Sichuan Airlines is offering a deal from Rome to Australia starting at just €2,706. This deal includes 2×32 kg checked luggage and all the business class perks. The only caveat is that the flight has two long layovers in Chengdu, but they are both during the daytime. Departures are available from February and March.
You can use our search from and it will forward you to Skyscanner with your selected flight dates. From there, you can proceed to Sichuan Airlines or check what OTAs have to offer.
First, you will fly from Rome to Chengdu on Sichuan Airlines’ Airbus A330, with a 2-2-2 configuration in business class with lie-flat seats. After a long layover in the Sichuan capital, you will continue your journey down under on their Airbus A350, which has a 1-2-1 business class configuration.
Most Europeans need a visa to enter Australia. You can apply for the visa online. It’s best to apply at least 1 month before travelling. The visa is free.
Even if you are not from one of the countries for which China offers a 30-day visa-free entry, you can obtain a free 24-hour transit visa to explore Chengdu.
Search & Book
Sadly, Google Flights does not preview Sichuan Airlines tickets. The most convenient way to find suiting flight dates is the ITA Matrix. For an easy set-up, you can follow one of these links to find cheap tickets:
During the next step, you will have to edit search parameters to the calendar option and enter your desired trip length:
You can speed up your search results by entering C: 3U as a Routing Code. Click the Search button on the bottom right to get a preview of available flight dates. You will be greeted by a calendar previewing the cheapest flight dates:
Enter the flight dates in Skyscanner to see which vendors sell tickets for these dates. Please note that the ITA Matrix’ price calendar is not 100% accurate, but gives you a decent enough idea on which dates the best fares are available.
This deal does not have an expiration date, nor does it have a minimum stay; however, a maximum stay of three months applies. Departures are available from February to December according to the fare rules, but we were only able to find available dates in February and March.
We recommend booking directly on Sichuan Airlines’ website, but you can find cheaper prices with Skyscanner. However, booking on OTAs has its downsides.
Why is booking with an airline better than with an online travel agency?
More often than not, online travel agencies offer lower fares than airlines do. We still recommend booking with the airlines directly. There are two main reasons for that:
Better Customer Service
In case any problems like delays, cancellations or missed connections arise, you can communicate directly with the airline. The airline has to take care of you because you have a contract with them.
If a travel agency issues your ticket, you may have to reach out to them first. You also depend on your OTA to forward information like flight changes instead of receiving them directly from the airline. In many cases, you may get a prime exhibition of responsibility shifting rather than problem-solving.
This especially applies to premium tickets. You don’t want to spend more than €1,000 to wind up with some budget OTA’s telephone hotline in case anything goes wrong.
Baggage and Other Fees
Economy fares not including hold luggage are industry standard by now. In most cases, travel agencies charge much higher baggage fees than the airlines themselves. If bags are not included in your fare, airlines are often the cheaper alternative.
This also applies to other things like food services, insurances or priority treatment. In almost all cases, you pay less for additional amenities when booking on the airlines’ website.
Miles & Points
This ticket is issued in booking class P for the flights between Rome and Chengdu, and in booking class J for the flights between Chengdu and Australia. You can only earn points through Sichuan Airlines’ frequent flyer program, Golden Wings.
Destination
Information & Tips for Australia
Australia is known for natural wonders like the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, and the beaches of Sydney, along with vibrant cities like Melbourne and Sydney. The local currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), and credit cards are widely accepted. The price level can be high, especially in major cities, but there are budget options available for food and accommodation. The weather varies by region—tropical in the north, temperate in the south, with hot summers and mild winters. The best times to visit are typically during spring and autumn for mild temperatures.
Australia’s transport infrastructure is generally good, with well-developed road networks, public transit systems, and domestic flights. In major cities, public transport options like buses, trams, and trains are widely available, though some areas may require a car for convenience. Between cities, domestic flights are common and fast, but bus and train travel can be slow and less frequent for long distances. Driving is a popular option for exploring regions outside cities, with roads in good condition but long travel times due to the country’s vast size.
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→ All Dealz for Australia
Cover Picture: © rudi1976