A passenger enjoys using the screen in Air New Zealand's premium economy seats. Photo / Nick Reed
A passenger enjoys using the screen in Air New Zealand's premium economy seats. Photo / Nick Reed
There are times a bargain basement flight is all you need. But if you're flying long haul, these options are worth splashing out on, news.com.au reports.
You pay for your ticket and you think that's it — until you're bombarded with all the extras that will make your journey even more enjoyable — at a price.
So what are the costs, and is it worth it? We asked the experts, and their answers may surprise you.
UPGRADE BIDS
Airlines like Etihad and Qantas allow passengers to "bid" for an upgrade a few days before their departure date. You can allocate an amount — for a trip to Europe flying Etihad it may be between $2400 and $3000 on top of the fare you've already paid.
The bid could be more than the original fare, but a business class ticket is usually much more than double an economy fare.
So if you're keen to fly business, it could be your chance. If you don't have the cash, you could use points. Qantas is one airline that allows you to upgrade using both Frequent Flyer points and cash.
Another option to upgrade your ticket is with Virgin Australia's Economy X. This is a better experience without forking out for premium economy or a business class fare.
For $38 each way domestically, you will get up to 40 per cent more leg room, preferred overhead lockers, priority screening and boarding. On a short international flight, like Brisbane to Bali, add $75 per person each way. The service costs $141 from Melbourne to Hong Kong, and $196 from Sydney to Los Angeles. That includes guaranteed first meal choice and noise-cancelling headphones.
Ben Cardenas from Travelplan Ski said he would recommend spending the extra money for Economy Plus offerings, like Comfort+ on Delta Airlines, or Main Cabin Extra on American Airlines.
"If flying to North America in economy, we highly recommend clients consider upgrading to economy 'Plus' products available on some airlines," Mr Cardenas said.
"They are not the same as premium economy, but rather a section at front of economy which has additional leg room.
"They include other amenities too — however the few inches of extra leg room can make a huge difference on a long flight."
Etihad's Business cabin could be worth that extra cash if you can stretch it. Photo / Supplied
CONSIDER WHEN TO SPLASH OUT
Robin Chiang, the Australian country head of travel search engine KAYAK, takes more than 100 flights a year and has a golden rule — comfort is everything.
"Over time, I've learnt that comfort is one of the most important factors when flying so I have a couple of things that I always pay a little extra for when taking long haul flights," Mr Chiang told news.com.au
"To ensure I'm fresh for when I arrive at my destination, I always opt for extra leg room and select an aisle seat.
"These two things mean that I can sit comfortably and easily get up and walk around on a flight to stretch and boost circulation.
"Also, rather than eating aeroplane food, I usually get take away for the plane ride — the three airports I frequent — Hong Kong, Sydney and Melbourne — all have some excellent restaurants, so I often get some looks of envy when meals are served and I bust out a freshly grilled burger or roast pork on rice."
But if it's just a short trip? Save your money, he advises.
"If I'm flying on a short haul domestic flight, I don't tend to invest in extras," Mr Chiang continued.
"In those instances, it's often best to save your money so you have more to spend on your trip."
Premium economy (pictured here on Singapore Airlines) is often much roomier than regular economy, which for a long haul flight can make a huge difference. Photo / Supplied
PICK AND CHOOSE
Expedia's Demi Kavaratzis said there had been a trend over the recent years of airlines de-bundling their flights to make sure they have an option for every traveller.
She explained this was great, as it allowed people with different budgets to pay for what they actually want.
"Travelling to New Zealand is a great example — it's a short-haul international destination and airlines offer travellers options from just a seat and a carry-on bag to the works, which has everything included — it's a 'design what works for you' approach," Ms Kavaratzis said.
Sydney's Mary-Louise Curtin said she and her husband always paid extra to sit in exit rows because of his height.
"It comes at a price for being tall," Ms Curtin laughed.
"This year we flew to Ballina in April with Virgin in Economy X and I was impressed with the bigger comfortable seats, plenty of leg room, friendly staff.
"My experience with Qantas has not been the same on domestic as they only offer exit rows for extra leg room.
"We actually flew to Cairns yesterday — I had paid for extra leg room in the exit row, paid for seat allocation, and also an extra bag."
