if you wish to travel during the high-demand seasons, which last from December until February and from June until August.

Los Angeles to Sydney

If you want the most flight options for business-class travel to Sydney, Los Angeles (LAX) is the best departure point for you. Major airlines, including Qantas, American Airlines, Delta, and United, offer nonstop flights, which take roughly 15 hours.

Flying business class from LAX means you’ll have access to some of the best lounges in the U.S., including the United Polaris Lounge and American Airlines Flagship Lounge, depending on which airline you fly with. If you choose a flight with United, for example, you’ll have to pay approximately $7,400 if you book it in advance or from $12,000 to $18,000 if you book on short notice.

If you’d like a one-stop flight, Air New Zealand offers flights with a layover in Auckland, New Zealand (AKL). You’ll get to your destination in at least 17 hours, depending on how long your layover is.
At the Auckland International Airport, you can visit the shops selling local goods and souvenirs, such as Manuka honey and handcrafted Māori jewelry, or you can make a stop at one of the restaurants inside the airport for a taste of authentic Asian cuisine. A roundtrip flight with Air New Zealand will cost you about $7,400 if you book your ticket in advance, but the prices might get as high as $13,000 if you book only a few weeks before your flight.

Dallas to Sydney

If you consider departing from the Central U.S., Dallas is the best option to travel to Sydney. Here, you’ll find nonstop flights to Sydney and won’t have to deal with huge crowds of passengers like the ones at LAX.

Qantas operates nonstop flights from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport to Sydney, which will take you to your destination in approximately 17 hours. The prices for such flights start at $14,000 if you travel during summer, which is the high season for this destination. If you book a flight at the last minute, the prices might be as high as $20,000.

If you don’t mind a one-stop journey, Japan Airlines (JAL) offers an excellent business-class route from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport to Sydney via Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND). The length of your journey depends on how long your layover is, but usually, such flights take about 28 hours, including a 5-hour layover.

During your layover in Tokyo, you can explore the Edo Market, which is an area on the fourth floor of Terminal 3. It is designed to look like a traditional Japanese street and hosts authentic Japanese restaurants and shops. Such flights with Japan Airlines usually cost $9,000 or even less if you book 3-4 months in advance and travel mid-week. Weekend flights may cost up to $12,000 even if you book in advance, while booking a flight on short notice may cost a whopping $21,000.

Choosing the Best Airline

If you plan on traveling from San Francisco to Sydney, you’ll find flights operated by multiple airlines, including Qantas, United, Cathay Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines, Air Canada, Delta, Philippine Airlines, ANA, American Airlines, and more. Qantas and United are a great option for nonstop flights, but if you’d like a flight with a layover you might consider a flight with Cathay Pacific, which is known for its top-notch service. Let’s see what these airlines have to offer.

Qantas

• Lounge access: If you travel with Qantas, you’ll have access to 5 lounges at the San Francisco International Airport, which are the Alaska Lounge, the American Airlines Admirals Club, the British Airways Lounge, the Cathay Pacific Lounge, and the Air France Lounge. But not all of them are located in the same terminal. Since you’re on an international flight, it will most likely take off from the International Terminal. Thus, it’ll be more convenient for you to visit one of the lounges located there instead of commuting between terminals before departure. Among the lounges we mentioned, three are located in the International Terminal: the British Airways Lounge, the Cathay Pacific Lounge, and the Air France Lounge. If you choose to spend the time before your flight in the British Airways Lounge, the first thing you’ll notice is the great view of the airport runways. You can take a seat in a cozy armchair and relax. But if you want to get some work done, you can head to the private workstations inside the lounge, all of which are equipped with power outlets. And if you’d like a meal, you can choose the cold and hot dishes you prefer from the buffet.
• But if you need to take a quick shower before your flight, you can head either to the Cathay Pacific Lounge or the American Airlines Admirals Club.
• Seats: Qantas operates Boeing 787 planes on the San Francisco to Sydney route. The business-class cabin on such planes features 42 seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, which means everyone gets direct aisle access. The seats convert into large, fully flat beds, measuring 80 inches in length and 23 inches in width, which is enough space to stretch, relax, and even take a nap during the flight. ​
• In-flight dining: Flying with Qantas, you’ll get to enjoy a multi-course meal curated by the renowned Australian chef Neil Perry, which is updated regularly. For instance, in March 2025, Qantas introduced new dishes for their long-haul flights, including red wine braised beef short rib or Humpty Doo Barramundi. Also, you’ll be presented with a selection of fine Australian wines.
• Amenity kit: Qantas works with luxury Australian brands to create their amenity kits. If you fly business class, your amenity kit will include skincare products from Li'Tya, designed to hydrate and refresh your skin during your long flight to Sydney. The kit also contains some other items you’ll need to feel comfortable during the flight: an eye mask, socks, dental kit, and earplugs. Also, you’ll get a set of cozy pajamas on board.​
• Frequent-flyer program: If you decide to travel to Sydney with Qantas, it’s a good idea to sign up for their loyalty program. As a member, you’ll earn points based on the distance you travel with Qantas and the class of your ticket. According to their website, you can earn 29,250 Qantas points for a business-class roundtrip flight from San Francisco to Sydney. But if you want to book a flight like this using points, you would need 216,800 points. To make everything easier for you, Qantas has an online calculator you can use to find out how many points you’ll earn or need to spend on a flight.

