Stubby

Sadly, I have to go back within the next 48 hours due to an unexpected crisis, otherwise I would have had the luxury of booking further ahead. I may just shed a few tears in private after reading your update here, though

That's interesting, Nick. I will look into that.

I don't think 30-35K is that cheap for a one-way flight with stopovers, Nick. I have seen a handful of flights as much less than that, but I've decided to go with Airlines I know from the past and pay a bit more. I've seen something for just under 30K so I'll go ahead and book that if the flight details look reasonable. Thanks for all your input, mate.

OK, thanks for your input everybody. I'm going to book via Google Flights as suggested at the start and be done with it.

I'd sooner walk back that do a multi-stop self-transfer. As for the guitar, I never mentioned it because this is the first time ever that I've had a problem.

Thank you, Packer. I'll probably just go without my guitar and put an end to the frustration.

Thanks, Nana.

Yes, or whatever the flight price is. I've looked at higher priced flights with Eva and Qatar Airways, Nick. Both said I need to book an extra seat for the guitar. And Qatar Airways won't even let me put it into the hold unless I take a direct flight or at least with same plane with a stopover, even though regular luggage is not a problem. Something's changed as I've traveled the word with a guitar on all kinds of airlines in the past, and it was never an issue. Who knows, they're probably trying to make up the losses post COVID.

The price is great, but only if I leave my guitar behind. See previous response, BENQ :(

I don't think the China option is going to work. I wanted to take my guitar but they said if I take in onboard, i need to book an extra seat. And if I want to check it in with my regular bag, I will have to pay $1000 extra. I've never had issues taking a guitar on a plane before on a long-haul flight, but I guess this is the price one must pay for economy.

Thanks, Tazmo ;)

Bad timing on my part, Treetops.

Thank you very much, SMIAI ;)

No, I haven't, Nick, I'm just not ruling it out as an option, that's all. I appreciate everyone who's taken time to give advice. In fact, I've been surprised at how many eyeballs this topic has received. The reason I 'may' consider an agent is That's scary, Sandyf, thanks for your input. I have also found Chinese airline to be the best across the platforms, so it looks like that might be the way to go.

Thanks for all the suggestions, folks. I've viewed the suggested services and they seem to offer the same flight choices at similar prices. I'm not in a rush, but I'm going to avoid those 29 hour flights that use different planes for various legs. I'm thinking it might be easier to just pay a bit extra and let an agency do the searching and booking for me. Stubby

It's working this morning, thanks, Yagoda. I'll take a look later.

I won't be returning until November at the earliest, but I might not get back for 15 months. I'll know more after I get back to the UK. Because the return date is uncertain, I plan to just get a one-way ticket, SMIAI.

5, 6, 7th will work. Why do you ask?

It might be good if I could get it to load in English, Yagoda. For some strange reason, the pages are in Dutch. I'll try again later.

Thanks Nick, and Harrisfan, I appreciate your responses ;)

Good afternoon, forum, I'm flying to the UK soon after a long absence. It's my first long-haul flight for almost 10 years. Can anyone recommend an agency that offers the best prices? Or is it just better to search online and book via the web? I'm not in a rush, so I'm not fussed about one or two stopovers. Thank you, Stubby

China has come a long way in recent times, Yagoda, and no longer churn out the cheap, tacky crap it used to. We might not like it, but I say ignore Chinese made goods in 2025 at your peril. As for Benelli, the Chinese didn't just buy the company and do their own thing. Italy still has a significant role in Benelli even after the acquisition by the Chinese Qianjiang Motorcycle group. In fact, the Benelli QJ headquarters remain in Pesaro, Italy. This is where the design and research & development (R&D) activities for Benelli motorcycles continues. I wonder how many folks even know that. BTW, I've just posted my Benelli TRK 502 Tourer in the classified ads if anyone's interested in that.

Aren't most things made in China these days, or at least assembled there? Most people have no idea just how much of the stuff they buy (whatever it may be) comes out of that country. Also, some motorcycles manufactured in China might be sold under different, potentially more familiar, brand names in specific markets. And how many genuine and aftermarket parts and accessories come out of China? I doubt most people spending just 35K on a beautiful secondhand, customized motorcycle are worried about depreciation a few years down the road.

Yes, and how could anyone disagree that the best person for the job is the right person to take on, regardless of whether they're a man, woman, beast, gay, straight, or Australian.