Qantas to fly direct to Dallas

[tassaj]

Yesterday's press announced Qantas will begin flying direct non-stop Sydney to Dallas four times per week from mid May 2011. This of course gives them access to American Airlines major hub. It looks like the flights leave Sydney about 1:30pm and arrive in Dallas just before 2pm local (same day). There are typically about 3 American Airlines flights each afternoon direct MCO arriving from about 8:30pm. This looks like a really good way to get to Orlando while avoiding the 'joy' of LAX. If you had the time, I would be tempted to drive from Dallas to Orlando and have a look around (it is 1700 kms though). With my tribe of 7, I would have been tempted if this had been available last September. Qantas currently offering Syd-Dallas return for less than $1000. Cheers

[KeithS]

Yep - this is excellent news for those who want to go to Orlando without visiting Disneyland first. And the current specials are very tempting! I would also imagine that immigration would be quieter in DFW than LAX (although I may be completely wrong!)

[ajp]

We've already started discussing options as to how we could use this new service. Although on first look last night, it appears that it's direct Syd-Dallas, but return is via Brisbane. I couldn't see any Dallas-Syd direct flights. Which mind you woud be even better. Direct to Orlando via Dallas and then return via LAX, and of course a couple of days in Anaheim .

[tassaj]

Yes you are correct the return route from Dallas is via Brisbane. It appears that DFW-SYD direct against the prevailing head winds is pushing the 747-400 just a tad far, hence the Brisbane stop. Good plan to fly back via LAX from MCO. I finally may be able to check off the bucket list a visit to Dealey Plaza now. The first time I went to WDW in '83, I flew Air NZ from Sydney via Auckland, Honolulu, LAX, Dallas then onto Orlando, now it is just one simple (long...) hop to Dallas. Fantastic !

[ColinA]

The advantage is being able to get more flights to MCO, always risky to make the flight from LA to MCO on the same day. Dallas can be a nightmare as well but happy to do if you are given sufficient time.

[KeithS]

The advantage is being able to get more flights to MCO, always risky to make the flight from LA to MCO on the same day.

Yep - this is exactly why Qantas has made this move - it just opens up so many more options to travel within the US (not just MCO obviously).

I ran into Wayne yesterday in the City and told him about the flight special, and I could almost see him planning a WDW trip later this year

[tassaj]

My last post re this but in today's SMH...
"One of the major attractions is that Qantas will be selling a 70-minute international-to-domestic connection at Dallas", full article at
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-new ... 1a7py.html.
That's a pretty quick turnaround for a US airport, I wonder if it will be achievable in the real world.

[ColinA]

My last post re this but in today's SMH...
"One of the major attractions is that Qantas will be selling a 70-minute international-to-domestic connection at Dallas", full article at
http://www.smh.com.au/travel/travel-new ... 1a7py.html.
That's a pretty quick turnaround for a US airport, I wonder if it will be achievable in the real world.

Not sure I would be risking the 70 mins change. All depends how long you have to wait for the next flight.