When it comes to flying from the U.S. to Australia, the journey is just as important as the destination—especially for those in the film and entertainment industry, where comfort, reliability, and premium service matter. With more routes opening up and inflight experiences being elevated across the board, choosing the right airline can have a major impact on your travel experience.

As experts in production travel, TAG knows what matters most when flying long haul. Whether you’re seeking luxury, looking for seamless connections, or simply looking for world-class service, there’s a carrier that fits the brief. TAG has compared four standout airlines—Air New Zealand, Delta Air Lines, Qantas Airways and United Airlines—to help you find the best way to fly down under.

Delta Air Lines

Easy Connections & Full Schedule

• Delta has an extensive domestic network in the USA and is consistent in leading on time performance amongst any legacy carrier. Travellers can feel confident that Delta will get them where they want to be, and when.
• By 2026, Delta will offer a full schedule to the top three most popular gateways in Australia, including Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne, as well as Auckland direct from Los Angeles. Note that the Brisbane, Melbourne and Auckland flights are seasonal but there are excellent connections via Sydney if travel falls outside these times

Best in Class Offerings – Delta One

• Those who are originating in LAX and travelling Delta One can take advantage of the one-of-a-kind Delta One check in. This emulates a hotel lobby and check in experience with private TSA, before being whisked away by private elevator to the brand-new Delta One lounge.
• The Delta One lounge is open exclusively to those travelling in Delta One and is an intimate and serene space filled with luxurious experiences—including a full bistro menu cooked to order, full table side service wherever you sit, on-site sushi and pastry chefs, and top shelf wines and liquors, an outdoor terrace, a relaxation room with nap pods and full body massage chairs.

Premium Economy

• All Delta flights to the South Pacific offer Delta Premium Select, the premium economy product. With curated and customised menus served on real china and cutlery, feel the sophistication of this separate cabin.
  • A great alternative to the lie-flat Delta One seats, Delta Premium Select combines wider seats lined with memory foam with a generous recline to offer best in class comfort. Add in the foot rest, and you can sleep your way to Australia with ease.

Qantas Airways – Australia in the Sky

The Australian Experience

• On Qantas, customers can start to experience Australia the moment they step onboard thanks to the attentive Aussie crew, delicious Australian food and beverage, and premium inflight experience. Food and beverage, inflight entertainment and checked baggage is included standard with every booking.

Nearly 50 Flights per Week

• Qantas customers enjoy direct service to Australia with nearly 50 return flights per week from Qantas’ U.S. hubs. Fly from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas/Fort Worth, New York (JFK), Honolulu and Vancouver to Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Customers can also connect to Qantas from more than 200 destinations across the U.S. thanks to its codeshare partnership with American Airlines.

United Airlines

Global Footprint

• United Airlines is leading the way for travel to Australia with more direct flights than any other U.S. airline, offering nonstop service to Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane from major U.S. hubs like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Houston and the first nonstop service to Adelaide, with three-times weekly flights from San Francisco beginning December 2025.
• Plus, United’s partnership with Virgin Australia expands the footprint of destinations throughout Australia and adds more benefits for both MileagePlus and Velocity Frequent Flyer members. Eligible members can earn and redeem miles/points, receive priority check-in and boarding, and access lounge locations.

Business Offers

• For entertainment industry professionals, United for Business offers even more benefits including airfare discounts, flat rates on media equipment and checked baggage, VIP airport services, and 24/7 dedicated support.

Ultimate Experience in the Sky

• United’s experience in the sky makes a long-haul flight more enjoyable for passengers. United Polaris® business class offers premium lie-flat seats, Saks Fifth Avenue bedding, and top-tier dining. With a growing fleet of aircraft equipped with an award-winning inflight entertainment system, United is building what might be considered the “largest theatre in the sky,” ensuring that the magic of storytelling continues at 30,000 feet.

Wi-Fi Coming Soon

• High-speed Wi-Fi is also coming soon to all United aircraft. With Starlink, MileagePlus® members will get the world’s most reliable in-flight Wi-Fi for free. United will start adding Starlink to its fleet this spring and has a full rollout planned over the next few years.

Air New Zealand

Authentic Kiwi Experience From Takeoff 

• Air New Zealand embodies manaakitanga (hospitality), offering a warm and uniquely New Zealand welcome from the moment you step onboard.

Seamless Nonstop Flights 

• Convenient direct flights from Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Houston and New York to Auckland, with excellent connections to Cairns, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth eliminating unnecessary terminal changes and clearing customs at your destination.

Award-Winning Service 

• Consistently recognised for exceptional customer service, Air New Zealand provides a premium experience across all cabins. Per AirlineRatings.com Air New Zealand was awarded World’s Safest Airline for 2025 (their second year winning this award).

Innovative Seating Options 

• Setting Air New Zealand apart are their exclusive offerings like the Skycouch™ (a row of economy seats that convert into a bed) and Premium Economy with extra space and comfort.

Gourmet New Zealand-Inspired Cuisine 

• Enjoy locally sourced wines, craft beers, and fresh Kiwi-inspired meals, showcasing the best of Aotearoa.

Modern Fleet & Sustainability Focus 

• Air New Zealand operates one of the youngest, most efficient long-haul fleets, with a strong commitment to sustainable aviation and reducing carbon emissions.

TAG has Entertainment rates with all the above-mentioned carriers.

To learn more or book your production travel with TAG, visit their website today to get started.