A trip to Australia is a big journey and, for many people, a significant investment. It is worth doing some research before booking, particularly if you are an older traveller and comfort, convenience and having the right support are important to you.
At SkyClub, we have years of experience arranging flights to Australia for leisure, visiting family and other personal travel. We also look after many older travellers who appreciate having someone talk through the details with them, whether that is choosing the right seat, arranging airport assistance, explaining the lounge options or deciding whether a longer stopover would make the journey more comfortable.
So, what is the best airline to Australia for older travellers? There isn’t one answer. The right choice depends on your priorities, including the aircraft and seat, the airport you are connecting through, the length of the stopover and, of course, the fare.
What should older travellers consider?
Business class makes a long journey considerably more comfortable, but not all business class experiences are the same.
The aircraft matters, as different versions can have very different seats and layouts. Direct aisle access can be particularly useful if you want to get up easily during the flight, while couples may have their own preferences about sitting together or having more privacy.
The connection is also important. The shortest possible connection isn’t necessarily the most comfortable, particularly at a large international airport. A little more time can allow you to use the lounge, have something to eat, stretch your legs and make your way to the next gate without rushing.
It is also worth considering airport assistance and lounge options for older travellers if walking long distances or navigating a busy airport is a concern.
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines is one of the first airlines we would consider for travellers looking at Australia via Asia.
One of the attractions is Singapore Changi Airport, which is consistently recognised among the world’s best airports. It is a large airport, but it is well organised and offers extensive facilities for passengers with time between flights. For someone facing a long journey to Australia, being able to have a proper break in a good lounge environment can make a difference.
Singapore Airlines also has a strong business class product, although the aircraft and seat configuration should always be checked before booking. The airline operates different aircraft, so don’t assume that every flight offers exactly the same seat.
For many travellers, Singapore also provides a good option for a longer stopover if they would rather break the journey properly rather than simply change planes. Our guide to breaking the journey to Australia looks at when a longer stopover can make sense and when a few hours in the lounge may be enough.
Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways
The major Middle Eastern carriers, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad, all offer a high-end business class experience and extensive connections from the UK to Australia.
Their newer aircraft can have excellent seats and impressive lounges, but the experience can vary depending on the aircraft and route. The airports are also large international hubs and can feel busy and overwhelming for some travellers, particularly when there is a long walk between gates.
For this reason, we would look at the whole itinerary rather than simply choosing the airline with the most impressive business class cabin. A sensible connection time and an airport you feel comfortable navigating can be just as important.
A longer connection can also be preferable to a very tight one. There is little benefit in saving an hour on the overall journey if you spend the connection worrying about finding the next gate.
Qantas
Qantas is an obvious option for Australia, particularly for travellers who prefer to fly with an Australian carrier.
The best choice depends on your destination and the aircraft operating the particular flight. As with other airlines, business class isn’t identical across the fleet, so it is worth checking the aircraft and seat layout rather than judging the airline purely by its reputation.
For someone travelling to visit family or returning to Australia regularly, Qantas may be a natural choice, but it is still worth comparing the routing and fare against the alternatives.
British Airways
British Airways is another option, particularly for travellers who prefer a UK airline.
There is a significant difference between the various Club World and Club Suite configurations, however, so the aircraft matters. A newer Club Suite-equipped aircraft offers a very different experience from an older Club World cabin.
Seat selection is another consideration. If you have particular requirements, it is worth looking at the actual seat map before booking rather than assuming that being in business class guarantees the seat you want.
We’ve covered what older travellers should look for when choosing a business class seat in more detail, including aisle access, privacy and different seat configurations.
Don’t overlook the established mid-priced options
If price is important, it is worth looking beyond the most expensive premium carriers. There are several established full-service airlines that can offer good business class fares to Australia, sometimes at a considerable saving.
Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways are two worth considering, particularly for travellers who are prepared to trade the latest business class cabin for a lower fare. Depending on the route and aircraft, you may find an older seat or cabin configuration, but that doesn’t necessarily make it poor value.
