Business class review: Air New Zealand
This international airline is known for it’s cheeky approach but is its business class any good? We test it out.
This international airline is known for it’s cheeky approach but is its business class any good? We test it out from Australia to LA.
Take a seat
Business Premier occupies the first 12 rows, with a 1-2-1 configuration and the 44 seats angled towards the aisles, which means passengers face their neighbours. It becomes more private when reclining or lying flat as the shoulder-high curve of the seat obscures the view. The cream leather upholstery is soft and comfortable, with the 22 inch (55.9cm) wide seat converting into a 2m-long bed. There’s space under the footrest and in a small nook beside the seat for storing personal items. I miss the drinks tray on the way to my seat but order a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne while dinner orders are taken. At lights out, flight attendant Fiona makes up my bed, which requires some muscle to fold down manually due to a fault (see On the Ground); it has a mattress topper, quilted blanket and second pillow. There is a Bliss Sleep Ritual on the menu comprising sleepy tea, “Bliss mix” and a sleep balm, but I opt for melatonin. An amenity case made from recycled paper contains quality socks, earplugs, a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste and pen.
Tech talk
Noise-cancelling headphones are tucked into the armrest and a USB-A port and power point is beneath the entertainment screen. A removable remote controls lights, call bell, volume and channels. Buttons on the wall at my right control recline and bed conversion, although mine flash in error throughout the flight. Complimentary wi-fi is available, and although I choose not to connect, a friend assures me he could stream music.
On the menu
White tablecloth service starts with nuts and an amuse bouche, then warm bread with Hawkes Bay olive oil. “A Taste of Aotearoa” options are highlighted on the menu for their use of native ingredients, including an appetiser of whipped ricotta with thyme, manuka-smoked olives, gremolata and snow pea shoots, which I enjoy with an Auntsfield Single Vineyard pinot noir from the exclusively local wine list. My seared New Zealand snapper is a little dry and I regret not ordering the wild Fiordland venison. It’s 11.15pm when I finish so I skip dessert and cheese. Mid-flight bacon-and-egg rolls are available on demand, along with self-serve snacks. Breakfast begins with an apple and feijoa juice and brewed coffee with croissants. The slow-cooked kumara fritters with scrambled eggs are fine, but I feel a pang of envy when I spy the banana waffles.
That’s entertainment
More than 1000 hours of entertainment are available, including movies such as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, Anyone But You, as well as documentaries and films made in New Zealand. There is also music and audiobooks, games, flight map, weather, and seat chat. After takeoff, the hinged screen can be swivelled and pushed towards the footrest, as one friendly attendant shows me, “so you can watch and eat”.
At your service
Air NZ’s longest-serving flight attendant, Kevin Yakas, is the amiable cabin manager on our flight and introduces himself to each passenger in turn to advise of a delayed departure. The crew remains perky throughout.
In the bag
Business Premier passengers are allowed 14kg carry-on and up to 69kg checked luggage.
Make your points
AirPoints is the Air New Zealand loyalty program, part of the Star Alliance.
On the ground
I’ve flown to Auckland from the Sunshine Coast on Air New Zealand’s seasonal service and the transfer through security is swift. My upgrade to Business Premier comes with a caveat: my seat won’t convert to a lie-flat bed at the push of a button and will require the assistance of the cabin crew. Am I willing to “endure” it? You betcha.
In the know
Air New Zealand’s Business Premier and Business Premier Luxe products are coming to the airline’s retrofitted 787-9 fleet from early next year. Business Premier Luxe is a brand new product, with a closing door, space for two to dine together, 24-inch screens and a wireless charging pad for devices. Routes are yet to be announced.
The bottom line
Direct flights from $NZ4969 ($4508) one way based on an airline website search departing two months from publication.
The verdict
Despite a broken seat and lengthy delay, this business-class experience wins out with a comfortable bed and faultless flight attendants. Even the toilets reflect the airline’s fun-loving personality – a decal of a window with someone perched outside is displayed inside my closest loo.
Celeste Mitchell was a guest of Santa Monica Travel & Tourism and was upgraded by
Air New Zealand.
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