Long Haul Flights

LadyDee

I'm looking to start investigate flights to Australia later in the year, and would like some recommendations on where to begin. Which are the best sites? I have no recent experience of flying independently so I doubt whether I've even heard of the best/most reliable/genuine sites.

My preferred airlines would be Singapore, Emirates or Qantas, but I'm open to recommendations.

Thanks in advance.

Nile

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere (please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

LadyDee

Nile wrote: »

Hi, Martin’s asked me to post this in these circumstances: I’ve asked Board Guides to move threads if they’ll receive a better response elsewhere (please see this rule) so this post/thread has been moved to another board, where it should get more replies. If you have any questions about this policy please email [EMAIL="forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com"]forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com[/EMAIL].

So where have you moved it to please? (Just in case someone sees it here and has something to add to the thread)

richardw

Where in the UK are you?

Is Perth and around on your list of places to visit?

Doshwaster

LadyDee wrote: »

My preferred airlines would be Singapore, Emirates or Qantas, but I'm open to recommendations..

You really cannot go wrong with any of those 3 airlines on the Oz route. The choice would be dependant on departure airport (Emirates do regional departures in the UK), any stopover you may want to do and, of course, price.

To find the flights, my favourite search engine is https://www.kayak.co.uk but also try http://www.skyscanner.net/.

As for booking, I would go either direct with the airline or through a reliable 3rd party (Expedia, Ebookers etc) and wouldn't go with a company I hadn't heard of even if they were cheaper.

Remember, it's a long way to Oz so you are better off paying a little bit more to fly on a decent airline with a good schedule and good service.

richardw

LadyDee wrote: »

So where have you moved it to please? (Just in case someone sees it here and has something to add to the thread)

It's in flights, currency & car hire.

LadyDee

richardw wrote: »

Where in the UK are you?

Is Perth and around on your list of places to visit?

I'm in Berkshire.

I don't really mind where I land - Perth would be good, then probably a train journey onto Melbourne via the Indian Pacific - just for the experience!

zagfles

Singapore seem to have some good deals at the moment.

Watch out for cancellation/alteration charges - agents sometimes have worse terms. I've booked direct with Singapore for slightly more than the best agent quote, however Singapore's cancellation charge is only 100USD compared with 50% of the cost with the agent. Plus free alterations (if on same price flight).

LadyDee

Doshwaster wrote: »

You really cannot go wrong with any of those 3 airlines on the Oz route. The choice would be dependant on departure airport (Emirates do regional departures in the UK), any stopover you may want to do and, of course, price.

To find the flights, my favourite search engine is https://www.kayak.co.uk but also try http://www.skyscanner.net/.

As for booking, I would go either direct with the airline or through a reliable 3rd party (Expedia, Ebookers etc) and wouldn't go with a company I hadn't heard of even if they were cheaper.

Remember, it's a long way to Oz so you are better off paying a little bit more to fly on a decent airline with a good schedule and good service.

Thanks for that. I have flown to Australia before but it was many years ago and I was a good deal younger so wasn't bothered about 'roughing it' - I like a bit of comfort nowadays:) It's very helpful to have your recommendations on booking sites - that's the sort of info I'm looking for.

Obviously_the_best

https://www.skyscanner.net is good. I can't think of a travel agent I wouldn't use that they quote from other than 9flights. The skytrax world's best airline is Qatar, who'll fly you to Oz from London, although if I'm going to Oz I use China Southern or Malaysian, as they both have comfortable aircraft, nice crew and are cheap.

pmramsay

Not sure how late in the year you are looking but don't forget its the ashes cricket in December so flights may go up around that time!!