Summary

• Singapore Airlines leads for overall comfort and reliability, offering the easiest mega-hub at Changi with excellent service, though fares can be higher outside sale periods.
• Cathay Pacific excels for North Asia destinations (Japan, Korea, Taiwan) via compact Hong Kong hub, with competitive pricing and efficient routing.
• Japan Airlines provides the roomiest economy layouts and exceptional punctuality for Japan-focused trips.
• Budget options include Vietnam Airlines for nonstop Vietnam routes, Malaysia Airlines for value-driven full-service to Southeast Asia, and Jetstar for rock-bottom fares to Bali/Japan.

What we look for in airlines

Your airline choice shapes how long your trip takes, how you feel when you land, and how much you really spend. These are the factors we’re relying on when looking for Superdeals:

• • We prioritize routing sanity—nonstops where they save hours, and clean one-stops that avoid backtracking and awkward overnights.
  • Long over-water legs are vetted for aircraft type and timing, favoring frames/schedules that cut fatigue and make the journey feel shorter.
  • Connection quality counts too: reliable hubs with sensible minimum connection times, easy wayfinding, and real amenities if plans slip.
  • We also tally the hidden costs of “cheap”—bags, seat selection, meals, and change fees—so you don’t buy a low sticker price that costs more later.

At Air Traveler Club, we don’t cut corners: every Superdeal is curated against these rules, so the alerts you get are sharp on price and high on quality.

Recommended airlines (by destination)

This table maps the ten most-traveled Asian cities from Australia & New Zealand to our top two airline choices for Economy (and Premium Economy where it clearly stands out).

The winners

There isn’t one “best” airline for Australasia → Asia—the winner changes with your origin/destination, schedule, seat layout, and fare rules.

Use this section to see each carrier’s edge, trade‑offs, and aircraft to target, then pick the one that matches your trip.

We’ve also included a short pricing table under each airline—purely as a quick overview—so you can gauge typical returns on popular routes. It also gives a taste of the savings Air Traveler Club members unlock when our Superdeals pop for those exact city pairs.

1) Singapore Airlines (via SIN)

Why it’s great

Singapore Airlines is the comfort‑first choice from Australia and New Zealand to pretty much anywhere in Asia. It flies from all major Aussie gateways plus Auckland/Christchurch into its world‑class hub at Changi, where transfers are effortless and amenities (showers, gardens, kids’ zones, even a free transit tour on long layovers) make waiting painless. Connections to Southeast and North Asia are frequent and well‑timed, so one ticket can take you Brisbane–Singapore–Delhi, Perth–Singapore–Bangkok or Auckland–Singapore–Seoul with minimal faff.

At‑a‑glance (comfort & fares)

• Aircraft: Aim for A350/A380 (wider, quieter); 787‑10 is a touch narrower.
• IFE & meals: Deep library and consistently good catering; little touches like hot towels and friendly crews.
• Fare families: Economy Lite → Flexi; Lite usually includes meals and a checked bag on long‑hauls; higher tiers add seat selection and flexibility.
• Baggage & families: Clear allowances; infant/child policies are genuinely family‑friendly.

Why pick it

Consistency. Operations are punctual, rebooking help is strong if things go sideways, and KrisFlyer/Star Alliance crediting is easy (Velocity earn is a bonus for many Aussies). It’s ideal for families, seniors, and anyone planning a Singapore stopover to break the journey.

Watch‑outs

Base fares can run higher outside sale periods, and some secondary routes may use 737 MAX narrow‑bodies (still with seat‑back screens). Popular school‑holiday flights sell out early—book ahead, and check aircraft type if seat width matters to you.

2) Cathay Pacific (via HKG)

Why it’s great

Cathay is a slick one‑stop to North Asia and beyond, with frequent services from SYD/MEL/BNE/PER and AKL to compact, easy‑to‑navigate Hong Kong. If you’re off to Japan, Korea, Taiwan or Mainland China, routings are efficient and schedules dense enough to keep layovers sensible. HKG is visa‑free for AU/NZ visitors and city access is a 24‑minute train ride if you plan a mini stopover.

