Flight searches to the US surge 89% after Aussies are promised easier access

The statue of Liberty and Manhattan, New York City, USA

Travelling through US airports has long been a pain point for travellers, so it’s little suprise that so many Aussies were thrilled to hear that travelling to the states is about to get easier.

Albo’s government has this week confirmed that Australia will be joining the US’ Global Entry program from 2025. This means that pre-approved, low-risk travellers from selected countries will be able to used the automated kiosk so they can get through immigration quicker. They will also get faster security screenings on domestic flights.

According to global marketplace, Skyscanner, Aussie interest in travel to the US is at an all-time high, and the news of the Global Entry Program comes as a timely benefit for these Aussies looking to book a trip to the US from January 2025.

For just the 5 August 2024, Skyscanner saw a whopping spike of 89 per cent in search volume for US destinations when compared to the previous day (this is based on Aussies searching for travel dates from Jan 2025 onwards).

The top US destinations Aussies are searching for are (based on searches in August 2024 to date, for
travel in Jan 2025 and beyond):

1. Las Vegas
2. Los Angeles
3. Orlando
4. New York
5. San Francisco
6. Seattle
7. Honolulu
8. Chicago
9. Miami
10. Washington DC

Australia and the US first planned to work together on the goal in 2018, however things were delayed due to the pandemic.

“It’s good for Australian businesses, and it’s good for our friendship,” said foreign minister Penny Wong, who made the announcement in Washington DC.

“This program and our participation in it is a sign of our closeness and our trust.”

Melissa Elf, Flight Centre Travel Group global corporate COO, described the move as “very welcome”.

Australia is a ‘vital market’ for the USA travel industry

 

Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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