First Class • Business Class • Premium Economy

Business Class Airfares to the UK & Europe

Fine Travel is a full-service New Zealand travel agency, sourcing First Class, Business Class and Premium Economy airfares from the world’s leading airlines since 2000.

Sharper Airfares

We research discounted and sharp lead-in airfares. If your plans include a cruise, tour or accommodation, our private fares can be even cheaper.

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Select an airline for its full details and our insight on who it suits. Other UK & Europe cities on request.

On sale now Lead-in airfare

United Kingdom & Ireland
London (Heathrow)	China Southern $7,034Air China $7,740Malaysia Airlines $9,017China Eastern $9,378Cathay Pacific $9,763Qatar Airways $10,220Singapore Airlines $10,692Oman Air $10,924Air New Zealand $12,110Emirates $12,193China Airlines $12,586Etihad $12,588Qantas $12,730Lufthansa $15,243
London (Gatwick)	Singapore Airlines $10,638Emirates $13,695
Manchester	Singapore Airlines $10,865Emirates $13,263
Dublin	Qatar Airways $9,812*
Western & Central Europe
Amsterdam	China Southern $7,988Oman Air $8,543China Eastern $8,879Cathay Pacific $9,470Qatar Airways $9,646Korean Air $10,016Singapore Airlines $10,457Air New Zealand $11,727Emirates $12,022*
Brussels	Cathay Pacific $9,402Singapore Airlines $10,397
Frankfurt	China Southern $7,975Oman Air $8,596Korean Air $10,085Singapore Airlines $10,201Lufthansa $11,456*
Munich	Lufthansa $11,619*
Paris	Air China $7,355China Southern $8,097Malaysia Airlines $8,585Oman Air $8,716Cathay Pacific $9,624Qatar Airways $9,827Korean Air $10,206Singapore Airlines $10,323Emirates $11,791Etihad $12,327Qantas $12,339*
Zurich	Oman Air $8,362Cathay Pacific $9,289Singapore Airlines $10,277Qatar Airways $10,312Emirates $12,317*Swiss · On request
Southern Europe
Barcelona	Qatar Airways $9,605Singapore Airlines $10,255Emirates $12,748*
Madrid	Cathay Pacific $9,363*
Rome	Air China $7,082Oman Air $8,443China Eastern $8,712Qatar Airways $10,127Qantas $11,041Singapore Airlines $11,231Emirates $13,389*
South-East Europe
Istanbul	China Southern $5,645Singapore Airlines $9,611Korean Air $9,897*

“On request” means we’ll quote that fare on enquiry.

How to read these fares. Indicative lead-in fares, per person return from New Zealand, in NZD, subject to availability on your preferred travel dates. Where an airline offers more than one option to a city the lowest is shown, including the lower of Auckland and Christchurch departures. An airline appears under London (Gatwick) only where its fares are specific to Gatwick; otherwise its London fare is shown under Heathrow. The “Upper Est.” shown in each airline’s table is our estimate of the airfare if the lead-in fare isn’t available on your dates; the actual price could be higher, or sold out. Several fares are on sale for a limited time, and routings, stopovers and surcharges vary by airline; Lufthansa also quotes other European cities on request. See each airline’s section below for full routing, sale dates, travel periods and conditions. All advertised airfares exclude Fine Travel’s Professional Travel Services Fees, which we confirm with you before anything is booked.

China Southern Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Consistently our sharpest Business Class fare to the UK and Europe from New Zealand, and the one we book for clients who are flexible on dates and looking for a lie-flat alternative to Premium Economy for a similar price. A Guangzhou stopover is often required — which China Southern covers with a 4- to 5-star hotel and transfers, so it works as a free stopover rather than a chore. We have flown it ourselves and reviewed the cabin; the seat is a genuine lie-flat. Its frequent flyer programme is Sky Pearl Club. Read our China Southern review →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
Auckland via Guangzhou to Istanbul	$5,645*	$8,496*
Auckland via Guangzhou to London Heathrow	$7,034*	$9,841*
Auckland via Guangzhou to Frankfurt	$7,975*	$10,118*
Auckland via Guangzhou to Amsterdam	$7,988*	$10,131*
Auckland via Guangzhou to Paris	$8,097*	$10,240*
Complimentary 4- to 5-star stopover accommodation and airport transfers are available in Guangzhou if transit requirements are met.

