MEL to LAX return Virgin Australia or Delta # Business Class

[george]

We are two seniors (over 70) and we have been offered by an American Travel Agency attractive fares to fly Melbourne to Los Angeles return on business.
Now in our earlier days we have flown with Qantas excellent but now too expensive for seniors.
Recently we flew business with United, which was below par and we shall not repeat it.
Could someone out there with experience in either/both Virgin Australia or Delta help us out; that is how good or bad each airline is travelling business, or any other comments that you believe it would assist us to make a decision which airline to book and fly with.
Thank you so much
George

 

[lovestotravel]

Welcome George!

Virgin allows you to fly non-stop from Melbourne to Los Angeles
Delta will require you to go via Sydney and also catch the bus or train between the domestic and international terminals which while a novelty for some, I imagine would not be for yourself

Both airlines have fully flat seats in business

Delta - Private single seats, cocoon design. I like them, but not the best for traveling with a partner (if that's what you are doing)
You have access to the Sydney Air NZ lounge which is OK
Delta's Boeing 777 Business Elite lie flat seats - YouTube

Virgin - More traditional style seats, where you are next to each other and they feel more spacious
You have access to the Melbourne Air NZ lounge which is quite nice and better than Sydney in my opinion
Virgin Australia - International Business Class - YouTube

I would go with Virgin

 

[markis10]

Couple of red flags here, firstly an American travel agency offering you flights ex melbourne, you won't have any consumer law protections and its possible they are selling you rewards travel at grossly inflated prices.

Can I suggest you look at buying a one way QF flight in J to Nadi, then booking a Nadi Lax flight in j return for $2k and then a flight home in J ex NAN, should be under $4000 per person in total, and earns points etc.

 

[george]

Thank you so much for your help and advice; it seems to me that Virgin Australia is the way to go, BUT!!
BUT a couple of members raised the issue and danger of cancelations.
Can you tell me how bad and how often does Virgin cancel flights?
Is it really soooo bad???
Thanks
George
(still uncertain but not that much!)

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Certainly some bold questions you are asking George Have you searched dates and prices as yet?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Thank you so much for your help and advice; it seems to me that Virgin Australia is the way to go, BUT!!
BUT a couple of members raised the issue and danger of cancelations.
Can you tell me how bad and how often does Virgin cancel flights?
Is it really soooo bad???
Thanks
George
(still uncertain but not that much!)

If there are two of you flying note that Qantas has special companion fares to LAX at the moment (sale ends 24 january) with a cost of $4999 per pax (return).

A380 would be the way to go.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Couple of red flags here, firstly an American travel agency offering you flights ex melbourne, you won't have any consumer law protections and its possible they are selling you rewards travel at grossly inflated prices.

Can I suggest you look at buying a one way QF flight in J to Nadi, then booking a Nadi Lax flight in j return for $2k and then a flight home in J ex NAN, should be under $4000 per person in total, and earns points etc.

the FJ option would be closer to $3000 per person But as I mentioned in the other thread QF currently offering $4999 per person on a companion deal.