Flying business class

[manlyago]

Off to Australia at Christmas and I’m thinking about flying business class. As a treat for a big birthday.

Any smart ways of doing this? Using credit card/points /cash back to reduce the cost?

Thanks!

[manlyago]

@IndigoC thanks! I need to
look at Finnair as it doesn’t come up on the search engines.

[Snoken]

Haven't read the full thread, but if you haven't looked at FinnAir do so. A Edinburgh-Sydney return in business is about £5K. Probably a bit more if you have to book two one-way tickets but still a lot cheaper than most other airlines.

[Snoken]

Oh, sorry. Just seen FinnAir was already recommended.

[manlyago]

@Snoken i will definitely look, thank you!

[Ohthatsexciting]

@manlyago

@Ohthatsexciting when you at you wouldn’t touch with a barge pole do you mean Gotogate or booking.com?

Gotogate

[Glitteratitar]

We have done Australia in business a few times. If you want something cheaper (circa £2,000 return) have a look at some of the Far Eastern. They sometimes have offers for business. Look on places like sky scanner for flights.

[Glitteratitar]

@manlyago

Thanks so much everyone - I’m going to spend a bit of time in this today. Lufthansa looking good. Singapore runs the Singapore Sydney leg so that sounds good. Long layover in Singapore (7.75 hours) but I think we’ll be able to use the lounge. We could also book a hotel room.

I don’t think the flying out the EU option will work. The rest of my family will already be in Sydney and I’m desperate to get over there asap after I finish work midday on the 16th. That will bump the price up as I can only do afternoon/evening.

Luckily, I love a challenge!

@TizerorFizz you make me laugh. Are you this bossy in real life?! I can afford business, it’s just whether or not it’s worth it to me. Scottish genes!

Some airlines put you up in a hotel when you have a long layover and are travelling in business or above. Worth checking if that’s an option with whoever you book. It’s called STPC. We once had 20 hours in Seoul and were put in a hotel in the centre of the city.

[Butteryflakycrust83]

Jesus Christ, dont fly Scoot. Have seen nothing but scathing reviews - like flying Ryanair long gaul. You even have to pay to charge your devices, and there are no screens!

I love Singapore for my flights to Sydney, even in economy, and Changi airport is incredible.

Fingers crossed you find a good deal! I always worried it would spoil me and I would not want to ever go back to economy!

[TheBermudaTriangle]

So Singapore Airlines open up remaining Business Class 72-48 hours before the flight check-in time. Look out for an email from them offering you an upgrade price (you don't have to bid, it will be a single price).

It is absolutely worth it for such a long flight time, especially to make use of the airport lounge, priority boarding and baggage etc.

[BlanketsBanned]

@TheBermudaTriangle

So Singapore Airlines open up remaining Business Class 72-48 hours before the flight check-in time. Look out for an email from them offering you an upgrade price (you don't have to bid, it will be a single price).

It is absolutely worth it for such a long flight time, especially to make use of the airport lounge, priority boarding and baggage etc.

Thats good to know, thanks. I have been looking at SA to melbourne and it looks like the lounge and showers are no longer available in Shanghi but I might not be reading it right

[TheBermudaTriangle]

@BlanketsBanned The SIA SilverKris lounge is open in T3 at Changi (I flew from there to Melbourne in April), but I believe their T2 lounge remains closed. I'm not sure about the showers and whether they are operational at the moment.

When I travelled to Aus from Changi in April and May, I did find that the SilverKris lounge was fairly crowded (due to the T2 one being closed), but still worth visiting.

Yes, the Changi Aerotel (with pool!) is still open.

[BlanketsBanned]

Thanks Bermuda. I think I will try Emirates this time.

[FiveShelties]

I flew back from UK and the SilverKris Lounge is open at T3 Changi. It was quite busy but I had 6 hours there and it is very comfortable, with excellent showers, wide variety of food and drink.

[FiveShelties]

Sorry -- that should say I flew back on Thursday - blame jetlag!

[Jajana]

Did you book anything OP?

[manlyago]

@Jajana hi yes! After a lot of looking I got flights through Flight Centre. They actually gave me a better price than direct with the airline. So a combination of Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Swiss. Bit of a layover in Singapore of 7 hours on the way out but the price was way better than elsewhere. Nice people too.

Thanks for all your help everyone!

[Ohthatsexciting]

@manlyago

@Jajana hi yes! After a lot of looking I got flights through Flight Centre. They actually gave me a better price than direct with the airline. So a combination of Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines and Swiss. Bit of a layover in Singapore of 7 hours on the way out but the price was way better than elsewhere. Nice people too.

Thanks for all your help everyone!

Great!

what are you paying?

[manlyago]

£6k pp but economy is £2.5-3k (on faster flights which I would do if I were flying economy) so it’s all relative! Qatar, Emirates, BA coming out at £10k pp

[Jajana]

@manlyago sounds like fun! Enjoy your trip.

[BIWI]

In what world do you live in @Marry45885 when a flight costing several thousands of pounds isn't a luxury?!