As expected, Air New Zealand confirmed new non-stop service from Auckland to Chicago beginning in November of this year. The flights will be three times weekly in both directions on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Air New Zealand is a Star Alliance member so if you have miles from United, Air Canada, Singapore Airlines, etc, you will be able to redeem those miles on this route. This will be the longest flight from O’Hare and if you can redeem those miles for a business class flight, your legs will thank you. If you’re heading to Australia, this would be another option as Auckland can be used as a connecting point. You can read about that on the Chicago Tribune website right here. There are rumors that Qantas is looking to initiate Sydney, Australia to Chicago service soon. If and when that comes to fruition, I’ll post the details here.