JoJo76
11th August 2008, 12:51 AM
For those of you who have made the journey between the UK and New Zealand many times, who would you say are the best airline for economy or business class and is business class worth it?
Airlines
EmigratingNZ
11th August 2008, 02:46 AM
We have flown to NZ numerous times over the last 12 years and in our opinion you cannot beat Singapore Airlines or Air New Zealand for customer service, food and comfort (well as comfortable as travelling economy class can ever be :)). I think both airlines may have slightly wider seats than other airlines and possibly slightly more leg room? We wouldn't consider travelling with any other airlines even if it means paying a little bit more.
As for travelling Business Class - unfortunately we have never been lucky enough to try it so can't comment on that I am afraid.
As for travelling Business Class - unfortunately we have never been lucky enough to try it so can't comment on that I am afraid.
TheNaylors
11th August 2008, 08:50 AM
We have a kiwi friend who says, without a doubt, it is Singapore Airlines for him all the time when he travels home with or without his young family. We have also considered Malaysia Airlines, but having travelled with neither before we are just going on the many good things we have heard about both.
We too have never been able to fly business class, so can't give you any advice here, but no doubt someone will be along soon to help with this one.:)
We too have never been able to fly business class, so can't give you any advice here, but no doubt someone will be along soon to help with this one.:)
JoJo76
11th August 2008, 10:01 AM
Thank you both. Highly unlikely that I'll ever get my backside in business class but thought i'd torture myself anyway. :)
James 1077
11th August 2008, 01:09 PM
Business class is generally only worth it if you pay for the upgrade on points, have the ticket paid for by your company or have absolutely no money worries! But it is very nice on long trips as you arrive feeling totally refreshed (the last time I went was when I chatted up the nice check-in lady on a Virgin flight and got an upgrade to Biz from London to Dubai - it was good as it was a night flight and I got a full night's sleep ready for my Dad's 60th birthday the next day! Oh, and they upgraded me on the way back as well! :D ).
That said a very good half-way house is premium economy as you get that little bit extra space and comfort - which if you can afford it at a stretch is nice on long journeys like UK-NZ!
I don't think that Singapore offer premium economy though so, if you went down this route, it would be Air NZ. Service is still very good with Air NZ but not quite in Singapore's league (but then almost nobody is).
Economy-wise the benefit of Air NZ used to be that the seats had slightly more legroom (34" pitch vs 32" but I think that they are now flying the B777 on the UK routes to save fuel and these have 32" pitches as well.
Others I have flown in economy are:
Royal Brunei - normally very cheap, not great service, no alcohol (but can BYO) but perfectly safe and they do have cup noodles whenever you ask!
Emirates - very good service, safe and new planes, good onboard entertainment but have to stop an extra couple of times on the flight.
Cathay Pacific - again very good service, comfortable flight.
Qantas / BA codeshare - Avoid at all costs! Terrible service, uncomfortable flight.
Garuda - VERY cheap, but then you are taking your life in your hands flying them. I think that they are now banned in the EU though due to safety worries! (We had overhead bins openning with bags flying around the place during turbulence).
I'm sure I've flown others as well but when I was much younger and so can't really remember!
The main thing is that if you are going economy be prepared for the worst and when it isn't as bad you'll be pleasantly surprised! :laugh
That said a very good half-way house is premium economy as you get that little bit extra space and comfort - which if you can afford it at a stretch is nice on long journeys like UK-NZ!
I don't think that Singapore offer premium economy though so, if you went down this route, it would be Air NZ. Service is still very good with Air NZ but not quite in Singapore's league (but then almost nobody is).
Economy-wise the benefit of Air NZ used to be that the seats had slightly more legroom (34" pitch vs 32" but I think that they are now flying the B777 on the UK routes to save fuel and these have 32" pitches as well.
Others I have flown in economy are:
Royal Brunei - normally very cheap, not great service, no alcohol (but can BYO) but perfectly safe and they do have cup noodles whenever you ask!
Emirates - very good service, safe and new planes, good onboard entertainment but have to stop an extra couple of times on the flight.
Cathay Pacific - again very good service, comfortable flight.
