Best airline to Australia?

[StephenL]

We are venturing to the Antipodes in Ocotber 2012, and I thought I would seek the opinions of the seasoned travellers out there as to which is the best airline to fly with.

We are going to Melbourne, and realistically can go from any UK airport. We are looking for comfort and space above all else, without having to resort to Business Class or above.

Any suggestions?

[Dick Bowman]

Re: Best airline to Australia?

I don't think there's any significant difference, especially if you're looking at economy. They all take several hundred pounds from you, then treat you as a completely unwanted piece of self-loading cargo. Basically provide as poor a standard of "service" as they can get away with.

[Ian]

Re: Best airline to Australia?

I don't think there's any significant difference, especially if you're looking at economy. They all take several hundred pounds from you, then treat you as a completely unwanted piece of self-loading cargo. Basically provide as poor a standard of "service" as they can get away with.

Haha! Do I detect a modicum of cynicism in there?

Having recently flown Singapore Airlines long haul (on the A380 super jumbo, too) I can happily recommend them. I have always been very happy with Emirates, too. Not flown with them recently, but Cathay Pacific have always impressed me.

I don't know if you can get a route with Thai Airways, but although their planes have very old fashioned onboard entertainment systems (some planes still don't have seat back video), the food is good and they have a generous seat pitch.

Ian

[StephenL]

Re: Best airline to Australia?

Emirates and Singapore are at the top of my list so far. Emirates also has the dubious advantage of flying from Glasgow, which is closer for me. Although it's easy enough to jump a jet to Heathrow for Singapore.

I'm not over bothered about entertainment but seat comfort and space is important. I don't like sitting still for more than a few minutes!

[Wreckdiver]

Re: Best airline to Australia?

I flew to Melbourne in 2003 with Malaysian Airlines, very good indeed. Don't know if Malaysian Airlines have any A380s but I might be tempted with Singapore Airlines as they have them and would quite fancy a flight on one

Steve

[Ian]

Re: Best airline to Australia?

I flew to Melbourne in 2003 with Malaysian Airlines, very good indeed. Don't know if Malaysian Airlines have any A380s but I might be tempted with Singapore Airlines as they have them and would quite fancy a flight on one

Steve

If you do, try to get a seat upstairs - it's a nicer atmosphere and even more quiet than downstairs.

Ian