Business class from UK to Sydney

hs61

My wife and I are looking to book a 3 week stay in Sydney in either Sept, October or November 2013. I am going to see a brother after 30 years so want to do it in style but not breaking the bank if possible:beer:
Never been this far before so looking for any tips on how to get best value and quality and best airline to travel with.
We live in Edinburgh so can either travel to London or wherever if it is cheaper to do so. Also is it best to book early or nearer the time and through airlines direct or third party?

Many thanks for any advice:D

littlereddevil

The earlier you book the cheaper with scheduled airlines. Usually cheaper to book direct but I have occasionally been cheaper with netflights than the airline. If I were you I would avoid Heathrow like the plague and go KLM via Amsterdam or go to Glasgow and fly with Emirates.

Bennifred

We often use Trailfinders for long-distance Business class flights. They will do all the searching for you, (have always matched any prices I have come up with by looking myself) and they don't charge extra for using a credit card.

Also, if you get the option, we found that Business class in the A380 (we went with Qantas) was fabulous - so much more space, quieter and less stuffy than other aircraft......

kipperman

Depending on how much you want to save vs amount of hassle, flying ex EU can make big savings on business class - In the case of BA, from (say) Amsterdam. You still need to get to your point of departure of course and the flight will route through Heathrow.

From memory, I've seen reports of savings of £1000 over ex London flights, one reason being that the high airport tax on premium classes is avoided.

Worth a thought.

Dragonista

Emirates or Singapore Airlines or Thai Airways would be my suggestions.

Doshwaster

littlereddevil wrote: »

The earlier you book the cheaper with scheduled airlines. Usually cheaper to book direct but I have occasionally been cheaper with netflights than the airline. If I were you I would avoid Heathrow like the plague and go KLM via Amsterdam or go to Glasgow and fly with Emirates.

Heathrow isn't that bad if you are flying business class as at least you'll have lounge access. However, I would tend to agree that if you have no loyalty to any airline or alliance then Emirates (either ex-Amsterdam or direct to DXB) is probably your best bet, especially if you can get an A380 service.

littlereddevil

I didn't like the 380 one little bit, preferring a smaller business class section

hs61

Thanks for all the info, will have a more detailed look into the suggestions made. We are now looking to change the travel dates to January 2014 so any thoughts about specific dates not to travel etc due to local holidays etc would be appreciated.
Thanks

Almo

Well, that's a busy season, obviously with Christmas travellers returning home but also the fact that lots of Aussies take some or all of January off. No idea how much it affects flights and probably depends on when exactly in January you're looking at going. Early Jan I'd imagine would be pricey.

Alan_Bowen

Generally December to Easter have the highest fares so if you can go in the autumn it may be considerably cheaper, everything being relevant when the fare is likely to be well over £2000 each anyway

Mr_Wang

Fly economy and get three flights holidays for the price of one :beer: