Getting to Australia

QUESTION: We hope to attend a family wedding in Australia next year and are looking to find the cheapest airfare. I know that the direct flights on SAA and Qantas are pretty expensive. We don't mind stopover flights, as long as the price is right. Which other airlines can you recommend? - Diane Davis

ANSWER: Besides the direct flights you mention, there are two major routings - via the Middle East or the Far East. You can fly Cathay Pacific Airways via Hong Kong, Singapore Airlines via Singapore, Thai Airways via Bangkok or Malaysian Airlines via Kuala Lumpur. If you prefer the Middle East routing, the airlines to try are Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha and Etihad Airlines via Abu Dhabi. Book as early as possible to take advantage of the heavily discounted fares, which are limited, but make sure you are fully aware of the conditions relating to cancellation and flight changes.