Qantas is an excellent choice if you’re looking for an airline that provides top-notch dining during the flight and access to multiple exclusive lounges at SFO​.

United Airlines

• Lounge access: If you travel business class with United, you’ll get access to three United Club lounges at SFO, including the lounge in Terminal 3, Concourse F; the one in Terminal 3, Concourse E; and the one in the International Terminal, Concourse G. Besides, you’ll get access to United’s most luxurious lounge at this airport, which is the United Polaris lounge. You’ll find it in the International Terminal, Concourse G. Here, you can enjoy a chef-curated à la carte menu in the sit-down dining area or opt for a buffet offering various hot and cold dishes. Also, the bar serves signature cocktails and an expertly selected wine list. If you want to get some rest before your flight, you can relax in one of the daybeds in the lounge, which feature luxurious Saks Fifth Avenue bedding. Alternatively, if you choose to spend the time before your flight in any of the three United Club lounges, you’ll get access to a buffet of hot and cold dishes and a selection of snacks and beverages.
• Seats: United most often operates Boeing 777 and Boeing 787 planes on this route. Both models feature the Polaris business-class cabin, which has a 1-2-1 layout and seats that transform into fully flat beds. To make your journey more comfortable, each seat includes multiple storage areas, adjustable lighting, and a 16-inch high-definition entertainment screen.
• In-flight dining: United offers multi-course meals on board, which include an appetizer, a main course (such as United’s famous lemongrass chicken, grilled salmon, or butternut squash ravioli), and a dessert, accompanied by a selection of premium wines and spirits. You can also get a mid-flight snack and a pre-arrival meal.
• Amenity kit: Flying business class with United, you’ll receive a high-end amenity kit, which includes a face cream and lip balm from the luxury skincare brand Sunday Riley, an eye mask, and other personal care items you might need during your flight. ​
• Frequent-Flyer Program: If you sign up for United's MileagePlus program, you’ll earn miles based on the class of your ticket and your status within the program. As a standard member, you’ll earn 5 miles per dollar on the base price of your ticket, and you can earn a maximum of 75,000 miles per ticket for flights operated by United and Star Alliance and MileagePlus partner airlines. If you have an elite status within the loyalty program, you’ll earn even more miles per dollar.

If you want to fly with an airline that offers both excellent in-flight service and a great loyalty program, United might be the perfect option for you. According to travelers, United’s service is impeccable, and travel experts consider their MileagePlus program one of the top 3 airline loyalty programs worldwide.