Air China Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Our best-value one stop route into Rome and Paris at present, and with China Southern one of the two fares we quote clients who want a lie-flat seat for close to a Premium Economy price. Expect an overnight in Beijing on the return, provided by the airline. Air China is a Star Alliance member, so Airpoints members may earn Airpoints Dollars and Status Points.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
Auckland via Beijing to Rome	$7,082*	$7,701*
Auckland via Beijing to Paris	$7,355*	$7,975*
Auckland via Beijing to London Heathrow	$7,740*	$8,872*

Oman Air Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

A quietly excellent Gulf carrier that joined Oneworld in 2025, and can offer sharp fares into Zurich, Rome, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. From New Zealand the journey is three stops to the UK & Europe: Malaysia Airlines to Kuala Lumpur, then Oman Air through Muscat. One caution we always check before quoting: some shorter Oman Air sectors are flown by a Boeing 737-8 MAX, which does not have a fully lie-flat Business Class seat (although we are seeing these phased out).

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to Zurich	$8,362*	$10,126*
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to Rome	$8,443*	$10,207*
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to Amsterdam	$8,543*	$11,949*
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to Frankfurt	$8,596*	$10,360*
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to Paris	$8,716*	$10,481*
Auckland via Kuala Lumpur and Muscat to London	$10,924*	$13,579*

China Eastern Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

A one-stop option through Shanghai that sits a step above China Southern on price and a step below the Gulf and Singapore carriers, with Rome and Amsterdam its best-value cities. The Shanghai connection is generally shorter than a Guangzhou overnight, so it suits clients who want a sharp fare but would rather not break the journey. A SkyTeam member.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
Auckland via Shanghai to Rome	$8,712*	—
Auckland via Shanghai to Amsterdam	$8,879*	—
Auckland via Shanghai to London Heathrow	$9,378*	—

Malaysia Airlines Business Class to London and Paris

Malaysia Airlines Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Malaysia Airlines runs genuine sales throughout the year, which has made it one of our top-selling Business Class airfares to London and Paris. Between Auckland and Kuala Lumpur, they operate the new A330neo with Business Class “mini-suites” and a sliding privacy door. Connections over Kuala Lumpur are timely, so you get a one-stop journey at a lower price point than its competitors. A Oneworld member, so Qantas Frequent Flyer and other Oneworld points can be earned. See our top-selling Business Class flights to the UK and Europe →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
On saleAuckland via Kuala Lumpur to Paris	$8,585*	$11,709*
On saleAuckland via Kuala Lumpur to London	$9,017*	$12,003*
On sale until 21 October 2026. For travel between 8 October 2026 and 31 August 2027. Subject to availability on your preferred travel dates. Malaysia Airlines also offers flights via Australia, connecting with Qantas across the Tasman.

Cathay Pacific Business Class to the UK & Europe

Cathay Pacific Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Cathay Pacific has an extensive one-stop network via Hong Kong into the UK & Europe and offers Business Class and Premium Economy options. Although it rarely goes on sale, its lead-in fares are consistently well priced. The catch? Often, a stopover in Hong Kong is required to access the best-priced Business Class airfares, and we can build this into your itinerary. Premium Economy fares generally have better through availability. The new Aria Business Class suite is being rolled out to the 777s in the Cathay Pacific fleet, so it may be part of the journey between Hong Kong and the UK and Europe. A Oneworld member.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
Auckland via Hong Kong to London	$6,381*	$7,861*
Auckland via Hong Kong to Paris	$6,679*	$7,979*
Business Class
Auckland via Hong Kong to Zurich	$9,289*	$12,339*
Auckland via Hong Kong to Madrid	$9,363*	$12,276*
Auckland via Hong Kong to Brussels	$9,402*	$12,486*
Auckland via Hong Kong to Amsterdam	$9,470*	$12,571*
Auckland via Hong Kong to Paris	$9,624*	$12,581*
Auckland via Hong Kong to London	$9,763*	$11,910*