At‑a‑glance (comfort on board)

• Target frame: A350 for a quieter, roomier feel.
• Dense configs: Some 777‑300ERs are 10‑across—check the seat map.
• Service & IFE: Refined service, generous meals and free drinks, strong IFE.
• Connectivity: Wi‑Fi coverage growing across the fleet.
• Seat design: Ergonomic seats/headrests make overnights easier.

Price & fares

Pricing is competitive, especially to North Asia. Tiered fares (Light/Essential/Flex) differ mainly on change rules and baggage count—entry tiers typically still include a checked bag on AU/NZ routes, but confirm before you buy. As a oneworld member, Cathay is a great alternative for Qantas Frequent Flyers to earn points/status credits without paying QF prices; elites get lounge/priority perks even in economy.

Best for

Travelers headed to Japan/Korea/Taiwan or those plotting tidy open‑jaws (e.g., into Tokyo, out of Taipei).

Watch‑outs

Schedules are still rebuilding on some city pairs, so flexibility helps. Older 777 cabins can feel dense—pick the A350 where possible for the comfiest ride.

3) Japan Airlines (Tokyo HND/NRT)

At‑a‑glance (why JAL feels roomier)

• Layouts: Select 787s in 2‑4‑2; 777s typically 3‑3‑3 (not 3‑4‑3).
• Legroom: About 33–34″ pitch on long‑hauls—excellent for tall travelers.
• Service touches: Hot towels, proactive water rounds, blankets.
• Style: Calm, attentive omotenashi cabin culture.
• Extras: Miso soup appears on many flights.

Network & reliability

From Sydney (daily to Haneda) and Melbourne (several weekly to Tokyo), you’ll access fast onward links across Japan plus Korea/Taiwan and parts of Southeast Asia. Haneda’s proximity to central Tokyo is a bonus for stopovers; Narita works well for international‑to‑international connections. Reliability and timekeeping are excellent, with organized boarding and punctual departures.

Price & points

Fares are competitive rather than rock‑bottom, but value shows in comfort and service. Economy baggage is generous, and as a oneworld member JAL lets you earn Qantas points/status credits, with reciprocal lounge/priority benefits for elites. Onboard, expect quality Japanese and Western meal choices (ice cream often appears), large HD screens, USB/power and increasingly available Wi‑Fi.

Best for

Japan‑focused trips, comfort connoisseurs, and oneworld loyalists.

Watch‑outs

Frequencies from Australia are limited, so peak dates sell fast; routing via Tokyo to Southeast Asia adds flight time versus Singapore/Kuala Lumpur, but many gladly trade speed for JAL’s comfort and a Japan stopover.

4) EVA Air (via TPE)

Why it’s great

EVA is a quiet achiever—calm cabins, polished service and clockwork operations through relaxed, user‑friendly Taipei. From Australia/NZ (typically via partner feeds to gateways), EVA offers efficient one‑stops to Japan, Korea, Taiwan and much of Southeast Asia, with connection banks that minimize idle time. TPE is easy to navigate and a pleasant low‑effort stopover if you want to split the trip.

At‑a‑glance (onboard experience)

• Newer frames: 787‑9/10 or A350 = latest seats, IFE and seat power.
• Cabin vibe: Quiet, tidy, unhurried—great for overnights.
• Catering: Reliable Asian/Western choices; special meals handled well.
• Ops: Well‑timed connection banks through easy TPE transfers.
• Tip: Check aircraft on regional legs to keep comfort consistent.

Fares & miles

Prices are usually fair‑to‑sharp rather than ultra‑cheap. Entry‑level economy can have tighter change rules; stepping up a tier often adds useful flexibility. As a Star Alliance carrier, EVA credits well to programs like KrisFlyer, Airpoints (check charts) or Aeroplan.

Best for

North Asia combos (Tokyo + Seoul + Taipei), travelers who value predictability, and anyone preferring a calmer cabin vibe over glitz.

Watch‑outs

Coverage/frequency from AU/NZ isn’t as dense as the biggest brands, so you may need creative routings; verify aircraft on regional legs to keep the experience consistent.

