Airline review: This premium economy is nothing short of outstanding

The Airline: Air New Zealand

• Route Auckland to New York JFK, flight NZ2
• Frequency Three times a week
• Aircraft Boeing 787-9
• Class Premium Economy; seat 24D
• Flight time 16 hours 30 minutes (arrived on time)

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

Checking in

Boarding at Sydney Airport for my connection to Auckland, I’m met with a phrase you never want to hear at the check-in counter: “Did you get the email about the downgrade?” Unable to check in online, I show up early at the airport for the start of my journey, only to learn that a last-minute aircraft substitution for the flight to Auckland has us travelling on a plane with no premium economy seats. Guests who have been downgraded get an apology, a refund form to fill out, and an assurance of premium economy for the long-haul leg from Auckland to New York. Add a bit over three hours for the Sydney to Auckland leg, usually in a Boeing 777, with two-and-a-half to four hours transit in Auckland.

Baggage

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

The loyalty scheme

Membership of Air New Zealand’s Airpoints program is free. You can also earn Airpoints and status points on selected partner and Star Alliance flights.

The Air NZ premium economy cabin.

The seat

Premium economy standards vary so wildly among airlines that you never know what you are going to end up with. Sometimes it’s something verging on the luxurious, ranging to something almost indistinguishable from economy. Air New Zealand’s premium economy seats are among the best I’ve experienced with a pitch of 41 to 42 inches (104 to 108cm) and a width of 19.3 inches (49cm). Seats are arranged in a two-three-two formation, and I’m sitting in the middle section. Luckily, the middle seat remains empty, giving an even greater sense of space. When it comes time to rest, the roomy seats and full-sized pillows are very comfortable.

Entertainment + tech

The solid entertainment selection includes Hollywood and foreign films as well as TV box sets. Dedicated New Zealand content ranges from feature films to Maori-themed documentaries, cooking shows and episodes of Flight of the Conchords. The only downside is the lack of Wi-Fi – particularly disappointing given that free Wi-Fi is available when flying between Sydney and Auckland.

Service

Service in the premium economy cabin was outstanding.

Plenty of airlines offer good service, but I’ve never flown with a crew who seemed to enjoy their job this much. Rather than just responding promptly to requests, which is impressive enough, they are constantly checking in on their guests and asking if there is anything they need. Even during the hours when the cabin is dark and most passengers are asleep, the attendants patrol the aisles.

Food + drink

Dinner is served shortly after we leave Auckland. The starter, a tasting plate of tabbouleh, beetroot hummus, dolmades and artichoke, is a little underwhelming but my chosen main, roast chicken breast with saffron sauce, fresh thyme mash, green beans and caramelised shallots, is excellent. As I work through the night, an attendant asks if I’d like a snack of a New York-style hot dog with pickles and onions, which I enjoy. That allows me to skip breakfast, a choice between corned beef hash and waffles with apple, chia and blueberry compote.

Carbon emissions

Calculated at 1.073 tonnes for premium economy. The airline offers an offset program and has committed to net zero emissions by 2050.

One more thing

On a flight exceeding 16 hours, why doesn’t the amenities kit include an eye mask?

The price

Fares from about $4400 from Sydney to New York via Auckland return, premium economy*.

The verdict

Nothing short of outstanding.

Our rating out of five

★★★★★

The writer flew as a guest of Air New Zealand, see airnewzealand.co.nz

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