A look at what a spontaneous seven-day NYC trip really costs Aussies in wake of Anika Wells’ near $100k spend

Communications minister Anika Wells has defended spending nearly $100,000 on flights for herself and two staffers, saying they weren’t first-class tickets.

But a quick week long getaway to The Big Apple from Thursday would set an economy traveller back, $1335 from Sydney, $1422 from Brisbane (the ministers home base) and $1849 from Perth.

For those loyal to the flying kangaroo, Qantas will take travellers from Perth to New York for $1959 and back for $1911, it will cost $1379 to go from Sydney to New York and $1589 on the way home, or $1792 over and $777 back from Brisbane.

Jet setters who prefer business class, the cheapest returns come in at $7,684 from Perth, $6,911 from Sydney, and $8,739 from Brisbane.

Qantas business class starts at $10,603 from Perth and $10,491 home, $8,810 from Sydney and $9,220 back, and $8,915 out of Brisbane and $9,323 to return.

And first class?

The cheapest return options are $25,092 return to Perth, $16,752 from Sydney, and $23,322 from Brisbane.

While Qantas’ first-class fares sit at $15,755 to New York and $15,649 back to Perth, $14,880 from Sydney and $14,788 back, and $15,440 over and $14,846 back from Brisbane.

Then there’s accommodation. Ms Wells and her staff’s accommodation totalled almost $20,000.

Seven nights in Manhattan will cost $8,917 at the three-star Holiday Inn in Times Square. $9,559 at the four-star Hilton New York Times Square, or a wallet-withering $27,652 at the five-star The Luxury Collection Hotel in Midtown.

All up and booked last minute, a week-long New York escape could cost as little as about $10,000 — or, if you’re embracing the full VIP fantasy — well over $50,000.

But at least you’d be footing your own bill.