[josborne]

Hi guys,

Has anybody flown first class to New Zealand (Auckland).

If so, what was your experience, and who would it seems is the better airline to go with?

Thanks

[kanatakiwi]

Air NZ doesnt have "first class" they call it business class, but their lie flat beds in biz class are amazing. I have only done this once on points, but it was a truly great way to travel. People got intheir jammies and went to bed!

As its a very long trip from UK to NZ, it really makes it a good way to travel.

[josborne]

Thanks kanatakiwi. It is really the beds I am looking for.

It doesn't matter if it isn't first class as such, but the beds are important for me.

I know a lot of people will say that economy is just fine as you get enough space. But it isn't just the space for me. As I will be leaving my family for about 3 years to go and study, they have sort of said to me that as a treat they will let me go in first/business class.

[martinp]

We flew out on Air NZ in business class. The lay flat seats are great but traveling as a couple, you are very isolated from your partner by the separating walls. Not a problem for the single traveler, in fact a great set up for them. I am 1.85m tall and had no trouble laying flat on the bed. The seats are positioned at an angle with feet to the aisle.

[liamnrach]

First Class.....:o

We wish!!!:yes

*Sigh*

Liam n Rach:cool:

[josborne]

First Class.....:o

We wish!!!:yes

*Sigh*

Liam n Rach:cool:

I'm sure economy won't be too bad. Quite a few people on here have said how it isn't as restricting as they expected.

I will be able to give you a proper run-down on economy in about 5 weeks. After some friends of mine return from New Zealand (with Air NZ).

[martinp]

First Class.....:o

We wish!!!:yes
Before we came over from the UK on our recce trip, we signed up with British Midland frequent flyers. BMI are part of the Star Alliance which includes Air NZ. We also signed up for a BMI credit card as all purchases get you further air miles. The combination of the air miles from our recce trip, plus air miles from cc purchases in the 18 months before we returned, gave us free business class travel on our flight to NZ from London with Air NZ. Having a frequent flyer card also will earn you access to the business lounges in the airports after one return trip from London to NZ.

[kanatakiwi]

some seats are better than others fro 2 people travelling together. Have a look at Seatguru.com and you can see the seating configuration for your flight (need to check what type of aircraft you will be flying , this should be on your booking. basically I think the two at the very front of the Air NZ bix secton are best as the head areas at touching each other. you can prebook your seat assignment online if its Air NZ

[urban78]

Air NZ doesnt have "first class" they call it business class, but their lie flat beds in biz class are amazing. I have only done this once on points, but it was a truly great way to travel. People got intheir jammies and went to bed!

As its a very long trip from UK to NZ, it really makes it a good way to travel.

For anyone who wants to see what Air NZ cabins look like (economy, prem economy and business premier), they have a virtual tour guide on their UK website:

http://view.aimproximity.net.nz/explore/explore_flh.htm

It's a pretty neat thing to play around with.

Jen :)

[victoria]

If your family are going to treat you .... do the ANZ business class. We used economy from UK via Singapore & return via Bangkok on our reccie. It was ok but if you can afford the extra DO IT! We came back to NZ business class via LA (more baggage allowance) & a quicker flight (just) but OH MY ... it is the only way to travel.

[skibumwa]

Quantas (coach service) was amazing so I can only imagine how good their business class service is!! After coming down to NZ for my move, I will have enough miles for a free business class R/T flight on Quantas anywhere they fly!

I guess either Air NZ or Quantas both have great service from what I read about! Take your pick, you don't have much of other choices...well at least from North America (Los Angeles) that is.


Have a good flight in the lap of luxury!

-John

[Leccy-Lee]

I flew Air New Zealand with our bunac group, and the flight was 1/2 empty :)
We thought it was odd that although travelling in a group the 10 of use were all given window seats in different rows. We questioned it and was told that we each had a 3 seat row to ourselves ! Yaa

Realxed all the way, although i still couldnt get to sleep! But hell the entertainments system is out of this world! Almost worth going back home for the flight alone! :)

[Tia Maria]

If you can avoid leaving or arriving on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, then you have a much better chance of empty seats next to you.

I know it sounds obvious but it really is one of the simplest ways to get some more room - obviously its not guaranteed though!

Milliemoo gave a good tip for Premium economy via Hong Kong on this thread:

www.emigratenz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=10914

This site shows you the different seat configurations and you can see the Premium Economy in the upstairs cabin looks a pretty good set up:

www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_New_Zealand/Air_New_Zealand_Boeing_747-400_new.php

No beds though but a good compromise if you would rather spend your money when you get here.

Cheers

Tia

[diforsyth]

We flew out First with British Airways. On the sector from London to Singapore we were the only two in the cabin so we had a great laugh with the crew and had the most amazing personal service. The onward flight was full, with business people just wanting to get their heads down, and it felt a bit rigid. The cabins have been the same for about 5 years but still very spacious and comfortable.

Note: a return ticket is only about £200 more than a single:confused:

David.

[Angelonthemove]

www.emirates.com fantastic business class via Dubai but we were coming from Turkey. Great lounges whilst stop offs. Slept for the first time ever on a plane.

i have just booked with Eva Airways $5250 to UK from here they had a deal on compared to $10,000 NZ airways and $3300 notmal class for same dates. Going in Sept so will let you all know what they are like. They pay for your hotel for the 10 hours stop over in Taipai.



http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/tips/Cabin_comfort/Cabin_comfort/Premium_Laurel_Class.htm

[Patricia]

We flew business class with Emirates via Du bai & we couldnt fault them, seats were soooo comfortable & we had loads of leg room. The food was excellent and plenty of it must have put pounds on. I would thoroughly recommend them. :nice1 :nice1

Arrived Auckland 10 days ago :)

Patricia

[incredible hulse]

www.emirates.com fantastic business class via Dubai but we were coming from Turkey. Great lounges whilst stop offs. Slept for the first time ever on a plane.

i have just booked with Eva Airways $5250 to UK from here they had a deal on compared to $10,000 NZ airways and $3300 notmal class for same dates. Going in Sept so will let you all know what they are like. They pay for your hotel for the 10 hours stop over in Taipai.



http://www.evaair.com/html/b2c/english/tips/Cabin_comfort/Cabin_comfort/Premium_Laurel_Class.htm
We flew Eva business class on the way over. 720 pounds each as they had a deal on. They don't have flat beds but the service was pretty good - certainly on a par with Cathay Pacific biz class but not as good as BA