How long does it take to fly to Australia? A complete analysis of the direct flight/transfer time in different cities

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutFlight duration to AustraliaNow I will summarize the relevant issues and hope it will be helpful to those who want to know more.

As the most popular destination for studying abroad and immigration in the southern hemisphere, the routes between Australia and China have always maintained a high frequency of flights. According to data from the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the passenger volume of China-Australia routes in 2023 has recovered to the pre-epidemic level of 85%. This article will comprehensively analyze the flight time to Australia from multiple dimensions such as direct/transfer routes, seasonal factors, and airline selection.

1. Comparison of direct flight times from major cities

1. Flights from Beijing
- Beijing → Sydney: Direct flight takes about 11 hours and 10 minutes (Air China CA173)
- Beijing → Melbourne: Direct flight takes about 11 hours and 40 minutes (China Eastern Airlines MU738)
- Beijing → Brisbane: No direct flights, need to transfer in Singapore (total flight time is about 16 hours)

2. Routes departing from Shanghai
- Shanghai → Sydney: Direct flight takes about 10 hours and 25 minutes (China Eastern Airlines MU561)
- Shanghai → Melbourne: Direct flight takes about 10 hours and 50 minutes (China Eastern Airlines MU739)
- Shanghai → Perth: Direct flight takes about 8 hours and 30 minutes (newly launched Juneyao Airlines HO1888)

3. Routes departing from Guangzhou/Shenzhen
- Guangzhou → Sydney: China Southern Airlines CZ325 direct flight about 9 hours and 15 minutes
- Shenzhen → Melbourne: Hainan Airlines HU447 direct flight about 8 hours and 50 minutes

4. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Hong Kong → Sydney: Cathay Pacific CX101 direct flight about 9 hours and 15 minutes
- Hong Kong → Adelaide: Need to transfer in Singapore (total flight time is about 13 hours)

2. Analysis of transfer route time

1. Southeast Asia transit hub
- Singapore transfer: add about 5-7 hours of transfer time (the average transfer time at Changi Airport is 2.5 hours)
- Transfer in Kuala Lumpur: Total journey is about 16-18 hours (including transfer waiting)

2. Middle East Transit Plan
- Dubai transfer: total duration is about 20 hours (common route for Emirates Airlines)
- Doha transfer: Qatar Airways transfer plan is about 19 hours

3. Transfer options between Japan and South Korea
- Transfer in Seoul: Korean Air KE121+KE403 combination, about 17 hours
- Transfer in Tokyo: ANA NH980+NH879, about 18 hours

3. Key factors affecting flight duration

1. The effect of the earth's rotation: flying westward (China → Australia) is an average of 1.5 hours faster than flying eastward
2. Seasonal wind direction differences: In winter, the westerly winds can shorten the flight time by 30-50 minutes
3. Aircraft performance parameters: Airbus A350 saves 9% of fuel and flies 3% faster than Boeing 777
4. Air traffic control routes: Different route planning may result in a time difference of ±40 minutes

4. Tips for saving flight time

1. Choose red-eye flights: flights departing in the early morning are more likely to get good air traffic control time.
2. Choose a new aircraft: Boeing 787 Dreamliner is equipped with supercharger technology to reduce jet lag
3. Make good use of transfer combinations: for example, "Shanghai-Singapore-Perth" is 1 hour faster than a direct flight
4. Member-only channel: Star Alliance Gold members can enjoy fast customs clearance service

5. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is the actual flight time different from that shown when I purchased the ticket?
A: The planned flight time announced by airlines is affected by factors such as weather and route adjustments. According to statistics from the Civil Aviation Administration, the actual flight time in 2023 is an average of 8 minutes shorter than planned.

Q: How to choose a comfortable seat in economy class?
A: It is recommended to choose an emergency exit row (extra fee required) or a front cabin seat. The front-to-back spacing in economy class on international flights is usually 31-34 inches. You can refer to the data on the SeatGuru website when choosing a seat.

Q: How to adjust jet lag during flight?
A: Suggestions:
1. Gradually adjust your schedule 3 days before departure
2. Meals during the flight are based on the time at the destination
3. Use white noise earplugs to help you sleep
4. Reset your body clock by soaking up some sun as soon as you arrive

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandFlight duration to AustraliaIt is recommended to book flights 4-6 weeks in advance and use the "Price Trends" function of Google Flights to monitor price fluctuations. Whether you choose a direct flight or a connecting flight, please confirm the baggage through check-in policy and the transit visa requirements. I wish you a smooth journey to Australia!