What is my best option to London??

[christinam]

I've previously flown in Premium Economy with Qantas on London trips. I'm not planning on doing this anymore as a) I don't think it's great value (well, not at over $6,500) and b) No way in hell am I flying in BA's Premium Economy from Singapore to London and back.

What other options would be about the same price? Would Finnair Economy to Asia, then Business to London (via Helsinki) be the most advisable? I'd rather fly a OneWorld partner if at all possible, although having applied for a status match with Virgin the other day, I suppose I could consider Virgin Atlantic too.

Thoughts? I'm planning on flying March / April 2012.

Thanks for your help!

Christina

 

[notzac]

Premium Economy on VS is supposed to be .. ok, but nothing fantastic. Nowhere near as good as on QF, but also cheaper. Definitely also look at NZ - it would mean a slight detour up front, but it may be cost competitive and the product is supposed to be top notch.

Perhaps also talk to a TA about doing a mixed class fare with VA and EY - whY+ on VA to AUH and then onwards to LHR in J on EY - not having done one of these I don't know how this prices out but it may be worth a look-see.

On the oneworld side of the fence, I understand CX is introducing whY+ (but it may not be available for when you need to book)

Food for thought

 

[KitKat]

Would try Finnair combo in J all the way (QF/CX via SIN/HKG then Europe via Helsinki) - usually about 7.2-7.8k depending on final destination (LHR is usually more expensive cf CDG due to possibly UK taxes)
If Y to Asia, then J to Europe, about 5.5k in past experience (note of caution, sometimes the fare books into Y from HEL to your final european destination, but not that there is very much difference as J intraeurope has same pitch but blocked middle seat)
The SC would be handy though if you ensure that the intraeurope flight is in J as well
Try Finnair.com

 

[loobloke]

If you trying to fly on a budget, I suggest the VA/EY combo too.
V Australia & Etihad Mixed Class Sale to 15 Cities Sep 11-Feb 12

14 hour flights on VA PE, then the shorter 7 hour segment on EY economy. Buy exit rows for EY. Will cost about 2.5 grand.

I did the old VA PE to HKT, loved it to bits and can't wait again.
Not quite sure about the EY economy, dreading it a bit but we got a free stop over in AUH inbound to break up the journey.

Status match velocity to get lounge access.

 

[dajop]

One option is to buy an economy fare to Asia and then a business class on Cathay from there. Sometimes they have quite reasonable business class fares from some cities (have seen as low as around $3-3.5K AUD), but this varies over time. It does take some work to find which cities, and that too can vary - if you are interested you can do this by trial and error on the Cathay website, but never see specials from the main hubs of SIN, BKK & HKG but may from places like Hanoi, Manila, Taipei etc. Similar on Thai if you can live without oneworld.

 

[brad330]

If you booked the combo fare with VA/EY could you upgrade with points on AUH-LHR? If so what fare needs to be booked?

Regards Brad330

 

[serfty]

If you regularly travel to London and are confident of your dates, it's often much less expensive to book LON-Oz-LON RT in PE than the other way.

 

[christinam]

@notsac - thanks for the suggestions. One qustion, what is VS??

@kitkat - yes, I have heard good things about Finnair. I've seen a few threads on here about the airline's business class. Seems ok, other than the lack of flat beds.

@loobloke - I've travelled EY economy once, but only Melbourne to Auckland return and it was good. Would definitely try and get exit row seats.

@dajop - I have heard good specials can be picked up from Asian 'non-hub' cities. Will do some research over the next week and see what I can come up with. Thanks for the reminder.

@brad330 - I'm not sure! Was that question directed at me?

@serfty, I don't think I travel to London often enough. Only once a year (unfortunately).

Thanks everybody!

Christina

 

[mannej]

VS- Virgin Atlantic