BNE-DXB Ret $1,200

[albatross710]

Using Skyscanner for an upcoming trip to DXB the results threw some fares via Colombo & Sri Lankan airlines at $1,200. The corresponding fares via QF, EK and EY are are circa $2k for the same period. The direct EK flights are higher again.

Cons.
Routing is via SIN & CMB
Requires an overnight in SIN or CMB
Total travel time is longer

Pros
Get to visit a new country
Can tell Mrs Albatross she's getting to see three countries, instead of just one.
Includes complimentary overnight accom in Colombo
Can include a CMB stopover for some sightseeing on one leg.




It's OK if you have some spare time for the travel. Booking direct via the Sri Lanka Airlines website lets you play with more connection options.

Alby

 

[MEL_Traveller]

If there's a long connection in Colombo I think they provide a hotel for you - but worth ringing Sri Lankan in Australia to ask whether that's valid for the fare.

 

[Mattg]

If there's a long connection in Colombo I think they provide a hotel for you - but worth ringing Sri Lankan in Australia to ask whether that's valid for the fare.

I believe that this is well above the minimum fare requirement. This is the response from Sri Lankan I got when enquiring about this a short while ago:

Kindly note that if below requirements are met we will be providing complimentary hotel accommodation service.

Requirements for transit hotel accommodation

· The transit time should be over 8 hours and less than 24 hours.
· The net fare paid should be over USD 180 for one-way journeys and over USD 360 for return tickets.
· The connecting flight must be on the first available connection.
· No hotel accommodation will be provided for flights originating from selected points in India.
· Hotel accommodation will only be provided in Colombo.

 

[RB]

Not intending to be negative but Mrs Albatross may find Colombo one of the least liked spots in Sri Lanka

 

[albatross710]

I believe that this is well above the minimum fare requirement. This is the response from Sri Lankan I got when enquiring about this a short while ago:

Thanks for the reference points.

RB we will have suitably reset our expectations by then I'm sure.

 

[bsb]

Agree, so stay at Negambo which is a beach a lot closer than Colombo downtown. Not sure if UL will put you up there, but it's more touristy than Colombo

 

[zzap]

Is this really a good deal? I just returned from DXB last night ex MEL for $910 rt ai with Royal Brunei -- 2 hour stop off at BWN. RB sucks if you're after a oneworld partner but surely Malaysian would do a similar deal via KL?

 

[albatross710]

Is this really a good deal? I just returned from DXB last night ex MEL for $910 rt ai with Royal Brunei -- 2 hour stop off at BWN. RB sucks if you're after a oneworld partner but surely Malaysian would do a similar deal via KL?

Welcome to Brisbane, both Royal Brunei & MH have ceased operating from BNE.

In the final booking I did open jaw DXB & BAH, plus one night included accom plus additional stopover on one leg.