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Comments (7)
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Save/ShareLast month, I boarded a 13-hour flight from L.A. to Auckland, New Zealand, expecting hassle, discomfort, and general unpleasantness.
But I was in for a surprise because I was flying with Air New Zealand. As I boarded, I was politely greeted (gasp!) by genuinely friendly flight attendants. Once seated, I was offered a choice of beverages that included fine teas, coffees, wines, and much-appreciated water. This service continued throughout the flight like clockwork. As the cabin dimmed for dinner, I, for the first time, consumed an entire airline dinner--a tasty and fresh New Zealand lamb loin, which was a far cry from traditional airline fare, to say the least. The pre-arrival breakfast was equally impressive, including quiches, frittatas, spinach omelets, and French toast.
The leg room in "Pacific Class," like most airlines, could stand improvement, but, all aside, Air New Zealand proved that flying (even on epic trips) can still be painless and (dare I say) enjoyable.--Liz McKenzie.
Related: A Month in New Zealand With No Set Plans
[Photo by Liz McKenzie.]
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I have always wanted to visit New Zealand but so dreaded the long flight that I have never made this my travel destination...from your article, I may have to re-think that. Sounds like a very pleasant experience.
Posted By John McNutt on September 10, 2007, 9:15 PM
Have flown Air New Zealand twice on trips to NZ and
Australia
good leg room for my 74 in frame. Endless wine. Lots
of entertainment.
I actually look forward to
the flights
Posted By Delta Daggett on September 24, 2007, 1:28 PM
We flew on Air New Zealand in economy class last summer from LA to Aukland. It was a terrific flight (great food, wine and thankfully endless entertainment). We will definitely fly with them again. I would compare their services to Virgin to London whom I love to fly as well. Nice change of pace from the cattle cars known as American and Southwest
Posted By D T on September 25, 2007, 10:48 AM
We just got back from an out-of-this-world 1.5 week visit to the South Island of New Zealand. The two flights from Sydney to Auckland and the two flights from Auckland to Christchurch via Air New Zealand (all economy) offered (free!) excellent food and very pleasant flight attendants. And the two NZ airports were small and manageable, with help everywhere. Very nice. Please visit my blog to see my photos.
http://brooks461.blogspot.com/
Regarding the time: as you will see, the trip was worth every minute of hassle in getting there. (With five flights each way from Philadelphia we just had to have a positive, flexible attitude -- and didn't check luggage so we wouldn't have to worry about it.)
Posted By Susan Brooks on March 20, 2008, 1:26 PM
Air New Zealand is GREAT!!! We used it 2006 to visit the North Island and to go to Australia. It has been my best flight experience thus far... even though it was an 18 hour experience! I highly recommend Air New Zealand.
Posted By CodeBreaker on March 20, 2008, 11:55 PM
I used to work for Air New Zealand. It is an amazing company inside and out. For all those who are dreading the 13+hr flight, it is really nothing. I have made that flight 750+ times in my life and even in economy it is the most enjoyable experience you will get. (Remember the people coming from the UK and Europe are on board for 26hrs)
One on one contact with my colleagues who will most likely say goodbye to you at the end of the flight by using your first name, a concierge to book and recommend attractions on the ground all make it an enjoyable experience.
The time literally flies by.
Posted By Bennet Alexander on September 29, 2008, 4:46 PM
I am flighing From perth,WA to Queenstown, New Zealand, in econmy class. Would we have a tv in the back of the seats.
Please Respond,
King Regards
Bob
Posted By Bob Jasper on March 9, 2009, 4:54 AM