Qatar Airways Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Qatar’s Qsuite is the Business Class seat our clients ask about most (and the Next Gen version is highly anticipated in 2027), and the dine-on-demand offering makes the overall experience “First Class-like”. On sale it is excellent value into the UK & Europe for a premium airline, but there are two things to know before you book. Firstly, while Qatar rebuilds its New Zealand network, the journey goes via Australia, so allow for the extra sector. Secondly, a common trap with Qatar Airways Business Class is the “exclusions” rather than the “inclusions”. The Business Class “Lite” fare may look attractive but excludes lounge access and seat selection. We price the “Classic” airfares, which include lounge access, but seat selection is a paid extra. A Oneworld member. Read what changed on Qatar’s discounted Business Class fares →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class (Classic – R)
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Barcelona	$9,605*	$13,274*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Amsterdam	$9,646*	$13,473*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Dublin	$9,812*	$14,183*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Paris	$9,827*	$13,572*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Rome	$10,127*	$13,531*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to London (Heathrow)	$10,220*	$13,834*
On saleAuckland via Australia & Doha to Zurich	$10,312*	$13,305*
On sale until 30 October 2026. For travel between 17 January and 31 October 2027. Blackout dates apply from Auckland to Doha: 24 to 27 March, 8 to 11 April 2027, 30 June to 11 July 2027 and 22 to 26 September 2027. From Doha to Auckland: 1 July to 1 August 2027 and 29 September to 24 October 2027. Subject to availability and Qatar Airways’ allocation of discounted airfares on your preferred travel dates. Weekend and peak-season surcharges may apply, and fares to other European cities are available.

Singapore Airlines Business Class to UK / Europe

Singapore Airlines Spring Sale

Premium Economy from $6,170* and Business Class from $9,611* pp return to the UK & Europe

Book by 30 October 2026 for travel between 26 October 2026 and 10 October 2027.

Blackout dates apply and seats at these fares are limited. See the terms below.

Fine Travel’s insight

The leading choice for many of our clients, and for good reason: one stop, frequent departures from Auckland and Christchurch, a wide choice of UK and European cities and a consistently polished product. Committing an A380 to the Auckland route for 2027 adds Business capacity and the First Class Suite through to London or Frankfurt. Singapore Airlines releases tactical specials, so for a premium airline, timing matters to secure a discounted Business Class or Premium Economy airfare. If you have cruise or tour plans, our Singapore Airlines private fares can offer even better savings. Star Alliance, so Airpoints Dollars and Status Points can be earned in addition to PPS Club status. Book the Cook lets you order your main course before you fly. Read about Book the Cook →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Istanbul	$6,170*	$9,270*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Paris	$6,574*	$9,526*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Amsterdam	$7,003*	$9,688*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to London (Gatwick)	$7,049*	$10,011*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to London (Heathrow)	$7,125*	$10,044*
On saleChristchurch via Singapore to Paris	$6,551*	$9,504*
On saleChristchurch via Singapore to London (Heathrow)	$7,616*	$10,022*
Business Class
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Istanbul	$9,611*	$13,653*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Frankfurt	$10,201*	$13,086*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Barcelona	$10,255*	$13,431*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Zurich	$10,277*	$13,453*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Paris	$10,323*	$15,626*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Brussels	$10,397*	$13,695*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Amsterdam	$10,457*	$15,686*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to London (Gatwick)	$10,638*	$13,504*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to London (Heathrow)	$10,714*	$15,983*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Manchester	$10,865*	$14,090*
On saleAuckland via Singapore to Rome	$11,231*	$13,467*
On saleChristchurch via Singapore to Paris	$10,609*	$15,605*
On saleChristchurch via Singapore to London (Heathrow)	$10,692*	$15,962*
First Class
Auckland via Singapore to Zurich	$23,208*	—
Auckland via Singapore to Frankfurt	$23,376*	—
Auckland via Singapore to Paris	$23,497*	—
Auckland via Singapore to London	$23,869*	—
On sale until 30 October 2026, for travel between 26 October 2026 and 10 October 2027. Blackout dates apply: 12–28 December 2026, 24–31 March 2027, 6–12 April 2027, 1–7 July 2027 and 21–29 September 2027. Subject to availability on your preferred travel dates.

