UNITED AIRLINES: Brisbane to Los Angeles route starts 1 December 2023

This direct Brisbane to Los Angeles route with United Airlines is applauded. United Airlines is a member of Star Alliance. This route will join the existing Brisbane to San Francisco flight, both using a Polaris Business Class outfitted Boeing 787.

New Flights

The new flights to Los Angeles from the Virgin Australia partner will fly three times per week from Brisbane:

• UA 284: Leave Brisbane 12:45 (Tues, Fri, Sun) arrive in Los Angeles 08:00 same day
• UA 283 Leave Los Angeles 09:00 (Wed, Fri. Sun) arrive in Brisbane at 05:15 plus two days

The Boeing 787s used are outfitted with what many consider to be the best 48 Business Class seats from a US carrier. Polaris Business Class seats come with Saks Fifth Avenue amenities, including bedding.

The addition of Brisbane means that United now flies from three Australian ports. Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney to Los Angeles and San Francisco.

2PAXfly Takeout

This will be good news, particularly for members of the Velocity Frequent Flyer program, the loyalty club for Virgin Australia. They can now use their points to book these United flights out of Brisbane.

Under the partnership agreement between United and Virgin Australia, Gold and Platinum members can access United Lounges in the San Francisco and Los Angeles airports. Unfortunately, without a United badged or partner lounge in Brisbane, premium flyers will be left to their own devices pre-departure. This is the same for Sydney and Melbourne, too.

If you are a member of Priority Pass or American Express lounges – they will be your options for pre-departure lounges in Australia