Originally Posted by
sjpatrick
Thanks for the advice about breaking the trip with a stopover in Singapore. Given that we are on the one flight QF10 from LHR-MEL would we be able to cancel half of this flight?
We already have two gold ff status' and so have access to the lounge and priority check in even in Economy.
I did not know about Swiss having such low business class fares from Asia to Europe, may do some more research next time we travel.
The other option is to upgrade to business at $13,664 for everyone and this would also mean business from FCO-LHR. It's around $4600 per person to upgrade to business. I am not sure what will happen when I change the departure from Italy and get Euro prices. Do you think that this would be more worthwhile than PE?
Thanks for the suggestions,
Simon
So this is $13,600 for one-way coming back or return
Either way $13,000 will go a long way on a family holiday in Europe, there is no way I would be doing this in the circumstances you describe.
Things I would be looking at doing are:
1. You have said you have QFF points, but can not upgrade on your economy fare. Can you have to upgrade your economy fare to another economy fare which allows upgrades. That atleast gives you the possibility of a points upgrade and should not be too expensive. As a Gold, your chances would be fair for business class in the upgrade lottery, and I would think you may have a good chance of getting into premium economy at least (dependent on loads on the day, and all that)
2. Looking at exit row seats in economy class for those passengers who are eligible.
3. Looking at inserting a stopover in Singapore if you feel you need it, and if you don't sleeping pills are always handy.
4. Your kids will be fine perfectly comfortable in economy, and QF has a nice economy product.
Going forward in these circumstances I would be looking at
www.bestflights.com.au to look at alternative carriers from Oz to Europe, as QF represents poor value from Australia. If you choose to fly economy I would be looking at carriers who can send you through to Europe on dayflights (with stopover inserted), eg. CX, SQ, I'm sure there are others.
But I would be using that $5000 or $13,000 on tripping around Europe on an unforgettable family holiday, not on giving it to QF for 24 hours of extra comfort.