dailynewsnblog
Qantas is celebrating its latest route announcement, with the news that the Australian flag carrier will become the first airline in the world to connect Australia and the world’s favorite adult playground, Las Vegas. While the airline has offered charter services from Sydney to Las Vegas before, this will be the first time it has offered scheduled flights.
The seasonal service will become the airline’s sixth US destination, following Los Angeles, San Francisco, Dallas, Honolulu, and New York JFK. The Las Vegas route is scheduled to operate seasonally between December and March. At this stage, service will operate thrice weekly with the Boeing 787-9. Qantas has 14 Dreamliners in its fleet, with the 787-9 configured to carry a total of 236 passengers with 42 in business, 28 in premium economy, and 166 in economy class (as per ch-aviation).
All Aboard To Viva Las Vegas
Oneworld alliance partner Qantas will launch the new service on December 29, operating the inaugural scheduled flight from 
Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) to Las Vegas 
Harry Reid International Airport (LAS). The service will be 13 hours and 55 minutes, and will run through until March 12.
Tickets are already on sale, with return airfares from Australia advertised at AU $1,099 ($783). The airline is also offering double frequent flier Qantas Points on Qantas Hotels and Holiday packages booked to Las Vegas between now and March 6. This would see six points for every AU$1 ($0.71) spent. Qantas International Chief Executive Officer, Cam Wallace, explained why Qantas chose Las Vegas as its next international destination:
“Australians’ appetite for international travel continues to be incredibly strong. Rome and Sapporo have shown us there’s real demand for seasonal services to destinations people want to visit at certain times of year, and we’re continuing to expand those direct connections around the world.”
Thrice Weekly To Sin City
As already mentioned, Qantas will launch its historic route to Las Vegas on December 29, and it marks the airline’s 101st destination on its network. As per the airline’s website, the service to Sin City will operate three times weekly, departing from Sydney as QF55 on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays at 9:00 pm for the 13-hour, 55-minute journey across the Pacific to Las Vegas, arriving at 3:55 pm, just in time for dinner and a show.
The return flight will depart from Las Vegas on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, pushing back as QF56 at 8:20 pm for the 15-hour and 15-minute trip south-west to the land down under, arriving in Sydney two days later (after crossing the international date line) at 6:35 am. This provides ease of access to the wider domestic and international Qantas network from its biggest hub at SYD.
The route is still subject to government and regulatory approval. However, flights are already on sale and can be booked on the airline’s website now, or via your preferred travel agent.
American Airlines Adds New Flights Between Los Angeles & Brisbane As Qantas Reduces Service
Together, both airlines will offer seven weekly flights between the two airports.
Not The First Time Touching Down In Las Vegas
With nonstop services to Las Vegas, this will enable passengers to avoid transiting via another US hub, saving hours off usual travel times. For Qantas, this isn’t the first time they’ve flown to Las Vegas; however, it will be the first time an airline has operated a scheduled service.
Over the past two years, Qantas has operated charter flights through a partnership with the NRL (National Rugby League), flying from Australia to Vegas to transport Aussie fans to games being hosted there. These sell-out charters are now in their third year and continue to be hugely popular. Qantas’ low-cost carrier, Jetstar, has also operated these charter flights; it would be unlikely to see JQ also attempt the scheduled service if its parent company has just launched the route.
Las Vegas remains a popular destination for Australian travelers, with approximately a quarter of a million visiting the city each year. Not only is it a popular adult playground with an abundance of entertainment, dining, and hotel options, but it is also in proximity to the wonders of Lake Mead, the Grand Canyon, Red Rock National Conservation Area, Valley of Fire State Park, Hoover Dam, and Emerald Cove.
