So You Want to Ditch the Deep Dish for Tim Tams: How Long is That Flight to Australia?
Let's face it, Chicago is awesome. Deep dish pizza, that windy city charm, and enough museums to keep you cultured for a lifetime. But sometimes, a wanderlust for wide-open spaces and beaches that go on forever hits you. And that's when you set your sights on Australia, the land of koalas, kangaroos, and the Great Barrier Reef.
But here's the thing, mate (because you're practically an Aussie already by now): Chicago to Australia is a haul. Like, a pack-your-whole-Netflix-queue haul.
No Direct Flights? That's Fair Dinkum
Yeah, buckle up because there are no direct flights from Chicago to Australia. You'll be joining the mile-high club Down Under with a layover or two (or three...don't judge). The good news is this gives you a chance to perfect your best "g'day" and brush up on your Aussie slang. "Crikey," "fair dinkum," and "she'll be right" are all conversation starters that are sure to impress (or confuse) your fellow travellers.
So, How Long Does This Take, Anyway?
Here's the tricky part. Flights can range anywhere from 20 to well over 40 hours depending on the airline, the route, and how many scenic detours you take (because let's be honest, who wouldn't want to see Fiji for a few hours?).
Breaking it Down: The Great Layover Debate
- The Quick and Dirty: Want to get to Oz as fast as possible? Look for flights with one layover. This can shave some serious time off your trip, but be prepared for a bit of a marathon leg between connections.
- The "Stretch Your Legs" Approach: Two layovers might be your sweet spot. It gives you a chance to break up the journey, grab a decent meal (those tiny airplane pretzels just don't cut it for 20 hours), and maybe even do a little sightseeing.
- The Multi-City Multi-Stop Mosh Pit: This is for the adventurous traveller who wants to tack on a side trip to somewhere like Hawaii or New Zealand. Just make sure you pack enough snacks and a good book, because this could be a wild ride.
The Final Word: Patience is a Virtue (Especially When Flying to Australia)
Listen, getting to Australia from Chicago is a journey, not a sprint. Embrace the long flight, use it as an opportunity to catch up on sleep, watch cheesy movies, or write the next great Australian novel (who knows, inspiration might strike!). By the time you touch down in Sydney, Melbourne, or wherever your Aussie adventure begins, you'll be a seasoned traveller ready to conquer anything the continent throws your way. Just don't forget your swimmers, because those beaches aren't going to wait forever!
