Australia is reopening: How to plan your trip to Sydney using points and miles

Australia is set to welcome back tourists and visa holders as its borders finally open. Starting February 21, you can visit quarantine-free if you're fully vaccinated.

If it’s your first visit to Down Under, Sydney is an ideal starting point. While it’s quite far away, the city offers a sense of familiarity for newcomers, along with a vibrant atmosphere that seasoned travelers will find continually refreshing.

Additionally, there are numerous ways to reach Sydney and maximize your stay using points and miles, allowing you to save significantly on your trip and enhance your experience with luxurious accommodations and business-class flights.

Traveling to Sydney using points and miles

Sydney Airport (SYD), fittingly named, is the busiest airport in Australia, serving over 150,000 passengers daily before the pandemic.

Although it's a major global city, if you're traveling from the U.S., direct flights are currently available only from Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Dallas (DFW), and Honolulu (HNL). Brace yourself for a lengthy journey: the quickest flight from Honolulu lasts nearly 10.5 hours, while the longest from Dallas stretches a staggering 16 hours and 45 minutes. Fortunately, once you land, the city center is just about 5 miles away and easily reachable by train.

The cost of redeeming points can vary widely, as does the availability of awards. Due to high demand, some flights to Sydney have been reduced to smaller planes, complicating the search for award seats. For instance, the Qantas route from Dallas to Sydney, which was previously serviced by an Airbus A380, is now operated by a Boeing 787.

Booking flights with Qantas

If you plan to fly with American Airlines or Qantas from cities like Los Angeles, Dallas, San Francisco, or Honolulu, it's worth booking directly through American AAdvantage or Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

If you manage to find saver award availability, American Airlines will only require 40,000 AAdvantage miles for a one-way economy ticket, 65,000 for premium economy, 80,000 for business class, and 110,000 for first class.

Alaska Airlines offers the same mileage rates for American flights, while for Qantas flights, it costs 42,500 miles for economy, 47,500 for premium economy, 55,000 for business class, and 70,000 for first class. These rates for Qantas are particularly attractive, though finding award availability in premium cabins can be challenging.

You can also book directly through the Qantas Frequent Flyer Program, which partners with American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One, and Citi ThankYou Rewards. However, be aware that redemption rates are significantly higher, especially for premium cabins.

Booking United flights to Sydney

United offers nonstop flights to Sydney from both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

One-way awards begin at 40,000 United MileagePlus miles for economy, but can exceed 100,000 miles during peak travel times. For business class, one-way awards now range from 88,000 miles to over 200,000 miles due to United's shift to dynamic award pricing.

If there’s saver-level availability, booking through ANA Mileage Club could be advantageous, as it requires 75,000 miles round-trip in economy and 120,000 miles for business class. You can also mix United flights with other Star Alliance airlines while paying the same mileage.

You can transfer points to United from Chase Ultimate Rewards if you hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred, or Ink Business Preferred Credit Card, and to ANA from American Express Membership Rewards.

Booking Delta award flights to Sydney

Delta's award pricing is even more unpredictable.

As of now, one-way economy awards with Delta range from 68,000 Delta SkyMiles to over 100,000. In contrast, Premium Select starts at 125,000 miles, while Delta One business class regularly exceeds 300,000 miles.

A more cost-effective option for these flights would be to book through Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, which charges 45,000 points for one-way economy and 165,000 points for business class.

Delta is a transfer partner with American Express Membership Rewards, while Virgin collaborates with American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards, and Citi ThankYou Rewards.

Where to stay

Sydney boasts hotels from all major hotel chains, making it easy to use your points in the city. Here’s a look at some of the top choices across the major brands.

Using World of Hyatt points in Sydney

If you're a loyal World of Hyatt member, you likely know about the chain's hotel categories and may be curious about the experience at a Category 7 hotel.

Few places showcase this better than the Park Hyatt Sydney. This hotel is highly coveted among award travelers, despite being one of the rare properties where Globalists cannot utilize Suite Upgrade Awards. It offers stunning views of the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, spacious accommodations, and exceptional service.

Staying here will cost you between 25,000 to 35,000 points per night, depending on whether it's peak or off-peak pricing. Cash rates usually exceed $800 per night. If you're low on World of Hyatt points, consider enhancing your balance by acquiring the World of Hyatt Credit Card or the World of Hyatt Business Credit Card, both of which are currently offering generous welcome bonuses.

You can also transfer points from Chase Ultimate Rewards.

If you enjoy luxury at a lower cost, check out the Hyatt Regency Sydney. As a Category 5 World of Hyatt property, it will only cost you 20,000 points per night—10,000 fewer than the Park Hyatt Sydney (or 12,000 fewer during peak periods). The rooms are elegantly furnished, and its Darling Harbour location is very convenient, with nearby water taxi and train stops as well as a lively boardwalk.

Using IHG Rewards points in Sydney

How does the idea of a free night appeal to you? Utilize the annual reward night certificate from your IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card to book a stay at one of the many attractive properties in Sydney.

You can choose from a distinguished hotel like the InterContinental Sydney, typically priced around $220 or 32,000 IHG Rewards points per night, or the contemporary Crowne Plaza Sydney Darling Harbour, starting at $160 or 30,000 IHG Rewards points per night. Additionally, there are several Holiday Inn locations throughout the city.

For a more luxurious experience, IHG also offers the new Kimpton Margot Sydney, where award nights begin at 46,000 points. Housed in a renovated art deco building in the vibrant southern part of the city, it features amenities such as a wine cellar, rooftop bar, and rooftop pool.

Using Marriott Bonvoy points in Sydney

If you’re looking to redeem Marriott Bonvoy points, consider a stay near the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Pier One Sydney Harbour, an Autograph Collection boutique hotel, is located next to the south pylon and can be booked for about $170 or 30,000 to 40,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night.

Alternatively, you can also stay at the Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park for the same award rate, which features an indoor rooftop pool. There’s also the stylish new W Sydney, set to open in November.

Finding budget redemptions at chain hotels near the Central Business District can be challenging, so consider using a bank portal like the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal for hotel bookings. When cash rates are low, this method can often be more economical than transferring points.

Navigating Sydney

Sydney boasts an extensive and modern public transport network that includes trains, buses, and ferries.

Most forms of public transport necessitate an Opal card, available at any convenience or grocery store. Load it with funds using your Chase Sapphire Reserve Credit Card to earn 3 Ultimate Rewards points per dollar on travel purchases.

Whether you're heading to the airport, beach, or park, your Opal card and Sydney's award-winning transit system will get you there. Just a heads up: many trains cease operations at midnight, so plan your travels accordingly.

One of the most enjoyable — and cost-effective — ways to experience Sydney is by taking a ferry. Catch the ferry to Manly and make your return trip around sunset. The ride lasts about 20 minutes each way from Circular Quay, and it’s nearly impossible to capture a bad photo of the skyline, the Opera House, or the Harbour Bridge.

Final thoughts

Sydney is a lively and welcoming city, perfect for a brief stopover en route to other South Pacific destinations or as a standalone travel experience. Although reaching it can be time-consuming — and require numerous points and miles — you’ll discover plenty of ways to keep your visit budget-friendly, regardless of the programs you use. So whether you’re a travel novice, new to points and miles, or a seasoned traveler, every day in Sydney is a great day.