Cathay Pacific

• Lounge access: Since Cathay Pacific is part of the Oneworld alliance, just like Qantas, at SFO, you’ll get access to 5 lounges belonging to members of the Oneworld alliance: the Alaska Lounge, American Airlines Admirals Club, British Airways Lounge, Cathay Pacific Lounge, and Air France Lounge. If you wish to spend the time before your flight in the Cathay Pacific Lounge, you can find it in the International Terminal. One thing that stands out about this lounge is the Noodle Bar it features, where you can enjoy freshly prepared wonton noodles, dan dan noodles, and other dishes specific to Hong Kong. Besides, you’ll have a choice of hot and cold Western and Asian dishes at the buffet. And if you want to freshen up before the flight, you can use the lounge’s showers. If you choose to enter any of the other lounges we mentioned, you can also get a snack and a drink there while waiting for your flight.
• Seats: Cathay Pacific operates Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 planes on this route. In March 2025, Cathay Pacific introduced the upgraded Boeing 777 on some of its flights to Sydney. These planes feature the new Aria Suites in business class, which are arranged in a 1-2-1 layout with direct aisle access for all passengers. Also, these suites have sliding doors to give you as much privacy as possible during the flight. Although not all Cathay planes are equipped with the Aria Suites yet, you’ll surely feel comfortable on Cathay flights, as this airline is considered one of the best in terms of in-flight comfort, luxury, and services, competing with airlines such as Qatar.
• In-flight dining: The menu on board Cathay Pacific flights includes both Asian and international dishes, complemented by a selection of fine wines and beverages. So, for your main meal, you can pick a hot bowl of soup noodles or claypot rice and have a traditional dim sum for breakfast. You can also enjoy various snacks available throughout the flight, including caramel popcorn and ice cream. ​
• Amenity kit: As a business-class traveler, you’ll receive an amenity kit featuring an eye mask, comfortable sleepwear, a dental kit, and luxury skincare products from Bamford, including small facial and body moisturizers and lip balm.
• Frequent-flyer program: As a member of Cathay Pacific's loyalty program, you’ll earn miles based on the distance you fly with them and the class of your ticket. There isn’t a set chart on how many miles you can earn or use for certain flights, but you can always check the available offers online if you sign in to your account on Cathay Pacific’s website.

Cathay Pacific is perfect for you if you want as much privacy and comfort during the flight as possible. Besides, Cathay can offer you a unique experience before your flight, considering that they have an Asian-style bar in their lounge at SFO.

Arriving in Sydney

Sydney has only one international airport — SYD. This is where you’ll land after your flight from San Francisco. As a business-class passenger, you'll get several benefits upon arrival, which are meant to make your journey through the airport as quick and comfortable as possible.

Priority Disembarkation & Immigration Perks

As a business-class traveler, you’ll be among the first passengers to disembark, which means you’ll reach immigration counters ahead of the main passenger flow and before there’s a long waiting line. Also, the Sydney Airport offers SmartGate, an automated self-service border control system that uses facial recognition technology to check your identity. This system will help you get through immigration procedures faster. It’s available to ePassport holders from several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others.

Additionally, you’ll benefit from priority baggage handling, which means your luggage will be among the first to arrive on the carousel. The waiting time depends on how crowded the airport is and how many flights arrive around the same time, but usually, your luggage will arrive on the carousel 30 minutes after you land.

Navigating the Arrival Terminal

At the Sydney Airport, you’ll arrive at Terminal 1, which is designated only for international flights. Generally, it is easy to navigate, as it has a straightforward layout and there is clear signage in English everywhere. Here, you'll also find some currency exchange counters, ATMs, restrooms, and various retail and dining options.

Arrival Lounges

If you wish to freshen up before heading into the city, you can access the Plaza Premium Lounge in Terminal 1. Unlike most lounges at the Sydney Airport that are dedicated to departing passengers, this lounge is landside, which means you can access it after clearing immigration and customs upon arrival.

In the Plaza Premium lounge, you’ll find showers, a comfortable seating area, and a selection of snacks and beverages. Although there aren’t as many food options as you’d find in an airline lounge dedicated to business-class passengers, the Plaza Premium Lounge is still comfortable enough to rest a bit and have a bite before continuing your journey.

To enter this lounge, you’ll have to pay from AU$50 to AU$75 ($32 to $48), depending on how long you’ll stay and what services you need. For instance, you can choose a pass only for access to showers or a full lounge access pass, which includes access to showers, a self-serve buffet, and safe baggage storage services. During peak hours, there may be few spots available but you can book access online in advance.

Getting to Sydney

Multiple means of transport can get you to Sydney from the airport, and they all vary in terms of cost, travel time, and convenience. Here’s how they differ.

AirportLink Train

• Travel time: The train will take you from the airport to the Central Station in 13 minutes.
• Frequency: The train departs from the airport every 10-15 minutes. You can check its timetable on the AirportLink website.
• Cost: A ride to the city will cost you AU$19.40 ($12.50). Tickets are available at station kiosks or via the Opal card, which offers you access to multiple public transport options.

Overall, this is the fastest option to get to the city, as it doesn’t depend on traffic. However, it may be less convenient if you have multiple bags with you.

Tip: If you plan on using public transport in Sydney during your trip, buy an Opal Card in advance. It offers you access to Sydney’s entire public transport network, including buses, trains, and ferries. All you have to do is tap on and tap off when you enter and exit the public transport.