Qantas / BA codeshare - Avoid at all costs! Terrible service, uncomfortable flight.
Garuda - VERY cheap, but then you are taking your life in your hands flying them. I think that they are now banned in the EU though due to safety worries! (We had overhead bins openning with bags flying around the place during turbulence).
I'm sure I've flown others as well but when I was much younger and so can't really remember!
The main thing is that if you are going economy be prepared for the worst and when it isn't as bad you'll be pleasantly surprised! :laugh
Silverwing86
11th August 2008, 05:18 PM
Definitely Singapore Airlines, IMO they can't be beat where service is concerned :clap , we would choose them even if we had to pay more !
Interestingly enough, I have generally found that the rates on their own website are often cheaper than offers made through other websites.
It is still our dream that someday we could afford to travel in their First Class (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/firstclass/index.jsp?v=846615726&), or how about their new suites (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/suite/index.jsp?v=2144773840&) ?! Wow, what a flying experience that must be :yes !
Interestingly enough, I have generally found that the rates on their own website are often cheaper than offers made through other websites.
It is still our dream that someday we could afford to travel in their First Class (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/firstclass/index.jsp?v=846615726&), or how about their new suites (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/suite/index.jsp?v=2144773840&) ?! Wow, what a flying experience that must be :yes !
mgbridges
11th August 2008, 07:11 PM
It is still our dream that someday we could afford to travel in their First Class (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/firstclass/index.jsp?v=846615726&), or how about their new suites (http://www.singaporeair.com/saa/en_UK/content/exp/new/suite/index.jsp?v=2144773840&) ?! Wow, what a flying experience that must be :yes !
Oh my word! Those Singapore Airline Suites look incredible though I'm not sure we'd really get to appreciate it with a child in tow not to mention how un-impressed I expect the other passengers would be! :laugh Oh well, maybe one day, in my dreams.... sigh!
Anneliese
Oh my word! Those Singapore Airline Suites look incredible though I'm not sure we'd really get to appreciate it with a child in tow not to mention how un-impressed I expect the other passengers would be! :laugh Oh well, maybe one day, in my dreams.... sigh!
Anneliese
djchicane
11th August 2008, 07:49 PM
I came over to NZ with Singapore Airlines on the new Airbus A380 from heathrow, great flight, new jet, more space - especially if you sit upstairs in economy as I did).
So, a thumbs up for Singapore Airlines from me.
Dave
So, a thumbs up for Singapore Airlines from me.
Dave
benandclare
11th August 2008, 08:09 PM
I came over to NZ with Singapore Airlines on the new Airbus A380 from heathrow, great flight, new jet, more space - especially if you sit upstairs in economy as I did).
So, a thumbs up for Singapore Airlines from me.
Dave
Ah wow, would love to fly in one of those one day. Saw the documentary on it's making and one hell of a plane :clap:clap
So, a thumbs up for Singapore Airlines from me.
Dave
Ah wow, would love to fly in one of those one day. Saw the documentary on it's making and one hell of a plane :clap:clap
Silverwing86
11th August 2008, 08:42 PM
Oh my word! Those Singapore Airline Suites look incredible though I'm not sure we'd really get to appreciate it with a child in tow not to mention how un-impressed I expect the other passengers would be! :laugh Oh well, maybe one day, in my dreams.... sigh!
Anneliese
Pretty :cool: huh ? I was thinking about this too though, how would it work if you're travelling with another person or more than two ? Would get a bit lonely in your own little suite me thinks ;) ?
Anneliese
Pretty :cool: huh ? I was thinking about this too though, how would it work if you're travelling with another person or more than two ? Would get a bit lonely in your own little suite me thinks ;) ?
Derv
11th August 2008, 08:47 PM
Emirates is by far the best airline IMHO and business class is definitely worth it because you get:-
1) lots of extra baggage allowance and they are not too fussy about the exact limit;
2) comfortable seats (often flatbeds) so that you can really sleep, stretch your legs, and wriggle about on the long flight;
3) great food and drink and don't pay for any of it;
4) great service (though Emirates is generally good in all classes);
5) use of the business class lounges at your departure airport, at Dubai (where you'll change planes to fly on to NZ) and at your transit airport in Oz, so there will be no need to wander aimlessly round the shops or sit for hours over a coffee;
6) You get a free limo from your home to the airport and to your final destination from your arrival airport when you fly business class. There are mileage limits to this within the UK and within NZ so you need to check their website for details.
