Pauline McCormack asked if flying to Australia via the US was better for avoiding jet-lag, and were there any other advantages in taking this route.

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

This week's question

I want to travel to New York by ship towards the end of September, returning in October. I am not looking for an expensive cruise and ideally would like to go on a cargo boat which takes a few passengers at a price not exceeding twice a reasonable airfare. Any suggestions?
Linnea Glynne-RuleIf

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