• I have travelled to Australia twice in the last five years, both times via the "standard" Asian route. I have always found jetlag to be worse returning (ie flying west) than going - possibly because when you are going, the excitement of the trip helps to overcome the discomforts and boredom.
Sue Byron-Swire

• Flying west and gaining time does seem to have a less severe effect on the body. However, it makes little difference when flying to Australia. Whichever route you decide, you can't alter the time difference between the UK and Australia.
Ann Collins

• One huge advantage of going west to Oz is that your luggage allowance will be calculated on the American "piece" system ie two pieces as opposed to the normal European economy allowance of 22kg. If you travel Virgin/Air New Zealand as we did, you can stop over at as many Pacific Islands as you want. Maybe give Fiji a miss though.
Nick Berry