BadgeIsBack

-I am not fussed over seat/height/depths/widths
-I am not fussed about food, other than it is supplied, and more than once
-Not fussed about service - the trolley will arrive when it arrives
-Not fussed about entertainment - there are things called books.
-Not fussed about stayovers.

I am quite intrigued by this business of flying return to HK and then getting a return HK-London.

What are the cheapest* ways of getting over to London from Melbourne? I've only ever gone via the Americas in recent years.

Air China?

Cheers

B

*(I see no point in paying more than I need to).

Amazulu

Air Asia X/Jetstar/Tiger/Scoot to KL or Singapore (you can fly from KL to Singapore for under $50). Then a major airline to the UK. Choosing a flight with a stop on the way is often cheaper

Zuji Singapore is a good place to book. Have a look at Kayak too

GarryP

It's kind of hard work.

You need to get two ducks in a row - a cheap price from Australia to a SE Asia hub, and a cheap price from the hub to London. As you know, the cheapy Oz airlines have 'sales' where there are some sensible prices to SE Asia destinations, but the chances of cheap onward fares being available at sale prices at the same time, are low.

Therefore you are looking out for the Oz>SE Asia when you can get it, and then either hoping for a good price onward ticket, or paying the usual price.

All up, you *might* get a reasonable price, but then again you might find that a cheapo ticket all the way through is a better bet - only one duck to line up.

Either way, you are unlikely to reach the prices Lon>Mel - so if you are planning on trips less than 12 months apart, get the ticket the other way round.

BadgeIsBack

Ducks? - mate now you've confused me
Being a specialist in the path of least resistance I am suspecting that buying a Mel-London return will be the thing to do - and infact, Emirates are coming up ok.

I think going to Asia might end up more hassle than it is worth.
I will not be returning to the UK any time soon. In fact, it's unexpected that I am planning on the trip. (No - noone is on the way out).

BadgeIsBack

Thanks mate, as always.

GarryP

When are you going? I haven't seen a decent price out of Emirates since the takeover of qantas international was announced. I've instead tended to find that Malaysian has been best (out of the non-scummy end of the market) provided you catch a sale and book more than 3 months out. Qatar is another possibility

Buzzy--Bee

Mate, the cheapest way using one airline is normally China South. However, a friend of mine who owns a travel agency (he's a Brit here in Melbourne) has been putting together some very creative fares indeed involving all sorts of airlines I've never heard of. Feel free to give him a ping - [email protected]. I'm seeing him tonight so I'll ask him for you if you like.

BB

BadgeIsBack

Could you? I am going end September - probably. And of course if he takes some of the heavy lifting I'm glad to use him.

ozzieeagle

Apparently you can use expedia.br (Brazil) to book tickets minus the fuel surcharge fee So instead of the cheapest ticket costing 1700 to 1800 Aud it costs 1300 - 1400 Aud. Works from Aus to the UK apparently without having to stop in Brazil.



I've not been game to try it myself..... Give it a go and tell me if it works

Dorothy

If you can find a cheap ticket to Singapore (Amazulu has given you ideas and airlines) you can go Finnair for pretty cheap. The service is shit, food is inedible, and the planes are cramped, but the long flight from SIN to Helsinki was overnight so you can sleep most of the way. And...Once you wake up you have a choice of not 2, but 3 movies to while away your time! Bring your own headphones, though because they don't give them out on the plane.

On the plus side transiting in HEL is a breeze. The airport is small, but it's got everything you need and is easy to get around.

Swerv-o

Just tried this, and I couldn't get it appreciably cheaper than booking from here.

As for Badge's original question, I'm looking at Air China flights to the UK for Christmas - It's a nice, simple transit at Peking, and there's only 2 legs in each direction. Seems reasonably priced.

My only real concern these days is that it isn't a Dreamliner...


S

malvi

I recently flew with Koran Air, but Finnair was actually cheaper (although too long for me). I was booking tickets few weeks ago for same journey, and Virgin Atlantic had the best price (and shortest stopover in Singapore). If you don't have too book tickets now, have a look at Skyscanner website and set up a notification for any price changes on selected route & dates, I did that and within a week prices for my flights dropped by over £400...

BadgeIsBack

Thanks D!

I don't particularly want a Dreamliner these days.

Air India - 1400 return!

Buzzy--Bee

OK, I asked my friend last night and the cheapest price he has available is Air Asia to KL, then Saudi Arabian airlines via Jeddah. Price dependent on date. Air Vietnam not far behind. Also with Air Vietnam you can open jaw into Hanoi and out of Saigon if you wanted to see the country.

HTH

BB

papilon

In my younger days I was an intrepid traveller allways sniffing out the cheapest flight and didn't care how much longer it took to get there, flown with some of the worlds dodgiest.

Now it's all about the speed I can get from A-B. I will gladly pay 4-500 dollars more to get to europe as quickly as possible. Holiday time is precious, the glamour of international airline travel has long disappeared. I agree many people flying these days expect way to much and get annoyed at the slightest delay or mishap. The stopover on the flight home from europe is also a very good idea. So many great cities to spend a couple of days in and makes it just 2 much shorter legs.

Remember if you choose to go with a budget airline to asia to catch a flight with another airline and there is a delay and you miss said flight your f####d and will need to buy another
Flight.