Business class from UK to Sydney

Jeff_Bridges_hair

Yup, very expensive business class nowadays -especially for that journey.

What the OP could do is look from Manchester airport too - only a stop over in Hamburg in Germany then for just over an hour last time I done the trip and Manchester is an easier airport really than Heathrow - though connecting to Heathrow from an Edinburgh flight would be easier than shacking up there from the train or some such

littlereddevil

hs61 wrote: »

I seem to be finding business class fares for the two of us to Sydney and return from London at around the £8000 mark. I know this is a lot but I have not had a holiday for 4 years and it is to meet my brother who I have not seen for over 30 years. He is putting us up and we are intending to save hard all year to fund fares and spending money. I would be grateful for any tips re how to go about using loyalty programmes with any of the airlines and if they are worthwhile taking up at point of ticket purchase?

Many thanks

You can fly direct from Edinburgh for around £7.5 with KLM or
Emirates from Glasgow for around £8.
Are you determined to go from London for some reason?
Personally I have never paid more than £6-7k for the 2 of us from Aberdeen but prices seem to have gone up.
I wouldn't travel any other way though despite what people say!

malkie76

littlereddevil wrote: »

I wouldn't travel any other way though despite what people say!

Ditto.

Picking random dates in Sept I can see returns in business with BA of just over £3k per person *if* you start in Amsterdam. That includes a LHR-LGW for last leg meaning you don't *have* to travel back to Amsterdam. Just get off at LHR, collect your bags and go home.

littlereddevil

But they live in Edinburgh

malkie76

littlereddevil wrote: »

But they live in Edinburgh

I appreciate that, but they were pretty clear about going through London.

EDI-AMS-LHR-SYD works just as easily, and still saves practically £1000 per person

littlereddevil

It's quite a bit more in January though when they want to go

hs61

mgdavid wrote: »

£8k?
madness but each to their own!

"I have not had a holiday for 4 years"
normal economy would be £1.5k or less - think of all the extra holidays you could have with the £6.5k.

With the greatest respect my friend you know nothing about me nor the circumstances behind my decision making. I do not need guidance re "normal economy" from yourself as if I had I would have asked for advice on that topic. I am new on here and treat others with respect and appreciate the very helpful info and advice I have received from many others. I would be very grateful if you could refrain from posting your thoughts on MY life choices when all I am asking for is advice/tips for a once in a lifetime holiday to see a brother I have not seen for decades.

hs61

Thanks for the comments re Manchester or Glasgow as departure points. I nievely assumed that London would be cheaper so will have to look at these two also. Sadly January does seem to be an expensive time to go!!

Icequeen99

hs61 wrote: »

Thanks for the comments re Manchester or Glasgow as departure points. I nievely assumed that London would be cheaper so will have to look at these two also. Sadly January does seem to be an expensive time to go!!

When travelling that distance there often isn't much difference between London and regional.

The only real difference is going ex-EU. I am looking for some BA club world flights to Vegas in August and they are nearly 25% cheaper each if we start them in Milan. An easyjet ticket to Milan is next to nothing.

IQ

malkie76

littlereddevil wrote: »

It's quite a bit more in January though when they want to go

Ah yes - I only looked at the OP where they suggested later this year.
Jan does come up a bit more expensive - about £3500 per person, you question if the hassle is worth it.

To explain the routing (as the OP asked by PM).

Book a ticket AMS-SYD on BA which will route you through London. You then buy a cheap return EDI-AMS (ie a bargain £30 easyjet or flybe fare). Start in EDI, then pick up BA in AMS. Usually saves a packet if you are flying long haul on a premium ticket.

Beware, that if for any reason you miss the BA flight starting in AMS you are on a complete loser. Give yourself enough time, or enjoy a nice overnight in AMS before your BA flight.