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Best flight options US to Australia?

md8287

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We want to vacation in Australia but thinking of normal coach travel for so long is intimidating. Any suggestions for best flight options or creative ways of upgrading to make travel more comfortable?
 

mjm1

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We have flown Qantas and loved it. Of course, we flew business class and used miles to do it. We flew them out of LAX to Sydney and then back from Brisbane.

It is a very long flight and it would be a challenge to fly economy. See if they have premium economy. That should provide more comfort and not cost as much as business class.

We have also flown Fiji Airways out of SFO, through Fiji, then connecting to Sydney. Based on our experience we would not recommend them. The flight was ok and the service was good, but it just didn’t have the same feel and the trip is longer due to making a connection.

Enjoy Australia. It’s a great place to visit.

Best regards.

Mike
 

marmite

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I always like to turn one trip into two. It would add hours, but I would split my trip by going to Asia first (Japan or Singapore aren't too intimidating if you haven't done Asia yet). I agree with @mjm1 that If flying Business Class isn't viable, I would at least try to get Premium Economy or pay to get an exit row. If it's economy, both my husband and I sit in aisle seats across from each other. Having control over getting up and walking around even when everyone else is sleeping (or stretching your legs into the aisle now and then) can make it much more comfortable.
 

CPNY

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I always like to turn one trip into two. It would add hours, but I would split my trip by going to Asia first (Japan or Singapore aren't too intimidating if you haven't done Asia yet). I agree with @mjm1 that If flying Business Class isn't viable, I would at least try to get Premium Economy or pay to get an exit row. If it's economy, both my husband and I sit in aisle seats across from each other. Having control over getting up and walking around even when everyone else is sleeping (or stretching your legs into the aisle now and then) can make it much more comfortable.
I flew nyc to syd for 550 this past winter. Upgraded to premium on the way from lax to syd. Thank god, it helped
 

md8287

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I’m definitely going to look at premium economy upgrade. Leaning toward Qantas.
 

Cornell

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I flew Premium Economy to Tokyo....I was REALLY comfortable. Seats are in a “shell” so when you recline you don’t impact the person behind you. Footrest too.
 

Passepartout

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We used Virgin Australia Comfort Economy. It was survivable. The CE cabin is separate from 'steerage', with a menu to order from, and available open bar, bigger seats & flat screens and more recline.

I'd use them again. Fiji airline allows a stopover there if you want to break it up.

Jim
 

CPNY

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I’m definitely going to look at premium economy upgrade. Leaning toward Qantas.
I took the gamble and tried when I checked my luggage I was told 1300 but to try when I get to LAX. That was her advice. When I got off the connecting flight I went to the gate and asked. They had one seat and charged 400. I lucked out.
 

mbger1

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We used Virgin Australia Comfort Economy. It was survivable. The CE cabin is separate from 'steerage', with a menu to order from, and available open bar, bigger seats & flat screens and more recline.

I'd use them again. Fiji airline allows a stopover there if you want to break it up.

Jim
We used Virgin Australia from LA a few years ago and were very impressed. Flew economy on a 777 to Sydney, and I would rate Virgin Australia
as the best airline I have ever been on with regards to price & service.:)
 
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