Flight from America to Australia usually takes about 15 hours and flight distance is 9903 kms from the west coast of the US to the east coast of Australia.
When flying internationally it is pretty much impossible to avoid jet lag, and flying from the US to Australia is no exception. But there are actions that can be taken to minimise the effects of jet lag once you have arrived.
Luckily, most flights to Australia leave the west coast of the US late in the afternoon, or into the evening. This means that your flight to Australia will consist of dinner, a movie, a good night’s sleep and breakfast, and then you are ready for your decent to your destination.
It is important to turn your watch to Australia time the minute you take off, in preparation for the time difference. When departing between 6pm and 11pm, a full dinner will be served. After the meal is cleared away, movies will be available for you to watch for a couple of hours or for as long as your wish to. Then you can turn your light off, don your eye mask and get some sleep. If you can manage 6 hours of solid sleep, you’ll be able to avoid a major episode of jet lag once you’ve arrived at your destination.
Once you wake, breakfast will be served and by the time breakfast has been cleared away, it will be just about time for landing.
If by chance you’re on a flight that has spare seating, once you’re in the air you can request to be moved to a more spacious seat setting, and then be able to stretch out a bit better. If the plane is full, try to organise an aisle seat. You’ll be pleased for the easy access to the aisle and the chance to stretch those legs once in a while.
While on the physical elements of flying don’t forget that Deep Vein Thrombosis is now recognised as a definite physical risk for some when flying long distances. It is recommended that passengers undertake regular movement exercises of their feet and legs whilst in their seats and also to move around as much as possible to avoid blood clotting of the veins. Keeping your blood circulating is very important whilst flying.
On arrival all passengers must pass through Australian Quarantine and Customs. I cannot stress enough how important it is to declare any food you are bringing with you. Australian Quarantine takes a very dim view of any food that is brought into Australia and is not declared. Chances are you will be able to take the food with you, just declare it to be sure.
The following is a quick rundown of capital city airport distances from city centres and the time it takes to travel that distance.
Adelaide airport is 4.5 miles / 7 km from the city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes travel time.
Alice Springs airport is 10.5 miles/ 17 km from the city centre and takes approximately 20 minutes travel time.
Brisbane airport is 8 miles / 13 km from the city centre and takes approximately 25 minutes travel time.
Cairns airport is 3.7 miles / 6 km from the city centre and takes approximately 10 minutes travel time.
Canberra airport is 4.5 miles / 7 km from the city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes travel time.
Darwin airport is 7.5 miles / 12 km from the city centre and takes approximately 15 minutes travel time.
Hobart airport is 13.6 miles / 22 km from the city centre and takes approximately 20 minutes travel time.
Melbourne airport is 12.4 miles / 20 km from the city centre and takes approximately 35 minutes travel time.
Perth airport is 12.4 miles / 20 km from the city centre and takes approximately 30 minutes travel time.
Sydney airport is 6 miles / 10 km from the city centre and takes approximately 35 minutes travel time.
