Air New Zealand premium economy: spacious seats with smart upgrades coming
There’s enough space in these premium economy seats for an All Black, but watch this space for some smart new features.
There’s enough space in these premium economy seats for an All Black, but watch this space for some smart new features.
On the ground
My online check-in is initially problematic, with a clunky Air NZ chatbot and then a helpful assistant on the phone telling me not to check-in until both flights are within the 24-hour window. A few hours later most seats are booked and choice is limited.
The seat
With their rugby pedigree, Kiwis are renowned for a tight ruck, but I’m given plenty of space as priority boarding affords an easy, unimpeded run past a lengthy queue of waiting passengers. I’ve chosen the edge of the middle aisle in a 2-3-2 configuration, my favoured long-haul roost with good access for getting up and stretching. There’s no need for a window when I’m looking forward to bingeing on movies. I’m struck by the wide armrests and the significant stretch to the seat in front of me; seats are 48cm wide, with a pitch of 41 inches (104cm). There’s enough space here for an All Black. Only later when the seat in front is reclined do I stop craning to see the screen in front. Note to self, pack distance spectacles when in premium economy.
Inflight entertainment
There’s a wide selection of global tunes and movies, but NZ artists take centre stage in the music offerings and I sift through an eclectic selection of indigenous artists. By the time the drinks trolley arrives, I’ve succumbed to the warm embrace of summery Kiwi reggae and the clouds drift by over the Tasman. For the second flight I try a creepy New Zealand true crime podcast, and then tune into New Zealand Wars, a historic series focusing on early European tribal and colonial mayhem. There’s a smattering of Kiwi movies, none that I recognise, and then the usual Hollywood cinematic fare.
Technology
The free inflight wi-fi fires up seamlessly; I just need a minute of patience as I join a throng of passengers getting hooked up. Comfy overhead premium headphones are far superior to silly earbuds that often fall out, and there’s also the usual handy USB-A charger and a power socket by my knee.
On the menu
On the first leg I’m tempted by the braised beef cheek, but opt to test the kitchen with a horopito and chicken pie (must be hard to get a crisp crust at 40,000 feet, but the dish is succulent and tasty). Dinner on the second flight is a red chicken curry that goes well with a Marlborough sauvignon blanc. Breakfast before landing in Canada is a cheese and spinach omelette with fresh fruit. Real crockery means it feels like a proper cuppa before touchdown.
Service
There were no welcome drinks, but warm wet hand towels come out immediately. Flight attendants have the famous laid-back New Zealand manner and drinks flow freely throughout the journey. My inflight goodie bag has a toothbrush and some fetching bright-striped socks that leave us all looking like Dr Zeuss characters as we sleep. Strangely, there’s no eye mask but I’m not sure if this is an aberration.
Baggage allowance
My allocation of two 7kg carry-ons plus two 23kg checked bags is more than adequate, and premium’s spread-out seats mean there’s an abundance of overhead space.
Loyalty program
Air New Zealand is part of the Star Alliance network, and the airline also operates its own Airpoints loyalty program.
In the know
Air New Zealand is retrofitting all 14 of its Boeing 787-9s with new cabins and features in all classes. Three have been completed and the remainder are due to be flying by the end of the year. Standout new fixtures in premium economy include seats with a fixed outer shell, meaning reclining doesn’t affect the person behind. There’s also more storage space and an adjustable foot rest. The airline flies to Vancouver daily.
What it costs
Return flights from Sydney to Vancouver via Auckland from $5700, with variation depending on choice of aircraft, based on an airline website search departing two months from date of publication.
The verdict
Great food and wine, friendly attendants and lashings of space make for a pleasant flight, but the best is yet to come with the new cabin enhancements. Pack your own eye-mask and be quick to check-in to maximise seating options on the second leg of the journey. The emphasis on interesting native ingredients adds to the dining experience.
Damian Haarsma was a guest of Air New Zealand.
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