Air New Zealand Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Air New Zealand doesn’t fly all the way to the UK & Europe: these fares put you on an Air New Zealand flight “half-way” to Asia, the USA or Canada, then a partner — most commonly Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Air France or British Airways. As Air New Zealand completes the upgrade of its Business Premier (removing the herringbone seats) and Premium Economy cabins, we’re seeing these routes increase in popularity. Airpoints Dollars and Status Points are earned on the Air New Zealand sectors and at partner rates beyond.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
New Zealand via Shanghai to London (British Airways)	$7,877*	—
Business Class
New Zealand via Asia to Amsterdam (Air France / Singapore Airlines)	$11,727*	$14,815*
New Zealand via Singapore to London Heathrow (Singapore Airlines)	$12,110*	$13,944*

Korean Air Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Korean Air was once one of our most popular and well-priced “second tier” Business Class options to the UK & Europe. The cuisine and quality of the onboard experience drew glowing reports and loyal repeat clients. Of late, demand out of Seoul for its Business Class product to the UK & Europe has translated into much higher Business Class fares through its network (often pricing at more than Emirates). More recently we have seen the return of more attractively priced Business Class airfares from New Zealand, though the pricing is very dynamic. With Asiana folding into Korean Air on 17 December 2026, this becomes the single Korean option, and we hope to see the combined network add capacity. A SkyTeam member.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
Auckland via Seoul to Istanbul	$9,897*	$13,861*
Auckland via Seoul to Amsterdam	$10,016*	$13,696*
Auckland via Seoul to Frankfurt	$10,085*	$13,768*
Auckland via Seoul to Paris	$10,206*	$13,607*

Emirates Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Emirates is the airline our clients choose for the overall experience: the A380 upstairs, the onboard lounge, the option to experience First Class and (where available) the complimentary chauffeur service for Business and First Class guests. It is rarely the cheapest fare on this page, and seasonal surcharges can apply over peak periods, but its extensive network and capacity mean its best lead-in fares are often available if you plan ahead. It also prices open-jaw itineraries well — into London and home from Paris or Amsterdam, for example — which suits a European itinerary that doesn’t loop back to where it started. As with any Gulf routing, it pays to check current travel advice before you book. The frequent flyer programme is Skywards. Read our review of the Emirates A380 and a Dubai stopover →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
Auckland via Dubai to London	$6,898*	$7,695*
Business Class
Auckland via Dubai to Amsterdam	$12,205*	$13,328*
Auckland via Dubai to Zurich	$12,317*	$13,241*
Auckland via Dubai to Paris	$11,791*	$12,995*
Auckland via Dubai to London (Gatwick)	$13,695*	$14,952*
Auckland via Dubai to Barcelona	$12,748*	$13,208*
Auckland via Dubai to Rome	$13,389*	$13,689*
Auckland via Dubai to Manchester	$13,263*	$13,707*
Auckland via Dubai to London (Heathrow)	$13,456*	$14,713*
Auckland via Dubai to London (Heathrow) home from Paris	$12,702*	$13,906*
Auckland via Dubai to London (Heathrow) home from Amsterdam	$12,607*	$13,797*
Christchurch via Sydney and Dubai to Amsterdam	$12,022*	$13,506*
Christchurch via Sydney and Dubai to Paris	$11,830*	$13,397*
Christchurch via Sydney and Dubai to London (Heathrow)	$12,193*	$14,077*
First Class
Auckland via Dubai to Zurich	$18,980*	$20,160*
Auckland via Dubai to Paris	$19,257*	$20,437*
Auckland via Dubai to London	$21,154*	$22,418*
Emirates applies a 4% surcharge for summer outbound travel between 26 June and 8 August 2026 and inbound travel between 30 July and 31 August 2026, and a 5% surcharge for winter outbound travel between 11 and 23 December 2026 and inbound travel between 1 and 12 January 2027; additional weekend surcharges also apply. Emirates Business Class and First Class airfares can include complimentary airport transfers — how valuable is the chauffeur service?