For some travellers, saving a substantial amount on the fare will be more important than having the newest seat. For others, the additional comfort, privacy and direct aisle access offered by a newer business class cabin will justify paying more.
The important thing is to know what you are booking. Look at the aircraft, seat layout and connection as well as the airline and fare.
This is also why comparing business class fares isn’t simply about finding the lowest price. Our guide to getting a cheaper business class flight explains some of the reasons passengers can pay very different fares for premium cabins.
The importance of the aircraft and seat
For a journey to Australia, the aircraft can be just as important as the airline.
A modern business class cabin might offer a fully flat bed, direct aisle access and greater privacy, while an older configuration from the same airline could be considerably different.
If you are travelling as a couple, you may also want to think about whether you prefer to sit together or have more personal space. Some seats work particularly well for couples, while others are designed with privacy in mind.
Seat selection policies vary between airlines too, and the most desirable seats aren’t always included automatically in the fare.
For older travellers, these details can make a surprisingly large difference to how comfortable the journey feels.
Think about the stopover, not just the flight
Australia is a long way from the UK, so the stopover deserves some thought.
A four or five-hour break in a good lounge may be all you need to have a shower, eat and stretch your legs before the next flight. Alternatively, some travellers will be much happier turning the journey into a proper stopover of a day or two.
We don’t think the shortest possible connection time is necessarily the right answer for an older traveller. It depends on the airport, the individual’s mobility and how they prefer to travel.
If you are considering a longer break, our guide to the best stopovers on the way to Australia looks at the options from a comfort perspective rather than simply ranking destinations as holiday stops.
So, which airline is best?
There isn’t a single airline that is best for every older traveller heading to Australia.
Singapore Airlines can be particularly attractive if you value the combination of its business class product and Changi Airport. The Middle Eastern carriers offer excellent premium cabins and extensive routing options, while Qantas and British Airways may appeal to travellers who prefer an Australian or UK carrier.
And if keeping the cost down is important, established carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways can be worth considering, particularly if you are happy to trade a newer cabin for a lower fare.
The important thing is to compare the actual flight, aircraft, seat, connection and fare, rather than simply choosing an airline based on its overall reputation.
For a journey as long as Australia, those details can make a real difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best airline to Australia for older travellers?
There is no single airline that is best for every older traveller. The most suitable option depends on the aircraft, business class seat, connection, airport, stopover and fare. Singapore Airlines, Qantas, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways can all be worth considering depending on the itinerary.
Is business class worth it for older travellers flying to Australia?
For a journey of this length, many older travellers value the extra space, fully flat bed, lounge access and ability to rest during the journey. However, the quality of the experience varies between airlines and aircraft, so it is worth checking the specific business class seat before booking.
Which airline has the best business class to Australia?
There is no universal answer because business class products vary between airlines and aircraft. Factors such as the seat, privacy, direct aisle access, service, connection and overall journey can be more important than the airline’s reputation alone.
Is it better for older travellers to have a longer stopover when flying to Australia?
Not necessarily, but a slightly longer connection can make the journey less stressful. It gives you more time to use the lounge, eat, stretch your legs and reach the next gate without rushing. For some travellers, a proper stopover of a day or more may be preferable.
What is the best business class seat for older travellers?
A fully flat seat with direct aisle access is often a useful choice, particularly for travellers who want to get up easily during the flight. However, preferences vary, especially for couples. The aircraft and seat layout should be checked before booking. See our guide to choosing business class seats for older travellers.
Can older travellers get cheaper business class flights to Australia?
Yes, sometimes. Business class fares can vary significantly between airlines, routes and dates. Established carriers such as Malaysia Airlines and Thai Airways can sometimes offer lower fares than the major premium carriers, although the aircraft and cabin may be older. Flexible dates, comparing different routings and ‘companion fares’, when two travellers book together, can also reveal better-value deals.
At SkyClub, we can compare the available airlines and fares (including those not available online) and talk you through the practical differences, including seat selection, airport assistance and whether a particular connection or stopover makes sense for you.
If you’re planning a business class trip to Australia, we’re happy to help you compare the options before you decide. There’s no obligation to book and we’re happy to check any fares you might have already found.
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