3 Tips To Fly Flat For Less With SriLankan Airlines

3 tips for saving money on a comfortable and potentially business-class upgrade on flights from Australia to Sri Lanka with SriLankan Airlines!

When it comes to experiencing a country’s culture, my go-to is usually to fly with the national carrier. There’s just something about getting a taste for the local culture before you’ve even hit the ground.

For travelers from Australia, SriLankan Airlines is a great option, especially if you’re looking to explore beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.

Their extensive network covers 114 destinations across 62 countries, making them an affordable option for many international trips.

Plus, if you’re a frequent flyer with access to points from Australian credit cards, there are some clever ways to upgrade your experience with this airline.

This was my first time flying with SriLankan Airlines, and I opted for a combination of economy and business class on my journey. My outbound flight was from Melbourne to Colombo in economy, while the return leg was in business class from Colombo to Sydney.

While both experiences had their highlights, flying business class gave me a glimpse into what this airline truly has to offer when it comes to comfort and service.

Plan your trip to Sri Lanka with our complete travel guide!

Flying With SriLankan Airlines

Economy Class with SriLankan Airlines: A Surprisingly Comfortable Journey

On the way to Colombo, I flew in economy. I’m not going to lie—long-haul flights in economy can be tough. But SriLankan Airlines managed to make it a pretty pleasant experience.

I was lucky enough to score four empty seats in a row, which essentially gave me my own makeshift bed. Having that extra space made a huge difference for a flight that clocks in at just over 10 hours.

While the seats in economy aren’t anything groundbreaking, they were comfortable enough for the duration of the flight. The seat pitch was standard, offering enough legroom for most travelers.

The in-flight entertainment system had a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music, with a 9-inch screen that kept me entertained in between naps.

The meal service was also a highlight—flavors were bold, portions were generous, and I even enjoyed a fish curry–my first (an tasty) introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.

Business Class with SriLankan Airlines: A Luxurious Experience from Colombo to Sydney

The real highlight of my trip was the return flight in business class aboard SriLankan Airlines’ Airbus A330-300.

After a week of exploring Sri Lanka, relaxing at the beach, and indulging in endless curries, it was nice to know I’d be heading home in style.

I had seat 4K, a window seat tucked away for extra privacy. As someone who usually travels solo, this was ideal. The business class cabin was laid out in a 1-2-1 configuration, giving each passenger direct aisle access—a big plus on any flight. The seat itself was incredibly spacious and reclined into a fully flat bed.

With a 15.4-inch touchscreen for entertainment and high-quality noise-cancelling headphones provided, I spent the first few hours catching up on movies that I had missed in theaters. What’s better than watching Barbie alone with a glass of bubbles?

Read next: Our 15 Best Travel Tips from 15 Years on the Road

The seat came with a plush blanket and pillow, which made it easy to get comfortable, and I was asleep not long after dinner.

Speaking of dinner, the meal service in business class was top-notch. There were two meal services on the flight—dinner shortly after takeoff and breakfast before landing. The menus featured a mix of Sri Lankan flavors and Western options, and I went for the local choices, including a beautifully spiced chicken curry for dinner.

The highlight, however, was the dessert—an authentic lamington, which felt like a little nod to the Australian passengers on board. Champagne and wine flowed freely throughout the flight, and the cabin crew were attentive, always ensuring my glass was full.

Flying business class isn’t just about having a bigger seat. It’s about the entire experience.

From the moment I boarded the flight, I felt pampered. There was champagne waiting at my seat, and I was given a well-stocked amenity kit containing all the essentials—an eye mask, earplugs, slippers, and premium toiletries.

These small touches made a big difference in making the journey feel special. There’s nothing worse than feeling like your skin and lips are drying up on a long-haul flight but business class had you covered, they even thought to throw in lip balm.

One thing that stood out to me was how quiet the business class cabin was. I’ve flown business class with other airlines before, and sometimes the cabins can still feel noisy and crowded.

But on SriLankan Airlines, there was a peaceful atmosphere that made it easy to relax and unwind. Combined with the privacy of my seat, it felt like I was in my own little cocoon for the duration of the flight.–the perfect end to a chaotic week seeing the sights.

3 Tips for Flying Business Class on SriLankan Airlines for Less

Let’s face it—flying business class isn’t cheap. But there are ways to make it more affordable, especially if you’re a savvy traveler.

Here are three tips for getting that coveted flat bed without breaking the bank!

Read next: The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Tourism in 2024

1. Bid for an upgrade.

One of the best ways to score a business class seat on SriLankan Airlines is by bidding for an upgrade. A week before your flight, keep an eye on your inbox for an email from the airline offering you the chance to place a bid. It’s a great way to upgrade from economy at a fraction of the cost of a full-price business class ticket. If you’re flexible and willing to take a bit of a gamble, this is one option worth exploring.

If upgrading to business class isn’t on the cards, SriLankan Airlines offers a cool option where you can reserve extra seats in economy for a small fee. It’s a clever hack to score more space on a long-haul flight, and it’s especially useful if you’re traveling during a less busy period.

3. Use your Qantas points.

Another way to fly business class for less is by leveraging your Qantas points. As a partner airline, SriLankan Airlines allows you to use Qantas points to book or upgrade your flights. For example, with a Qantas Premier Platinum card, you can rack up points that can be used towards a one-way business class ticket from Sydney or Melbourne to Colombo. It’s worth keeping an eye on promotions to maximize your points earnings.

Final Thoughts: Is SriLankan Airlines Business Class Worth It?

If Sri Lanka is on your travel list, now is the time to go. The country is still relatively untouched, with stunning natural beauty, warm hospitality, and vibrant culture. And if you want to make your journey even more enjoyable, flying business class on SriLankan Airlines is a great way to start or end your trip in comfort.

While it may not have the flashy reputation of some other premium airlines, SriLankan Airlines delivers a solid business class product, with attentive service, comfortable seats, and thoughtful amenities.

Whether you snag a business class seat through a bid, upgrade with points, or splurge on a ticket, you’ll arrive feeling refreshed and ready for your next adventure.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!