It is very airline dependent. United and Delta have the economy with a few extra inches. I am not sure if the Australia routes on American have their new premium product. Qantas and New Zealand have a dedicated cabin with seats that are reminiscent of Business class fifteen years ago. Business class has lie flat seats where you can lay down and have a good sleep. They even give you pajamas to wear.
Which airline are you looking at? YouTube will have videos from travelers as to what their flight was like.
Business class progressed so much into luxury that premium economy fills the hole that was created by shrinking economy class down to super uncomfortable levels.
I have never flown on New Zealand sky couch but that could be another option for you. I know you are tall and you would need to read reviews on how it works for tall folks.
I’d check the specific airline you are flying, as well as the route to know what you are paying for. Sadly, there is tons of variability and airlines are not in any hurry to sort out the confusion.
On kayak I plugged in the first Wednesday outbound and returning two weeks later. The business class fare on air canada of $4560 ish is an excellent fare. It will not come down anything much if at all.
The United and air New Zealand flights in premium economy look decent in the low $2000s. The trans pacific is on NZ which has a good product. It is long with an extra connection.
I am young but can reasonably afford anything I need to. I’d like to save money but if I need to shell out 6k for a round trip, I have the resources to do that. Please don’t make assumptions.
I recently flew to Beijing from Dallas it was a 14 1/2 hour flight, I have hip issues and managed ok in regular economy. I took OTC anti inflammatory and a Benadryl. We had plenty movie choices, so it wasn’t too bad. If I had disposable money I would have chosen business, but I’m glad I spent the extra $$ while I was in China.
I was thinking about maybe flying business there and flying economy plus back. At least when I get back, I can go get some morphine or something if I flare up. If I screw myself up on the way there, it will be a most unpleasant trip!
I’m very, very fortunate to have options. I recognize this. I haven’t been on a flight longer than 4 hours since I was 2 which is why I’m relying on the experience of others
And even then, I’m pretty sure I’ve been on a plane maybe a dozen times in my life? It’s a rarity.
You might try searching different days for your outbound flight. They usually arrive in Sydney in the morning and that makes for a really long day. We did find a flight that arrived at 10pm, so it was nice to go to a hotel and rest after that long flight. This later flight didn’t run everyday. (I think it was only twice per week).
You will need to check through the Australian embassy or such authority about what type of medications are allowed in. Some countries forbid all narcotics without jumping through serious hoops.
@“Snowball City” nobody lets me have narcotics Good call on the meds though. Which reminds me… I’ll have to figure out how to transport my meds that require refrigeration.
One option is to take a lunch cooler type thing. Once you are through security go to the food court and fill ziplocks with ice. Once on the flight ask the flight attendants if you can refill them with their ice.
I have heard but haven’t tried it that frozen blocks of ice, such as frozen water bottles, can go through the TSA. Water is dangerous but not solid water’
Your airline will have a disabilities coordinator who can give you further ideas. For example my mom requires gluten free food and she always checks with them that her order has gone through.
Consider wheel chair service as you arrive in Sydney. It can be a long walk to immigration and customs.
Good call on the meds though. Which reminds me… I’ll have to figure out how to transport my meds that require refrigeration.