QANTAS is to introduce three non-stop weekly services between San Francisco and Sydney, operating three-class Boeing 747-400 aircraft from 29 March 2006. For Oneworld users it will add an interesting alternative stopover on services to ”down under”. SFO is one of the friendlier US airports when it comes to transit passengers, each way you still have to technically ”land” in America and come out again. Tourist immigration forms have to be completed, not the full visa paperwork, even if you have one! The 14 hour 30 minute flight will be Qantas longest non-stop sector and competes with United Airlines. A summer only (US summer that is) is planned between Vancouver and Sydney.
http://www.qantas.com