The benefits of first class! Flu-stricken Ellen Degeneres looks far better AFTER her 14 hour flight as she arrives in Australia

By Daily Mail Reporter

PUBLISHED: 19:54 EST, 21 March 2013 | UPDATED: 19:54 EST, 21 March 2013

After a 14 hour flight most people are looking far from their best.

But flying first class obviously makes a difference.

Ellen Degeneres looked far better as she touched down in Sydney, Australia just hours after sporting an ashen complexion when boarding her flight in Los Angeles.

Perks of first class? Ellen looked transformed as she arrived in Sydney fresh-faced and glowing just hours after looking deathly pale as she boarded her flight in Los Angeles

The 55-year-old looked rosy-cheeked and full of energy as she walked hand-in-hand with her wife Portia de Rossi through Sydney Airport on Friday morning after coming down with a serious bout of flu last week.

The talk show queen appeared thrilled to have finally made it to the Land Down Under after she was forced to postpone her trip over the weekend when she fell ill.

Ellen had a spring in her step as she happily chatted with excited fans and airline crew as she and Portia made their way through the airport.

The television personality sported a healthy glow and bright eyes, enhancing her complexion with a slick of pink lipstick.

Perks of first class? Ellen looked transformed as she arrived in Sydney fresh-faced and glowing just hours after looking deathly pale as she boarded her flight in Los Angeles

Happy duo: Both Ellen and her Australian partner looked thrilled to be touching down in Portia's homeland

Ellen was casual in black leggings, a black T-shirt and white Nike trainers.

Portia looked more dressed-up in grey skinny jeans, a sheer tank top and high-heeled suede ankle boots.

The Australian native appeared just as happy as Ellen to have finally made it to her homeland.

Carry on regardless: The comedienne was spotted jetting out to Australia with wife Portia in Los Angeles on Wednesday

Despite falling ill, the star's trademark humour has definitely not dimmed, and in fact she took to Twitter to give her fans down under a taste of what is to come.

She wrote: 'I hope you're ready, Sydney! This Saturday I wanna meet you. Details coming soon!

'Watching a documentary on Australia to get ready for my trip.

'Okay, I'm watching "Crocodile Dundee," but I'm learning so much.'

Leading the way: It seemed Ellen was taking the back seat for a change and letting Portia take charge

The trip marks Ellen's first visit to Australia.

The television personality admitted last year that the visit would fulfill a lifelong dream.

'I'm going to shoot a bunch of stuff in Melbourne and Sydney,' she said on an episode of her show. 'I wanted to go long before I met Portia.'

Ellen also surprised her entire studio audience with a trip to Oz, including airfares and accommodation.

Good spirits: Ellen told her fans she was excited about visiting Australia and shared one of her trademark gags