Traveling from Melbourne to London & return starting May 2015 in business class.

Traveling from Melbourne to London & return starting May 2015 in business class. Not sure whether to book Qantas, etihad, Cathay or Qatar. Have heard QFA Airbus 380 seats getting a bit worn and leaning. Cathay confusing as many versions of 330 and 777 how would you know which you get. Also many new changes and refurbishments, hard to keep up with new seats. Traveling with partner as a couple and would like to be able to communicate without having to shout to each other Also hubby is 1.96 tall - need seats to suit both requirements. Any suggestions, as new to business, usually travel

Premium economy?

I say qf  simply because the flights are 60% full and therefore they are making there prices on  the route a lot cheaper (almost $500 less then it costs simply to go to the Dubai stopover!) 

If you are flying from Melbourne, I would recommend Qatar Airways.  They have what I consider one of the best business class products I've flown.  Haven't flown Etihad in business, but theirs looks quite nice as well, and by May 15 at least the Abu Dhabi to London leg will be on their new a380 with a brand new and very comfy looking business class seat.  

After those two, you really can't go wrong with Singapore or Cathay.  The business class seat on Cathay's A330 and 777 are basically identical, so the equipment shouldn't be a worry for you.  Qantas is always good, but on this route their business class isn't that competitive.

RealKid - if you have flown with Qatar, how are their business seats organised? Are they so you can communicate with each other when you fly as a couple? I have seen pictures of their new Airbus 380 - looks good, but the other one they use for this stretch is a 777-300ER, not sure about which version.  A lot of business class seats seems to be more useable for singles and not that friendly for couples wanting to be able to be near each other.

On the flight from Melbourne you would be in a Qatar 777.  This has business class seats arranged 2-2-2 much like Qantas has in their a380.  It's very easy to converse.  The beds are a little longer than Qantas's, and if I remember correctly there is a fixed footrest so no sagging problems.

From Doha to London you'd likely be on the a380 or 787. These are arranged the same way as Cathay's, 1-2-1, with the outer seats diagonal facing the window and the inner seats diagonal facing each other.  Both easy to converse.

Where Qatar really sets themselves apart is in their lounges in Doha (the one at the old airport was phenomenal and the one in the new airport is supposed to be even better) as well as their onboard catering, which I think is on the same level as Qantas (although Qantas picks better wines).

If ever you want to know about seating arrangements a nifty website exists where you punch in the name of the airline, the date travelling and the flight number, and voila a seat map appears. This way you can get a good idea of what to expect on each leg, and which seats to avoid. goo gle a website called seat guru

I'm a regular ex Melbourne on Qantas, Cathay and Singapore and I find them all excellent.  The only drawback with Qantas is the lack of direct aisle access in business but if you are travelling as a couple this wont worry you.  The bed is flat and comfortable and the Aussie wines are first class.  Also if you are up for chatting with the crew the Aussie staff are prepared to make conversation where this is quite alien to the crew on Cathay.  The pick of the seats on Cathay are the single window seats and when I travel with my partner we sit a row behind one another.

If you like Asian food Singapore is excellent but their seating is a bit of a mixed bag ex Melbourne with all but the B777-300ER (77W) having their regional business seat which is not great.

OK before you gasp , laugh etc etc how about considering Malaysia Airlines. Always found them to be excellent value for the money.  If you join Malaysian Enrich you can get a cash and points fare for about half of Qantas fare  and think about all the extra spending money at the other end (especially with our Dollar diving as it is just now ). Only downside is that you won't get any frequent flyer points on that fare plus MH don't do pre flight champers anymore which really bugs me no end !!! Of course if money is no object then there are better options.

Sorry Ray I did gasp.  I am sure Malaysia Airlines have their good moments and are competible with price. However, I'm just not game to go with them after all the troubles they have had but thanks for the thought.

Good Point. they are a 5 star airline and VERY cheap. the only thing holding me back is the food. It is just hideous 

MH's food is hideous? LOL please.

Yes eminere. It's not the best. It's edible but hardly inspiring. 

I found it good in J. Presentation in particular was stellar.

Hi Annie

,if you are planning to break your trip ,which I found beneficial on long trips ,if you choose Hong Kong then Cathy Pacific is best ,Singapore then Singapore airlines, cathy Pacific's A330 aircraft has excellent seats for tall people and you can communicate but make sure you book the middle seats as the layout is 1-2-1 enjoy your trip.

I'd be going Cathy.... the all round package is outstanding but the seat is a clear winner. The seats on the a330 they use to Australia are the same seat as they use on the 777.