Also Emirates has a really good frequent flyer system (called Skywards) where you can earn points quickly to use for upgrades in the future. I did three out of four legs of my NZ-UK-NZ journey last year in business class using upgrades. Also you get extra baggage allowance as a Skywards member.
No I don't work for Emirates but we have used them a lot over the last 10 years or so and have been very happy with their product.
1) lots of extra baggage allowance and they are not too fussy about the exact limit;
2) comfortable seats (often flatbeds) so that you can really sleep, stretch your legs, and wriggle about on the long flight;
3) great food and drink and don't pay for any of it;
4) great service (though Emirates is generally good in all classes);
5) use of the business class lounges at your departure airport, at Dubai (where you'll change planes to fly on to NZ) and at your transit airport in Oz, so there will be no need to wander aimlessly round the shops or sit for hours over a coffee;
6) You get a free limo from your home to the airport and to your final destination from your arrival airport when you fly business class. There are mileage limits to this within the UK and within NZ so you need to check their website for details.
Also Emirates has a really good frequent flyer system (called Skywards) where you can earn points quickly to use for upgrades in the future. I did three out of four legs of my NZ-UK-NZ journey last year in business class using upgrades. Also you get extra baggage allowance as a Skywards member.
No I don't work for Emirates but we have used them a lot over the last 10 years or so and have been very happy with their product.
Perksy
11th August 2008, 10:07 PM
Not flown Air Malaysia to NZ but have to Malaysia and they are definitely up there for service and comfort. Really rated Singapore Air when flying to NZ. Fly one way to NZ in two weeks and will be going Air NZ premium economy via LA for the extra baggage allowance. Kim
JoJo76
11th August 2008, 10:38 PM
Thanks all, some great info here.:clap
Looks like it will be singapore airlines then so i'll sart saving my pennies and brushing up on my flirting techniques :D
Looks like it will be singapore airlines then so i'll sart saving my pennies and brushing up on my flirting techniques :D
James 1077
12th August 2008, 07:52 AM
Pretty :cool: huh ? I was thinking about this too though, how would it work if you're travelling with another person or more than two ? Would get a bit lonely in your own little suite me thinks ;) ?
The suites in the middle have removable partitions so that you can turn two suites into one big one - with a double bed! ;)
The suites in the middle have removable partitions so that you can turn two suites into one big one - with a double bed! ;)
The Devoneers
12th August 2008, 09:51 PM
For those of you who have made the journey between the UK and New Zealand many times, who would you say are the best airline for economy or business class and is business class worth it?
We have used 'Singapore Airlines' for our last 3 trips and can't fault them at all. Everything, staff, food and service very good.
Still only dreaming of business class, perhaps one day.
We have used 'Singapore Airlines' for our last 3 trips and can't fault them at all. Everything, staff, food and service very good.
Still only dreaming of business class, perhaps one day.
Silverwing86
13th August 2008, 01:59 AM
The suites in the middle have removable partitions so that you can turn two suites into one big one - with a double bed!
Thanx, that explains it !
Does this mean you actually have personal experience with this ?? If you have, you're a lucky so and so :nice1 !
It sounds absolutely divine to me, what a way to fly ! *puts on sweetest, most flirtatious, sexy smile* "Honeyyyy, can we pleeeaaase...." :D
Ah well, one can dream eh ? Did win $ 80 in last weeks Powerball draw :clap, perhaps one day it'll be the big one and then.... then.... ;)
Thanx, that explains it !
Does this mean you actually have personal experience with this ?? If you have, you're a lucky so and so :nice1 !
It sounds absolutely divine to me, what a way to fly ! *puts on sweetest, most flirtatious, sexy smile* "Honeyyyy, can we pleeeaaase...." :D
Ah well, one can dream eh ? Did win $ 80 in last weeks Powerball draw :clap, perhaps one day it'll be the big one and then.... then.... ;)
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