5) China Airlines (via TPE)

Why it’s great

China Airlines pairs sharp pricing with a comfortably modern long‑haul product and easy transfers in foodie‑heaven Taipei. It’s a smart pick for Australia/NZ travelers heading to Japan, Korea or Taiwan, or continuing into Southeast Asia on a budget‑friendly one‑stop. TPE is compact, efficient and pleasant to transit, with good dining and straightforward wayfinding.

At‑a‑glance (what to book)

• Long‑haul pick: A350‑900 (quiet ride, crisp IFE, USB/power at every seat).
• Seating: Competitive width/pitch across cabins.
• Food & drink: Friendly service with complimentary beer/wine.
• Regionals: A321neo/A330 appear—fine, but verify seat maps if width matters.

Value & fare families

Sales appear regularly, and even outside promos fares undercut many rivals. Watch the fare family: “Light” tickets can trim flexibility and seat selection, while higher tiers bundle a checked bag and friendlier change rules. Baggage is typically weight‑based on Asia itineraries—confirm allowances on mixed‑carrier tickets.

Points & ideal use

As a SkyTeam member, China Airlines credits to Flying Blue, Delta and others—handy if you’re not tied to Qantas/Star. Best for value‑hunters bound for North Asia or those planning a Taiwan stopover to eat their way through night markets.

Watch‑outs

A few regional rotations still use older A330s with less modern IFE; schedule density from some AU/NZ cities can be lighter than the biggest incumbents—build sensible buffers.

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6) Vietnam Airlines (SGN/HAN)

Why it’s great

Vietnam Airlines has become a go‑to for wallet‑friendly, nonstop links from Sydney and Melbourne to both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi—the only airline offering direct Oceania‑to‑Hanoi service. Timings usually suit same‑day connections across Vietnam (Danang, Phu Quoc) or to neighbors like Cambodia and Laos, and fares are often among the most attractive full‑service options out of Australia.

At‑a‑glance (onboard & cabins)

• Aircraft: A350‑900 and 787‑9/10 with modern IFE, USB/power, mood‑lighting.
• Seats: Standard dimensions for type; comfortable enough for 8–10h.
• Meals: Vietnamese and Western options—try the congee or lemongrass chicken.
• Drinks: Complimentary beer and wine in economy.
• Upgrade: Premium Economy available on many flights for extra space.

Fares & earning

Fare families vary but sales are frequent; most long‑haul bundles include a checked bag—always confirm inclusions and change rules. As a SkyTeam member, VN credits to Flying Blue, Delta and others; if you hold no SkyTeam status, consider crediting to whichever partner you’ll actually use.

Best for

First‑timers to Vietnam, open‑jaw itineraries (arrive Hanoi, depart Saigon), and Indochina combos.

Watch‑outs

Peak‑hour congestion at SGN/HAN can slow processes—leave a sensible buffer when self‑connecting. VN’s website/IT can be clunky; airport check‑in is often simpler. Weather (monsoon season) occasionally nudges schedules, so avoid razor‑thin connections on separate tickets.

7) Malaysia Airlines (via KUL)

Why it’s great

Malaysia Airlines blends low stress with low fares: broad coverage from SYD/MEL/PER/ADL/BNE and AKL into Kuala Lumpur, then simple one‑stops throughout Southeast Asia, India and North Asia. KLIA is calm, bright and easy to transfer in, and stopovers unlock Malaysia’s food and nature without straying far from your route.

At‑a‑glance (hard & soft product)

• Seating: A330 in 2‑4‑2—great for couples/families; A350s on select services.
• Catering: Standouts like rendang and nasi lemak; complimentary drinks.
• Crew: Friendly, with regular water rounds on longer legs.
• Tech: Reliable IFE; USB/power on newer fits.

Price‑to‑value & fare families

Strong pricing, but mind fare families: Economy Lite may exclude a checked bag, while Basic/Smart tiers usually include 20–25 kg and better flexibility. MAS runs frequent sales that undercut many rivals, and as a oneworld member it’s great for Qantas Frequent Flyers chasing points/status credits on a tighter budget.

Best for

Budget‑first travelers who still want full‑service inclusions, families seeking easy transfers, and anyone planning side trips to Malaysia, Thailand or Borneo.