Qantas Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Qantas offers something no other airline on this page can: Perth to London and Perth to Rome non-stop, which turns the journey into one trans-Tasman hop and one long flight, with no Asian or Gulf transit. The fares sit at the upper end, and the trans-Tasman sector won’t always offer the cabin you’ve booked for the long haul — Qantas doesn’t fly First Class across the Tasman and not every flight has Premium Economy — so we tell you exactly what you’ll be sitting in on each leg. A Oneworld member, so Qantas Frequent Flyer points and status credits are earned throughout.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
New Zealand via Perth direct to Rome	$11,041*	$15,588*
New Zealand via Sydney and Singapore to Paris	$12,339*	$16,667*
New Zealand via Perth direct to London	$12,730*	$17,042*
New Zealand via Australia and Singapore to London	$13,697*	$18,156*
First Class
Business Class to Australia, First Class via Singapore to London	$20,892*	$22,154*

China Airlines Business Class to London

Fine Travel’s insight

A three-stop routing via Brisbane and Taipei, so China Airlines is a fare we quote when it runs a sale or when a client specifically wants Taiwan on the itinerary — Taipei is an easy and interesting stopover destination. At standard pricing the Business Class fare is usually bettered elsewhere on this page. A SkyTeam member, with points to its own Dynasty Flyer programme.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
New Zealand via Brisbane and Taipei to London	$8,053*	—
Business Class
New Zealand via Brisbane and Taipei to London	$12,586*	—

Swiss Air Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Swiss is the natural choice for Zurich and the Alps, and an illustration on this page of how our private fares work: book your rail passes, hotels or a tour with us alongside the airfare and the fare drops noticeably, as the Premium Economy rows show (when a minimum spend is met). The routing is Air New Zealand to Shanghai, with an overnight there on the way out, then Swiss onward to Zurich. Business Class is quoted on request because availability at the sharpest levels has been very limited — ask us for your dates. Star Alliance, so Airpoints Dollars and Status Points can be earned.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Premium Economy
New Zealand via Shanghai (with Air New Zealand) to Zurich — Package Fare**	$5,452*
New Zealand via Shanghai (with Air New Zealand) to Zurich	$5,987*
Business Class
New Zealand via Shanghai (with Air New Zealand) to Zurich — Package Fare**	On Request
New Zealand via Shanghai (with Air New Zealand) to Zurich	On Request
**Package Fare: a minimum spend on non-airfare components of your itinerary (such as accommodation, a tour or cruise) needs to be booked with us at the same time as the airfare. The outbound flight via Shanghai requires an overnight stopover in Shanghai.

Lufthansa Group Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

The Lufthansa Group’s strength is its extensive European network (combining Lufthansa, Swiss and Austrian) and its partnerships out of New Zealand that connect over Asia and North America. For a complex multi-destination itinerary, Lufthansa can offer a single ticket solution which is attractive. In the past we have seen very competitive Lufthansa Business Class and Premium Economy airfares, but of late the fares represent the Group's more premium offering. We have access to private fares which can make the Group more attractive when the airfares are booked with accommodation, tours or a cruise (subject to minimum spend requirements). The lead-in fares are sometimes non-refundable or earn no Airpoints. Star Alliance when on Star Alliance aircraft; check with us for the connecting sectors. Read where Lufthansa’s flexibility is worth paying for →

