As EK First is about double the price of EK Business, I think for my bucket trip to Australia I will fly Business class and upgrade to Gold Class on the Indian Pacific. A little less luxury on the plane, a lot more luxury on the train, a big saving in money.
Thanks for your advice, people!
Just a hint to those who like a bit of comfort in the gaps between flights - I am a member of a London Club,
www.rosl.org.uk, which gives me reciprocal membership of Clubs all over the world. Most are like 4- or 5-star hotels but a fraction of the price. There isn't one in Perth but there is one in Sydney, rapidly becoming one of the most expensive cities in the world to stay overnight. Membership of a Club isn't difficult (just go to a 'new member's' night and get someone to propose you, and then get another sponsor who is a professional person who has know you for several years, this is normally your GP), pay your sub, and you get a hotel room in the centre of London for about £ 170 a night, whereas a hotel in the the same area (St James's) would be more like £ 700). And the aforementioned Reciprocal Clubs.
I think I'll buy a 50g tin of caviar at Heathrow, assuming the lights are on, serve myself it, and kid myself I'm really in First Class.