Watch‑outs

Early‑morning arrival banks into KL can be busy; verify baggage inclusions before you lock in a fare. Some regional legs may use older aircraft—check seat maps if specific layouts matter.

8) Qantas (Australia)

Why it’s great

Qantas wins on simplicity: lots of nonstops from Australian gateways to key Asian hubs (Singapore, Tokyo, Jakarta, Manila, Delhi and more), strong disruption support, and friction‑free Qantas Frequent Flyer earn/redemption. If you hate connections, QF often gets you there fastest with your bags checked to destination and schedules that just work.

At‑a‑glance (how to ride QF comfortably)

• Best bets: A330 (2‑4‑2) and A380 (quiet, spacious).
• 787‑9: Newer but narrower—consider exit/extra‑legroom seats on 8–11h legs.
• Onboard: Dependable catering, complimentary drinks, pillows/blankets, deep IFE.
• Step‑up: Premium Economy on 787/A380 is excellent value.

What’s included

Fares aren’t the cheapest outside sales, but they include the essentials: meals, IFE, a checked bag and free standard seat selection in most cases. Cabin‑bag 7 kg limits are enforced more strictly at some Aussie airports—7 kg means 7 kg.

Best for

Travelers who value nonstops, robust IRROPS support and the QF ecosystem (status credits, lounge access for elites).

Watch‑outs

Prices can be higher than Asian carriers on comparable routes; some secondary Asia routes aren’t daily, so date flexibility helps. On popular school‑holiday flights, book early and consider paid extra‑legroom for comfort.

9) Air New Zealand (NZ)

Why it’s great

For Kiwis, Air New Zealand keeps Asia simple: nonstop AKL links to Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo (and seasonal Osaka), plus seamless domestic feed from Wellington/Christchurch and beyond. One‑stop via Auckland also works for many Aussies who want to combine NZ with Asia in a single trip.

At‑a‑glance (what stands out)

• Skycouch: Three‑seat row converts into a couch—brilliant for couples/kids.
• Cabin: Modern 787‑9 with good IFE; relaxed Kiwi service vibe.
• Catering: Kiwi produce with complimentary drinks.
• Connectivity: Wi‑Fi/messaging increasingly available.

Fares & partners

Prices can be higher outside sales given limited competition ex‑NZ, but bundles are transparent and long‑hauls generally include meals and a checked bag. As a Star Alliance member, Air NZ credits to Airpoints and partners; mixed itineraries with Singapore Airlines/ANA broaden options across Asia and Japan.

Connections & best for

Transfers at AKL are easy but note the domestic–international terminal hop (10–15 minutes by shuttle/walk); build a comfy buffer. Best for NZ‑origin travelers who value reliability, warm service and Skycouch flexibility.

Watch‑outs

787 economy seats are industry‑standard width (a bit snug for broader shoulders on very long legs); Premium Economy is a worthy upgrade on overnights if budget allows.

10) Jetstar (AU/NZ low‑cost)

Why it’s great

Jetstar is the price leader on many nonstops to Bali and Japan, with frequent mega‑sales that can halve the cost of a full‑service ticket. If cash cost is king, it’s hard to beat—especially for short trips with light luggage. Schedules from multiple Aussie cities plus Auckland open simple point‑to‑point options without detouring via hubs.

At‑a‑glance (how to fly Jetstar well)

• Base fare: Seat only—add bags, seats, meals, flexibility via bundles.
• Buy smart: Pre‑purchase bundles to avoid pricey airport add‑ons.
• Comfort: Pay for exit/extra‑legroom; bring entertainment/neck pillow.
• Connections: Build big buffers—separate tickets aren’t protected.

Why it works

Control your spend—pay only for what you need, grab flash sales, and fly nonstop to beach or ski with no frills. Ideal for backpackers, students, and flexible travelers who understand the trade‑offs and keep expectations in check.

Watch‑outs

Disruption support is leaner than full‑service airlines; know your options if a delay hits. Fees for overweight cabin bags are enforced. If you value included baggage, meals, and lounge/status perks, a full‑service carrier may be better value once you add everything back in.

Questions? Answers.