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
New Zealand via Vancouver to Frankfurt	$11,456*	—
New Zealand via the US to Munich	$11,619*	—
New Zealand via Asia and Germany to London	$15,243*	—

Etihad Airways Business Class to the UK & Europe

Etihad Airways Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Etihad reaches London and Paris via Australia and Abu Dhabi, and historically this three stop route to the UK & Europe (and competition from Emirates and Qatar Airways) meant that the airfares sold at a substantial discount relative to the airline's quality. Sustained demand for its Business Studio and the remarkable First Class "Residence" has resulted in pricing that is now more on par with the other Middle Eastern carriers. The trans-Tasman sector can be in Economy if the aircraft on the day has no Business cabin, which we confirm before you book. The frequent flyer programme is Etihad Guest.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
New Zealand via Australia and Abu Dhabi to Paris	$12,327*	—
New Zealand via Australia and Abu Dhabi to London	$12,588*	—

Turkish Airlines Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Turkish Airlines’ draw is Istanbul: the largest European network of any airline from its hub, and a stopover offer that gives Business Class passengers two nights’ complimentary 5-star or boutique accommodation in the city (subject to terms and conditions). From New Zealand the connection can be with Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines or Malaysia Airlines through Asia, or via Australia, then Turkish onward. Airfares are on request at the moment as Turkish Airlines has imposed route surcharges or only released the expensive booking classes, which makes their airfares the most expensive out of New Zealand by a considerable margin. Star Alliance on Turkish-operated or Star Alliance partner-operated flights.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
New Zealand via Asia to Istanbul	On Request	—
New Zealand via Asia and Istanbul to Amsterdam	On Request	—
New Zealand via Asia and Istanbul to London (Heathrow)	On Request	—
New Zealand via Asia and Istanbul to London (Gatwick)	On Request	—

Asiana Business Class to UK / Europe

Fine Travel’s insight

Asiana has long been one of our go-to sharp fares to Europe via Seoul, but it merges into Korean Air on 17 December 2026. We are quoting on request until the merger is complete.

Route (return)	Lead-in Fare from (pp return)	Upper Est. from (pp return)
Business Class
New Zealand via Seoul to the UK & Europe	On Request	—

Good to Know

Frequently asked questions about Business Class to the UK & Europe

The questions we're asked most often about our discounted Business Class airfares from New Zealand — answered plainly.

How much is a Business Class flight from New Zealand to London?

Business Class lead-in fares from New Zealand to London currently start from around $7,000 per person return, and range up to roughly $13,700 depending on the airline and routing. Fares to some European cities can be lower still — Istanbul, for example, currently starts from around $5,650 return.

The range is wide because each airline routes and prices differently. The sharpest fares generally fly via the airline's home hub in Asia, while the better-known one-stop routings command a premium. Our comparison table above shows the current lead-in fare for each airline, city by city.

Why are some Business Class fares to Europe so much cheaper than others?

Routing is the main reason. The lowest fares usually travel via the airline's home hub — Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, Seoul or Kuala Lumpur — and may require an overnight stopover on the way, which is often provided at the airline's expense. You still fly in a fully fledged Business Class cabin; you simply take a less direct path to Europe.

Higher fares typically buy shorter connections, more frequent departures, a wider network of European cities or a particularly renowned onboard product. Neither is "better" — it depends on whether your priority is the price, the journey time or the experience, and we're happy to talk you through the trade-offs for your dates. For a fuller picture, see our guide to the pros and cons of cheap Business Class flights to the UK and Europe.

Are discounted Business Class fares through a travel agency genuine?

Yes — they are real airline fares. As a full-service travel agency, Fine Travel has access to wholesale and specially negotiated Business Class fares that airlines don't publish on their own websites, alongside all the published fares. Some of the best fares also need to be "built" by a travel agent — combining airlines, routings and fare types in ways an airline website can't easily offer — which is why you won't find them booking direct. You fly in exactly the same seat and cabin; the difference is the price and the fare conditions.

