Australia to London - Advice for a newbie

[Quickstatus]

@Entity
Too late but maybe for future reference:
The other alternative would be to buy an extra Y seat

Buy a Y seat
Ring up the airline to buy an additional "comfort" seat.
The extra seat will come with its own luggage allowance but no catering. And it is cheaper because no taxes /surcharges are attached to it.

 

[bobbyjo]

Hi Folks,

I need to make a UK trip in the next few weeks to visit a sick relative and was hoping to tap into the wealth of knowledge on this site. I haven't done a long haul for 30+ years, so really starting from zero on knowledge.
I've been researching flight options and based on budget, it looks like a choice between Premium Economy (PE) vs Economy (E). Brisbane is my most convenient airport, which appears that Cathay Pacific is my only realistic option for PE.
Before I book I wanted to ask the group if PE is worth the extra money. I'm 6'2" (188), 110kgs, and late 50s, so figured the extra room might be important. Also ask if there are other viable options (e.g., internal to Sydney and then international). I can be flexible on day and time of flights, but must maximise the time in the UK.
Thanks for any insights you might have. I also appreciate I may have answered my own questions, and just need reassurance

Edit: Dates: looking at Mon 10 March for Aus to London, returning Wed 19 March. I could fly out earlier but I've tried to avoid weekends which seem to have a considerable costs increase. I really don't want to over (or much over) $5k.

Edit: Decision: Thanks everyone for you insights and suggestions. Due to the nature of the trip, I'm going direct flight BNE to Stansted on Emirates economy with legroom seat upgrades. However, if the next trip is for pleasure, I'm keen to try the economy to Asia (e.g., Singapore) and then business to UK.

Good luck with that, I wasn’t impressed with either Emirates or Stansted (which is like a zoo) flew Auckland to Stansted half economy & half premium, but I’d like to hear what you thought of it. I’m doing premium on Cathay later this year, have great hopes, hope your relative is better.

 

[Kent]

I usually fly business class long haul using points but was in a situation last year where I had to return to the UK with no reward seats available. I ended up flying Cathay Pacific premium economy and, whilst it’s certainly not business class, I did have a surprisingly comfortable trip and managed a good sleep both ways. I definitely think I arrived in a much better state than I remember when flying the same route in economy many years ago.

Agree there...my budget never streches to J so PE is the option i choose...however i am not super fussy,,i go Vietnam or China Airlines..more room in all directions and less people in the cabin..And i like the not so officious more friendly laid back way of those airlines...Viet usually have long stops to connect..but i got to like it..overnight or all day, hotel and food and a walk around/tour..got sky team premium so use the lounge and so on..works for me and is way more comfortable and way less taxing than Y......bed in biz is great but i dont need excess fancy food that i dont usually eat anyway..and booze was a young persons sport on planes...no reason to feel worse than how bad flying already does..and if i was over 6 feet def wouldnt fly Y

 

[Neil64]

Agree there...my budget never streches to J so PE is the option i choose...however i am not super fussy,,i go Vietnam or China Airlines..more room in all directions and less people in the cabin..And i like the not so officious more friendly laid back way of those airlines...Viet usually have long stops to connect..but i got to like it..overnight or all day, hotel and food and a walk around/tour..got sky team premium so use the lounge and so on..works for me and is way more comfortable and way less taxing than Y......bed in biz is great but i dont need excess fancy food that i dont usually eat anyway..and booze was a young persons sport on planes...no reason to feel worse than how bad flying already does..and if i was over 6 feet def wouldnt fly Y

On a long haul flight in premium economy it’s all about the seat recline and sleep quality for me. I did my research and found Cathay had one of the best. But I understand seat recline/comfort might not be the top item for others.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

On a long haul flight in premium economy it’s all about the seat recline and sleep quality for me. I did my research and found Cathay had one of the best. But I understand seat recline/comfort might not be the top item for others.

Yeah. I flew CX premium economy last year and was surprised at the seat pitch of 40-42 inches. That extra space makes a huge difference.

The Qantas seat however is the best. Just it needs some more legroom!

 

[Tooner]

I usually fly business class long haul using points but was in a situation last year where I had to return to the UK with no reward seats available. I ended up flying Cathay Pacific premium economy and, whilst it’s certainly not business class, I did have a surprisingly comfortable trip and managed a good sleep both ways. I definitely think I arrived in a much better state than I remember when flying the same route in economy many years ago.

I agree re CX PE. I flew to AMS last year in PE and arrived refreshed and feeling good, especially after the shower in HK.

 

[jastel]

You are one step closer to a Business upgrade request in PE than you are in Economy...all other things being equal.