Taxi

• Travel time: Your ride to the city may take between 20 and 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Availability: Taxis are always available at the ranks outside each airport terminal. You don’t have to book them in advance. However, during peak hours at the airport, when multiple flights arrive within a short time, it might be more complicated for you to catch a taxi.
• Cost: A ride to Sydney usually costs from AU$45 to AU$55 ($29 to $35), but the final price depends on where exactly in the city you need to go and whether there is traffic.

Taxis are a great option if you have multiple bags with you or if you don’t want to navigate the city by yourself to get to your hotel.

Uber

• Travel time: An Uber ride will take from 20 to 30 minutes, similar to a taxi.
• Availability: You can take an Uber from the dedicated Uber pick-up zones at the airport, but you have to use the Uber app to book your ride.
• Cost: Your trip with Uber will cost from AU$35 to AU$50 ($22 to $32), depending on demand and time of day.

Tip: You can book an Uber Premier to travel in a high-end car.

If you’re looking for a luxurious ride, you might consider using Uber Premier, which offers the most comfortable, high-end vehicles. Additionally, Uber’s Priority Pickup feature at the Sydney Airport allows you to skip standard ride queues, significantly reducing wait times.

Private car transfers

• Travel time: Similar to a taxi or Uber, private transfer services will take you to Sydney in 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Availability: Private transfer services are only available if you book them in advance. You can do that online, on a service provider’s website, or via a travel agency.
• Cost: Starting at AU$70 ($ 45), with prices varying based on vehicle type and amenities.

Private transfer is an excellent option if you’re looking for the most worry-free, comfortable trip to Sydney. Your driver will meet you inside the airport terminal and then get you to the city in a luxurious vehicle.

Rental cars

• Availability: At the Sydney Airport, you’ll find car rental counters. You can either pick a car on the spot or book one in advance.
• Cost: Renting a car in Sydney will cost you at least AU$60 ($39) per day, excluding insurance and fuel, but the prices depend on the vehicle you choose.

This option is great if you don’t want to trouble yourself with catching taxis or public transport while visiting Sydney. Besides, you’ll be able to visit destinations outside Sydney, such as the Blue Mountains or Hunter Valley.

Travel Tips for Business-Class Travelers

Flying business class is a great way to enjoy your trip from San Francisco to Sydney. Thanks to the lounge access benefits and great onboard service airlines provide, you’ll have a comfortable experience on the way to Sydney. But here’s the secret: you don’t have to pay a fortune to enjoy the business-class experience. With the right booking strategies, you can find a great deal for your trip from San Francisco to Sydney.

1. Choose optimal booking windows.

Booking in advance is always a good idea if you want to catch the best business-class deals available. Usually, 3-4 months in advance is the best time to book business-class tickets for a good price. Also, you might consider flying during the off-peak season, when prices are relatively low. For Sydney, there are two low-demand seasons — autumn and spring.

2. Consider booking a flight with a layover.

In most cases, flights with layovers cost 20% or even 30% less than nonstop flights. So, one-stop flights are a great opportunity for you to save on tickets. Moreover, choosing a layover in an exotic destination might be a pleasant extension of your trip.

3. Consider booking via Online Travel Agencies (OTAs).

OTAs often have access to exclusive deals that airlines don’t publish anywhere else. Thus, getting in touch with a travel agent from an OTA or using tools that track special deals may help you discover tickets at a great price. For example, Priceline provides a tool named Express Deals, which can offer you discounted business-class tickets.

4. Take advantage of your credit card perks and your miles.

If you own a premium credit card, you most likely have some travel-related benefits that come with it. Such credit cards can offer you access to exclusive lounges, priority boarding benefits, and even allow you to take additional baggage on the plane. Using your credit card, you can get all of these without having to pay extra. Moreover, some cards provide miles or points that you can use with certain alliances for flight upgrades or other additional services.​

Final Insights

Your 15-hour flight to Sydney doesn’t have to feel like an endurance test — if you choose to fly business class, your journey will be as comfortable as possible. Whether you opt for a nonstop flight with Qantas or United or take a flight with an exotic layover with Cathay Pacific, there surely is a business-class option that fits your needs. And the best part? You don’t have to overpay for it. Booking at the right time, using miles, and keeping an eye on OTA or Priceline deals can help you get the most comfort for the best price available.