West Aussies: Consider this.

[Peregrinopaul]

I have just returned from Ireland, visiting family. I decided to try the Qantas Perth London non-stop. Loved it. 16 hrs 20 mins on my flight over - no 3 hr messing around in the Middle East. I will consider using it again next year, connecting in London for a cheap flight from Gatwick to Biarritz. Connecting airports in London is pretty easy by rail and Underground. It can be done in 1hr 15 mins. Beats a transit in Doha or wherever. Just a thought.

 

[dougfitz]

I have done the long haul back from London to Australia three times now, once through, Perth and the other times coming through Darwin. I would never do it economy class again. Did that going through Perth, and the last three hours or so were too much for me.

That aside, it's a great option.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I realise that coming from the Eastern states puts an extra stress on this particular flight option. But if you're already in West Oz, its a breeze.

 

[Robo]

Just booked my Sydney - Madrid flights for next year.

It's an interesting conundrum for us Aussies.

Hailing from the UK originally, I have done those Sydney-London flights at least a dozen times.
And I would normally fly Qantas, and use 'points' to upgrade.
But points upgrades can only be on Qantas aircraft, not 'code share' flights.

So in the past I was at least able to do Qantas to Dubai, then Emirates to Madrid (no upgrade).
I did this on my last Camino.

Now Qantas have reduced the number of sectors that use their own aircraft.

So my only option was Qantas via Singapore but to London, meaning another sector required to Madrid, and having to deal with Heathrow that is a bit chaotic at the moment.

So weighing up all of that, I just booked Emirates........

But it's a nice service and easy legs. Sydney-Dubai-Madrid.

And I'm with you @dougfitz
Getting too old for those long 20+ hour flights in economy!

 

[Robo]

I have just returned from Ireland, visiting family. I decided to try the Qantas Perth London non-stop. Loved it. 16 hrs 20 mins on my flight over - no 3 hr messing around in the Middle East. I will consider using it again next year, connecting in London for a cheap flight from Gatwick to Biarritz. Connecting airports in London is pretty easy by rail and Underground. It can be done in 1hr 15 mins. Beats a transit in Doha or wherever. Just a thought.

Not a bad option for West Coast Aussies I'd agree.

I think at some stage we'll get a 19-20 hour direct option Sydney to London.
I'd try that. I actually quite enjoy long flights.
A chance to relax, watch a few movies, bit of food and wine, sleep........

 

[Former member 49149]

Maybe it wasn't a bad idea to skip the £10 assisted passage option when I finished my teacher training in 1969...instead, I landed here in dear old Ireland.
I do respect the investment involved for you all, East or West Australia.

 

[dreaming]

I flew Sydney to Perth and then direct to London with Qantas. I loved it especially the part at the back of the plane where I could stand up and eat and drink what I wanted whenever.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I flew Sydney to Perth and then direct to London with Qantas. I loved it especially the part at the back of the plane where I could stand up and eat and drink what I wanted whenever.

Yes, I liked that too. Also the smaller plane I found more pleasant, with the 2-3-2 configuration of seating in economy.

 

[Babyboomergirl]

I have just returned from Ireland, visiting family. I decided to try the Qantas Perth London non-stop. Loved it. 16 hrs 20 mins on my flight over - no 3 hr messing around in the Middle East. I will consider using it again next year, connecting in London for a cheap flight from Gatwick to Biarritz. Connecting airports in London is pretty easy by rail and Underground. It can be done in 1hr 15 mins. Beats a transit in Doha or wherever. Just a thought.

We have family in the UK so flying via London is a good option for us .
I also like the non stop flight and am preparing to book flights for April 2023.
We can have a few rest days visiting family and recovering from jet lag before getting a flight to Spain. We flew from London to Oviedo for the Primitivo and to San Sebastián for the Norte. Hoping to start in Seville next year !