SYD -> LHR - Recommendations

[raphsta]

Hi All,
I've been a lurker on here for some time now - mainly because I'm a fearful flyer, and always interested to read other peoples opinions and comments!

I am planning a trip over to Europe in early July, and was hoping to get some recommendations on the best way over..

I want to make the trip as pleasant as possible, so will probably outlay a bit of extra $$ and go for business class (at least on the way over, and possible premium on the way back).

I've got a few options, and just wondering what you would all pick out of the bunch (or if you would recommend anything else within my budget):
- Swiss Air - Business class return ($5200). via Narita and Zurich (uses QF and Virgin for connection to/from Sydney).
- Virgin Atlantic - Upper class to LHR, Premium on way back ($5500).


Virgin is sounding like a good option. Bit more expensive, but gets me straight to London. Newer aircraft (A340-600 vs Swiss' A340-300). Although Swiss is full business class all the way (not sure how good Business is on Swiss though...)
Interested to hear your thoughts..

I'm after the best airline, great safety standard (yeh, I know, all major airlines would prob be on par anyway), and comfortable... Budget is upto $6k ..


Cheers.

 

[Slats7]

I would look at Thai Airways - $6,382.00 SYD-LHR J class return in early July.

If you can squeeze out another $382 over your budget it would be worth it going J class both ways

Thai Airways - Online Ticket Reservation

 

[raphsta]

That's a neat option too - From what I've heard, Thai are a pretty decent airline!

Although, I really don't want to spent that much.. Maybe I should say my absolute upper limit is $5,5000 , not $6k.. Yeh, that keeps things semi-reasonable

Thanks again,.

 

[Slats7]

That's a neat option too - From what I've heard, Thai are a pretty decent airline!

Although, I really don't want to spent that much.. Maybe I should say my absolute upper limit is $5,5000 , not $6k.. Yeh, that keeps things semi-reasonable

Thanks again,.

Look at going Thai one way J class and something else premium economy?

 

[MAX_1]

Received this email from Emirates yesterday.

"For up to 40% less than a round trip ticket to Europe in Emirates Business Class, you can fly Business Class on the longer sector and Economy Class on the shorter sector of your journey to and from Europe. Prices start from only $4,658 return*. Offer ends 30th June 2009, book now. "

Worth checking out on their web site.

 

[raphsta]

Thanks Max,
That sounds pretty good! - it says from $4900 from Sydney. Having probs getting the quote online, so will give them a call later today.

The leg from Dubai to London is only about 7 hours I believe - which wouldn't be too bad in economy...

Although I'm not sure whether Virgin Business out, and Premium back would be better though - for roughly the same price, and not having to deal with cattle class...

 

[docjames]

Can I add if you're a bit fearful, going the easiest, most direct way will save hassles and worry. So either of these options is ok (single stop).

Of the two you quote, i'd certainly be taking the Virgin option (both in premium cabins rather than mix/match in each direction).

Note that many think travelling east --> west (ie SYD --> LHR) is easier than west --> east (LHR --> SYD) and so you might be better going to UK in Premium Economy, and back in Business. Just something to consider all else being equal.

 

[Chook legs]

I've used Virgin PE a few times rtn to HKG and found it to be very good. I have also flown emerates economy to the UK. Although I found emerates to be a good economy product I would definately choose the virgin option as then you don't have to go economy at all. Also, as docjames said, concider having the business leg for the flight home. Its hard to go back to even PE after being in business!

 

[raphsta]

Thanks for your recommendations!
One reason I'm swaying to Emirates is that a family member has quite a few Skywards points, which I could use to upgrade at least one of the economy legs to business. Emirates Business looks great.. Better than Virgin I think... I also like the idea of doing a 14/7 hour split, as opposed to 12/10.. (or thereabouts)

Anyway, I think I'm a bit more comfortable now with either the Virgin or Emirates option.. Will come down to availability..

 

[docjames]

Thai would also be approx 7/14 split (via BKK).

 

[NM]

Emirates allows you to avoid LHR and use LGW instead for London, which for many people can be an attractive option. I know that was a consideration for Dave Noble recently choosing EK as Gatwick was significantly advantageous for his travels than Heathrow.

 

[DavidMjps]

Another option, I've used, in JAL via Tokyo.
At the moment Business return to London is being shown as $5839 on Bestflights.

There's an enforced stopover in Tokyo, on the way over but JAL pay for the airport hotel and meal cost.

 

[Dave Noble]

Emirates allows you to avoid LHR and use LGW instead for London, which for many people can be an attractive option. I know that was a consideration for Dave Noble recently choosing EK as Gatwick was significantly advantageous for his travels than Heathrow.

Absolutely! Avoiding Heathrow is exxcelllent. Gatwick is so much more pleasant to fly to/from

Also, if wanting to get to UK locations other than London, EK is ahead since they also fly direct from Dubai to Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle and Glasgow

Also, if booking business class on EK, they will also provide the chauffeur drive service to and from the airport at each point of the journey when in business class. ( if using the mixed class offer, then will only have it at Australia )

For an ex-Australia journey, the mixed class fare looks pretty decent

Dave

 

[estate]

Swiss j class is one of the worst around apparently. They're doing a full replacement of their J cabins over the next year or two, but only New York and Dubai will get the new cabins this year. From the specs the new ones will be right up there (2m long fully flat bed) with the best and the service is supposed to be pretty good, but until the entire long haul fleet is upgraded (2011), stick to other airlines for J.

 

[raphsta]

Thanks again all for all the feedback!

Really appreciate you guys taking the time to respond to a newb like me.

I think Emirates will the way to go, as my mum has enough points to upgrade the DXB -> LHR leg to Business.. Pretty sure they will let her use her points to upgrade me (hopefully).. Meaning it would be nearly full business return on Emirates for under $5k ..