Airline review: This seat delivers the best sleep I’ve ever had on a plane

The flight

Flight NZ1/ New York to Auckland

Air New Zealand flies Boeing 787 Dreamliners non-stop between Auckland and New York.Credit: iStock

Frequency

Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Aircraft

Boeing 787-900

Class

Business, seat 6A, window.

Flight time

17 hours

Checking in

In the past I have had issues checking in online with Air New Zealand, but this time everything works perfectly. At the airport I drop my bag and join the long queue for security. Then it’s on to the Lufthansa premium lounge, which provides a range of comfortable seating areas as well as a (not very appealing) buffet.

Baggage

Three checked bags of 23kg each, plus one-carry-on weighing up to 7kg and one personal item.

The loyalty scheme

Air New Zealand is a member of Star Alliance; joining the Air NZ Airpoints program is free.

Carbon emissions

According to Air New Zealand’s online calculator, flight emissions are 10.6 tonnes for the round trip, which I can offset for $US362 ($550).

The seat

Air New Zealand’s current business class seats on board their Dreamliners: three lengthwise rows of seats with chest-high partitions are angled diagonally into the cabin.

Air New Zealand will launch new business class suites for North American flights later this year; until then, travellers will have to make do with a rather odd configuration. Three lengthwise rows of seats with chest-high partitions are angled diagonally into the cabin – it reminds me of three rows of dormitory beds. The compartments are narrow with little storage space; it’s a squeeze to find space for my laptop and my phone. The power points are awkwardly located; the plugs repeatedly work loose, and the pocket where I stash my phone is so narrow and deep, I have difficulties retrieving it.

Lie-flat seats in business class – comfortable, despite the dormitory-like configuration.

The lie-flat bed (22 inches/55.9cm wide) turns out to be amazingly comfortable and the pillows – often a weak spot – are terrific. Staff hand out two to each passenger and check if I want a third. I take my usual half a sleeping tablet and sleep for seven hours straight – the best sleep I have ever had on a plane.

Entertainment

Air New Zealand’s entertainment selections are not as vast as some airlines, but always well-considered. There is some good New Zealand content including movies, TV shows and an interesting range of podcasts covering everything from history to science.

Service

Air New Zealand staff are always friendly and helpful, and this crew is no different. They are always one step ahead: order a coffee, for instance, and they will also bring you a biscuit or two.

Food

On this late-night flight, we start with dinner. Options include slow-cooked beef short ribs with a choice of sides including salad, steamed greens, roast sweet potatoes or roast root veggies, but I go for the superfood salad (quinoa, kale, edamame) with a choice of proteins. I opt for wood-roasted chicken, which is terrific. Dessert options include sophisticated (cheese platter) and simple (ice cream with chocolate sauce and S’mores – it’s the more popular option). In-flight snacks include toasted sandwiches and brunch service selections include oat and banana pancakes, a bacon and egg bagel, and poached eggs on a brioche bun with hot smoked salmon.

One more thing

The berry smoothie served with brunch is one of the best drinks I’ve had on a plane.

The price

From $US6649 ($10,105) one way.*

The verdict

Given how much they get right, I can’t wait until the new planes come online.

Our rating out of five

★★★★

Ute Junker travelled courtesy of Air New Zealand.

*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.

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