[thejoz]

Which is the best flight route from the UK, eastward or westward?
And what is a 20+hr flight like?:confused: I get (a little) claustrophobic on a long coach journey let alone a flight across the world! Should we do it in one non stop flight or break the journey up, and if so where to stop off?

[Georgebulldog]

There's been lots of posts on this & everyone has their own view on it, me I would break it up but I like the excuse to somewhere else on the way as you don't get a chance any other time but others like to go all the way through to get it over with. I hate flying & didn't find it that bad at all, we stopped in LA, one because of the bagge allowance was more & two it split the journey up & gave us chance to go to Disney for a couple of days with our daughter, my in laws are coming over & they are choosing to stop in HK on the way back
I'll stop rabbiting now & just wish you good luck

[Tia Maria]

We prefer to fly via Singapore, as we normally find Air Singapore a bit cheaper, plus it splits the two flights quite evenly and you avoid the LA hassles.

If funds and time allows, I would go for a stop over every time, it helps with the jetlag and gives you a chance to visit another long distance destination for not much extra cost.

I think Singapore is a great stop over also, Sentosa is great for relaxing and families, or stay more central if you want shopping and restaurants.

A possible compromise is to stay a night in transit. Both Singapore and Hong Kong have transit hotels where you can catch a sleep and stretch your legs without having to leave the airport.

Cheers

Tia

[lockstock]

If you fly Emirates there are two or three stops - one in Dubai (always good if you like sand and wondering why places are there in the first place) and the other(s) for refuelling but you can get off the plane and get back on to a clean one each time. And don't worry about claustrophobia you'll be too busy wondering how you're going to make room for the next meal. Air New Zealand is OK too but not such nice food. I was warned off LAX because of their attitude and lack of facilities. Safe trip whichever you choose.

[nippa&pippa]

We picked our flight based on that can depart from Birmingham rather depart from London (couldn't face crowding airport with toddler and baby) and also my sister used Emirates several times from NZ to UK and back, found it better than BA. Air NZ, and Quatas. Lucky Emirates does depart from Birmingham and does have three stop - Dubai, then australia (either syndey or melbourne depend on which final airports in NZ) then NZ.

[BaldyBeardyBloke]

We came on holiday two years ago with Quantas and would use them again, they were rubbish.

We came over for good a year ago and used Singapore Air, stopping at Singapore (obviously) Just for a few hours and found it a good route as it breaks the journey almost exactly in half. Also, Singapore airport has plenty to do and see - great with bored kids.

On the holiday trip we stopped a few nights in Singpore on the way and Hong Kong on the way back. In short, didn't like Singapore (might be better without kids in tow) but loved HK. Would revisit HK for a holiday in a shot.

I have never been to the states, so can't comment on that route.

[Sam B]

We came here with no stopover except 4 hours in transit in LA. It was hideous, I didn't sleep at all for over 40 hours altogether, felt very claustrophobic at times, and really ill by the time we arrived. I would definitely recommend a stopover of at least a full day, and would avoid LA in future.

[StevieD]

Singapore, lovely place to stop over and unwind, and you don't get treated like a criminal/potential terrorist like you supposedly do in LA :nice1

[shakyle2906]

We came Air NZ, stopping off for about 4hrs in LA.

Got to be honest, found LA a breeze..........even with a 4.5yr old in tow

We thought we would be so tired when we got here, but were well hypa, although jet lag took about a week to wear off........

My sister flys over on a visit next week, Hong Kong on way over, LA on way back - will let you know her thoughts.

Sharon
x

[Kerry and David]

I came back from NZ at the beginning of the week, I flew with Air New Zealand both ways via Hong Kong. Due to time, I didn't stop over, so just had 2 hours at Hong Kong.
I don't travel well but found the trip went well. We travelled economy but were impressed with the amount of leg room. The food was OK and the entertainment was good (you can pause the films, make up your own play list for music)
I am mixed on if I would stop, last time we did and it was great in Singapore as others have said Sentosa is lovely, however I personally almost found it easier to go through the time change once instead of in stages.
Hubbie went via L.A on the way out and found it a bit of a nightmare with the immigration process.

Good Luck!

Kerry

[chocolate cake]

Speaking from limited experience, 2 trips only to NZ but many others via the states to Central America I'd definitely avoid the via the US route. The hassles there are horrendous, and it's not just since 7/11, it was the same before.
Going through Singapore is a pleasant experience by contrast. Great airline, great airport, you're actually welcomed and treated as a guest. Also I find it works better in adjusting to the time difference too.

[JandM]

I've been to NZ twice, both times with Air NZ, the first time via LA and the second via Hong Kong. Air NZ is supposed to be the best for leg-room in economy, and you can get up and walk around. We found the service was good. The food was really pretty good for mass catering (some of it really delicious, and there's plenty of it), and the staff were all very pleasant and helpful.

As we were travelling to spend time with the family, and had limited free time from work, we were keen to do the journey as fast as possible, so did it all in one go with just the refuelling stops. LA was grim - horrendous queues for the immigration formalities, manned by institutionally unhelpful officials, and a grey, bare room with next to no facilites to wait in. Hong Kong airport is a total contrast - spacious, and with everything you might need easily available.

[JandM]

Oh, and I didn't find any difference going east or west in how I felt, either end of the journey. But then, I don't actually know of any physical reason anyone should be ill while adjusting to the time difference. (Anyone?) In my experience, it was just a tendency to nod off in everyone else's daytime, and wake up during their night, for a couple of days. Advice from a friend here in the UK who often travels for business was to try to push yourself on the day of arrival to stay up till normal bedtime there. You'll feel very tired, and tend to sleep longer for that reason, even if your body clock is telling you it's time to wake up in the UK, so it pushes you towards adjusting sooner.

[thejoz]

Hmmm, think we'll definately avoid LA then.

What about via Honolulu, has anyone?

[napiers]

We've been via LA several times, mostly with Air NZ but also via HK with them too and HK definitely a better option. In LA we were stuck in a relatively pokey transit lounge but in HK we had the run of the terminal - space to walk around, places to eat/drink and shops to look at! We've also been via KL a couple of times with Malaysian Airlines - better than going via LA but prefer Air NZ for friendliness and service. :clap

[Rusty]

Interesting to read the responses on this so far.
We are torn between Singapore and LA for different reasons. Singapore was our route last time and was a great place and air experience. However, the thought of twice as much baggage allowance and a final stop and stay at Disney in LA is appealing, but the worst reputation for an airport.
Still in 2 minds on this :confused:

[cathyfitzwhite]

Hello
We have travelled with 3 airlines - BA, Singapore & Emirates - ist time round there was just 2 of us, 2nd time 2 plus x2 small children, 3rd time 2 plus x2 children and baby - I would definitely recommend Singapore airlines as the most professional and attentive -also splitting the journey into 2 flights (stopover at singapore for a couple of nights if your bugget allows) of 12 hours is a little less tiring! The most recent flight was exhausting - none stop (24+ hours) including more changes which was challenging with 3 little people!Good luck!

[Kerry and David]

Interesting to read the responses on this so far.
We are torn between Singapore and LA for different reasons. Singapore was our route last time and was a great place and air experience. However, the thought of twice as much baggage allowance and a final stop and stay at Disney in LA is appealing, but the worst reputation for an airport.
Still in 2 minds on this :confused:

I don't think it would be so bad if you get to leave the airport (especially if Mickey Mouse is involved:D ) it's when you stand in the immigration line for ages and then walk in to a pokey lounge!

K x