Airlines that fly London to Melbourne similar to VA Premium Economy

ferf1223

thanks again, all...this is good info for us, too...as at some point we do want to visit Oz again.

I have been looking at videos once I had an idea how to narrow down the search.

Playing around with dates, on Singapore, it seems I can only find PE on the first leg, economy on the second (reversed on the way back) and price is in line with/slightly more than Cathay for PE both legs...so I suspect Cathay will be the winner.

SW17

ferf1223 wrote: »

I think adding an internal connection from Sidney to Melbourne might be one connection too many, but will look into it.

It possibly isn't what they'd desire after 24 hours in the air, but do bear in mind that if they fly BA to Sydney it isn't really a big change in Singapore, you just get off the aircraft and back on the same one again 45-60 mins later (you do have to take your hand luggage with you though). Does require a change from international to domestic terminal at Sydney.

If the price and schedule works, definitely consider NiftyDigits' suggestion of Thai Airways in business class. Decent airline and that would give them lounge access too.

Shame about Dubai, as Qantas' PE product is regarded as one of the best out there, but of course everyone has their reasons. I actually prefer going to Australia via Asia from a sleep time perspective, but these days go more via the Gulf because the quality/price combination is often unbeatable.

NiftyDigits

ferf1223 wrote: »

thanks again, all...this is good info for us, too...as at some point we do want to visit Oz again.

I have been looking at videos once I had an idea how to narrow down the search.

Playing around with dates, on Singapore, it seems I can only find PE on the first leg, economy on the second (reversed on the way back) and price is in line with/slightly more than Cathay for PE both legs...so I suspect Cathay will be the winner.

Really? They are happy to pay the same for PE than they would pay for Business Class?
Or it is that they are upgrading using FF miles?

ferf1223

I will mention Thai Airways to them as well but when I checked, the business fares were about £200 more than PE on Cathay for the same dates...because the fares are pushing the boat out a bit for them, not sure they would go further than necessary, though I appreciate that the product may be far superior. My husband and I might consider it, though, so thanks for the steer and we'll file it away for our next trip.

NiftyDigits

ferf1223 wrote: »

I will mention Thai Airways to them as well but when I checked, the business fares were about £200 more than PE on Cathay for the same dates...because the fares are pushing the boat out a bit for them, not sure they would go further than necessary, though I appreciate that the product may be far superior. My husband and I might consider it, though, so thanks for the steer and we'll file it away for our next trip.

£200??!! You should give it to them. The difference is a world away.

ferf1223

My husband and I would see it that way...but we are lucky enough to fly PE regularly and so the PE fare is our mental starting point...+£200 would not put us off.

They are looking at fares £900 more than their normal starting point of economy and may be waivering at that...adding another £200 may be a step too far.

They would never take the money for the upgrade from us.

But I will put the option out there for them.

richardw

How much is an extra £200 per hour flight time?

NiftyDigits

ferf1223 wrote: »

My husband and I would see it that way...but we are lucky enough to fly PE regularly and so the PE fare is our mental starting point...+£200 would not put us off.

They are looking at fares £900 more than their normal starting point of economy and may be waivering at that...adding another £200 may be a step too far.

They would never take the money for the upgrade from us.

But I will put the option out there for them.

It's coming up to Christmas. If you can afford it, do it....as personally I think PE is overpriced. Really, in my opinion, go for it. Forget about the lounges etc. The comfort of having a bed trumps just about anything else. It's a seriously long journey. I just got back this week.

ferf1223

guys...I do see your point, I do...I get all the arguments for it.

They would not take the money from us, for starters. I will give it to them as an option and if we got the 'what would you do?' question we will be honest with them.

ferf1223

also, if the seating configuration is like virgin upper, where you are in your own little space without someone directly next to you, it won't work for them as my MIL is a very nervous flyer and needs someone to clutch onto during take-off and landing.