Fine Travel has been arranging discounted premium airfares from New Zealand since 2000, and is a member of TAANZ and CLIA and an IATA Accredited travel agency.

What do "lead-in fare" and "Upper Est." mean?

A lead-in fare is the lowest fare typically available on that route — the "from" price, subject to availability on your preferred travel dates. What sits behind it varies by airline: for some, such as China Southern, it's their lowest published fare, generally available year-round; for airlines that run tactical specials, such as Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, it's the best fare available within the framework of their current limited-time special, with a set sale window and travel period.

The "Upper Est." is our estimate of what the airfare is likely to cost if the lead-in fare isn't available on your dates; the actual price could be higher, or sold out. The gap between the two usually comes down to booking class availability: each fare has a limited allocation of seats in its cheapest booking class, and as that sells out — sometimes in one direction of your journey, sometimes in both — the price steps up to the next booking class. We explain how this works, with a worked example, in Plan Ahead for Discounted Business Class Flights to the UK & Europe.

All advertised airfares exclude Fine Travel's Professional Travel Services Fees, which we'll always confirm with you before anything is booked — there are no surprises.

When is the best time to book Business Class to the UK or Europe?

It depends on how your airline releases its discounts. Broadly, airlines take one of three approaches: tactical specials with a set sale window and travel period (airlines such as Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Malaysia Airlines and Qantas), where the best strategy is to book while a sale is on; rolling specials (such as Emirates), where discounted fares are usually in the market and booking as soon as your dates are within the airline's booking range works well; and consistently sharp lead-in fares (such as China Southern), where booking early gives the best chance of securing the limited booking classes behind those prices.

As a rule of thumb, booking early rarely hurts — the cheapest booking classes sell first, and each new sale is unlikely to undercut a previous one. We explain each airline's approach in detail in our guide, When is the best time to book a UK / Europe Business Class airfare? — or sign up for our Business Class Sales Alerts to hear about new sales as they're released.

Can I earn Airpoints on these fares?

Often, yes — though it depends on the airline and the fare. Flights on Star Alliance airlines such as Air New Zealand, Singapore Airlines, Air China and Turkish Airlines may earn Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars and Status Points at partner rates. Airlines in Oneworld or SkyTeam earn points in their own programmes instead.

Some deeply discounted fares earn reduced points, or none at all. If earning Airpoints matters to you, tell us — we'll confirm exactly what your fare earns before you book.

Do these fares include stopovers?

Many do — and some fares actually require one. Where an overnight stopover is needed to make the connection, it's often provided by the airline: China Southern, for example, includes complimentary 4- to 5-star stopover accommodation and transfers in Guangzhou when transit requirements are met, and several airlines run stopover promotions in cities such as Istanbul, Singapore and Dubai.

A stopover can also be a highlight in its own right — a night or two to break the journey and see a new city. If that appeals, ask us and we'll build it into your itinerary.

What if my travel dates change — or I need to cancel?

That's very common — and one of the best reasons to book through a travel agency. Every fare carries its own rules on date changes, cancellations and refunds, and the cheapest fares are usually the most restrictive. We'll explain the conditions of your fare clearly before you book, and if you'd like more flexibility we can recommend a fare — or travel insurance — that provides it.

In our experience, the most common reasons clients change or cancel are medical: a medical event while overseas that means coming home early, a family member's medical event that calls you home, or a health issue before departure that means delaying or cancelling the trip. These are exactly the situations where the right fare conditions and comprehensive travel insurance earn their keep — and we'll help you put both in place before you fly. If you're planning to rely on your credit card's travel insurance, read our guide to the 3 common traps with credit card travel insurance first — cover for pre-existing medical conditions is one of them.

And if your plans do change, you deal with us, not an airline call centre — we handle the rebooking or cancellation for you.

Have a question we haven't answered? Contact Fine Travel or call us free on 0800 00 3463.