peterpamnryan

can anybody give me their experiences of flights,would you go first class one way or economy,is their much difference???

Pollyana

Several hundred quid?

it_hooker

I've flown business class and economy to Sydney. Once I was paying and the other my employer (guess when I was paying!).

I have to say that business was much more relaxed - you had more leg room, better and wider seats, and more attentive cabin staff. But, a few hours after arriving I don't think I noticed the difference!

S J Jackson

If you`re wadded then go first/business!! If you are me (ie skint) then go economy!!!

TheRutters

Put it this way, with a family of two adults and two children, the difference between economy and business/first is the price of your first car in Aus.

You only have to do it one way. The depressing thought that you've got it all to come again on the way back is not there anymore.

Teliko21

Just looking on the BA website for June 1 way to Melbourne:

Economy 3000
Business 4420
First 6817

This is obviously BA so it could be different with other airlines. The service and comfort levels obviously increase as you move up through the classes, just depends on how much money you want to spend

Suni&Jay

Had a few price's for 3 Adults 1 child, B'ham to Brisbane via Dubai one way
Economy £1800.00
Business £6500.00
1st Class £ 10,000.00 :scared:
(all approx with emirates)
Suni

halcyon 52

Not yet mentioned is an economy upgrade if you want the extra legroom. It is very reasonable at around £300.00 extra each on a return trip.
We decided against it because we would have to pay for the children and they have plenty of legroom however they travel

MisterTwo

Following are prices for one adult travelling to Melbourne from Birmingham via Dubai with Emirates.

Economy £471.30
Business £1950.10
First £2329.30 (Business Class between Birmingham and Dubai)

Obviously if you can justify the extra expense (or are loaded) then First or Business is definitely the way to go - bit of a no-brainer really!

I think a more relevant question - and one which has been asked to death on BExpats - is the difference between the Economy Classes of the major airlines. From what I can gather is not to touch BA/Qantas with a 10 foot barge pole - Emirates and Singapore seem to be the best. I only have experience of Emirates but I wouldn't use any other airline to and from Australia.

There are cheaper options with Thompson Fly etc but there is no comparison with Emirates/Singapore etc. I like my knees to still be operational when I arrive. I wouldn't touch them with a 20 foot barge pole - even if the flight was £149.99! Completely false economy. (Excuse the pun).

SonicBird

We flew with Japan Airlines to and from Brisbane via Toyko in July .. and we thought they were really good! They were the cheapest (£662)... so it depends on when you book, where you're flying to.. if they have any good deals at the mo... etc etc.. but I reckon we'll probably, if we can afford it, fly business the next time we fly to Oz.
Sonic

halcyon 52

Posted this before - real good site (wanted to book with Quantas until I saw the response) - again its only points of view.
http://www.airlinequality.com/

adriang

I fly a lot on business, and long haul is business class, although I've managed to blag a trade up to first once or twice.

Top of my head......business class has quicker check in, sometimes a special line though immigration, and a loune to wait before boarding. Each passanger gets more baggage allowance, and a 'blind eye' to carry on baggage.

On the flight, larger seats more leg room and less crowding. The newer airlines offer seats than go flat and turn into beds. One point is that the quantas ones are at a slight angle, and I find I slip down them when I am asleep. All have personal TV systems, but the modern airlines have the same in economy class, but if you can easily seem them is a different matter, as on North West, as soon as the person in front puts their seat back, the LCD screen is at such an angle, that it is hard to see the picture.

Food has more choice, served as several courses, and better quality. Drinks are served more frequented through the flight, basically a better quality of, and a more personal service.

First class. The seats are even bigger, the food better, the quality of the blankets better. (I think BA gave me some pajama's, and the sheets were about 2000 thread count cotton that were to die for). Sometimes there is a different lounge.

Personally I don't think first class is worth the extra over business class.

Business class has some advantages, including a lot of things that would help in taking the stress out of flying, especially a longer flight with kids. Check-in is not the long queue, the lounge can be useful, especially on a stop over. (I usually take a shower, change my kacks, and feel so much better for the next leg).

It does pay to really shop about on business class flights, and sometimes airlines you would not think of can offer some great offers. My mate flew to Brisbane with Air China (the one from Taiwan) and the business class fair was not a lot more than economy. I've flown to Tokyo a couple of times with Finnair, that kind of thing.

Centurion

I've been fortunate and am quite well travelled in first and business to Australia. Emirates first class is often cheap by comparison to say Singapore Airlines. This is for a reason, the Emirates first class does not have flat bed seats and is quite tired and old looking, dont get me wrong you can still have a decent nights sleep and the food is amazing. Emirates Business seats dont recline much at all but are very large. However, Emirates do offer a courtesy limo service to all business and first passengers.

Business class with Singapore, Malaysian, Cathay or JAL all have flat bed seats so you can really enjoy your trip in total comfort. First with Singapore is simply wonderful and they even make your bed for you with duvets and pillows as get changed into your complimentary designer PJ's ! Food is naturally awesome too.

With all the airlines (bus or first) the lounges at London and changing airport will be available and its nice to get off a plane and have a great shower and a bite to eat before the next flight. With all business/first travel you have the upgraded luggage allowance and normally 35/40 bus and 50kg first.

Ultimately its what your budget can afford. As to prices www.airlinenetwork.co.uk has some of the keenest prices for business and first travel. I have even booked with them over my corporate Amex fares which I can get.

Check out each airline and picutres of seats and flight reviews in each class at www.airlinequality.com since there really is a difference between them all.

Personally I think that Singapore Airlines cant be beat in premium class travel. First class one way would be an awesome way to start your migration.

peterpamnryan

thankyou so much for all your thoughts and advice ,as ever you are all so helpful,initial feeling is to go business,thankyou all

Pickle

go business class its worth the extra cost. its a bloody long way and if you can afford it do it.

eva air do business for about £900 one way to brissy cheaper than anyone else by over £500.

they do well in the airline quality reviews also.

give em a go at:

http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/