Hidden way to save up to 53% / $11,696 on your next Business Class trip, fast and easy—or get a stay at the Four Seasons for free.
Down under is really
way
down
under.
Regardless of when you book travel to Australia–even if you’re looking 150 days in advance–Business Class fares are as high as they come.
Fares from Los Angeles to Australia can often range between $6,000 and $8,000 when booked in advance for non-stop service on major airlines, and even more from other U.S. cities and to other Australian destinations. And even more if you missed the advance purchase–I’m talking $10,000+.
As the Aussies say, ironically: “no way, Jose.”
Unless you’re flexible, you can forget about using miles or points to Australia, generally speaking.
So altogether, your outlook for going down under for less is lower than a Kalgoorlie gold mine.
So, what can you do to lower your fare when it comes to high-priced destinations like Australia?
In a word: packages
The best one FCF found going at the moment is from Orbitz, flying on Virgin Australia, with Business Class at up to 53% off.
And, as it’s a package, it comes with a hotel, which you’ll likely need anyway. Unless, like Crocodile Dundee, you’d prefer a bush tent. No?
Orbitz packages even beat the lowest published fares
Dallas-Sydney Example: A Dallas-Sydney normal Business Class ticket (sample dates used Feb. 10 to Feb. 19) is $10,262, which is the lowest advance purchase fare with Virgin Australia. (Connecting flights from Dallas to Los Angeles to connect to Virgin Australia’s non-stop is Delta.)
The Orbitz air-and-land package amounts to a cash savings of 49% or $10,941 for two.
But wait, there’s more.
Stay at the Four Seasons for free
From another perspective: Compare this package deal for flights and hotel through Orbitz—with seven nights at the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney—at $11,494 for two ($5,747 per person), and this amounts to your hotel stay being, in effect, free. Plus, you save $4,515 per person. See the Orbitz screenshot below.
Sample Savings for Two Travelers with Orbitz Packages, Flying Virgin Australia in Business Class, In February
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This Virgin Australia route uses a Boeing 777, and as some of you know, the airline also offers flatbed seats on U.S.-Australia flights—kind of a must for a flight that’s 14 hours. With an 18-inch TV screen, USB port and universal charging station, you’ll be in business.
To that point, you’re flying Business Class with these deals, so check out what else is in store. Virgin Australia’s Business Class, called “The Business,” offers priority check-in, priority boarding, increased baggage allowance and access to the Virgin Australia lounge at airports in Los Angeles, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney.
Keep in Mind
- Always check published fares before buying a package, so you have a basis for comparison.
- Package deals are especially good on routes where Business Class fares are high (like Australia) even if you book far in advance