Air NZ Premium Economy - worth $1000

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marvel

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Aug 16, 2004
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Hi. Not sure if this is the right place for this question. But I would like to know if anyone has travelled Premium Economy on Air NZ to the USA? It will cost us (family of 4, kids 7 and 9) $1000 a piece to upgrade our flights to San Francisco to MElbourne (one way only). I am tempted to try it out, but would love to hear other peoples ideas. The upgrade in only 1 way as we are coming home via Hawaii and Air NZ used the old planes. THanks.
 
I've not travelled on it personally, but ive had numerous clients and a couple of colleagues fly on it and have received glowing reviews of the product.

From all accounts, its probably the best premium product on the market today, and unlike BA's product, you get better meals (similar to business class) and the service is of a higher standard.

If it was me, i'd pay it.

TG
 
While I believe PE on Air NZ is good (and have heard good reviews, but not flown it), is it really worth the $4000 to you?

$4000 will provide upgraded meals during your entire time in the US, or upgraded accommodation for most/all nights.

You should get a couple of hours to stretch your legs in Auckland before heading on the next leg to the US (I believe that leg is about 12 hours?). This isn't as bad as a direct Sydney to San Francisco flight which is more like 16.

Of course the decision comes back to you, and yep the trans-pac flights are a bit of a PITA when it comes to sitting in Economy. But that's only ~16 hours of your entire journey.

There are additional Frequent Flyer benefits for flying PE, but of course they need to be factored into it if you are particularly keen. And you will most likely be more refreshed when arriving in SFO over having been in Economy only (and possibly out through immigration/customs quicker etc)

Anyways, just my 2c. Others may have different comments (and for me, if it was 1 pax or 2 pax, then probably my opinion may have been different).
 
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THanks for the replies. I understand that it is a personal thing, $4000 is a bit of money, well for me, and we would survive without it. So I am juggling the competing issues in my mind at the moment. I did save $1500 on the original booking so i am kind of swaying towards going for Premium. I am guessing you still don't get access to the Air NZ lounges??
 
Why not just get 1 seat upgraded and one of you is with the kids down the back and you can swap halfway so you both get some sleep..?
 
No.. Premium Econ doesn't get you lounge access... or any more bagagge allowance

I fly in that class by choice (recreational travel only... twice a year SYD-LAX and only on the 747's).. and I'd give it a glowing report too...

BUT.. Having said that ... As much as I like it I'd be hard pressed to defend or justify the price one pays for it - in simple value for money/how-much- better-than-Economy-terms..

NZ's normal Economy is pretty decent.... I happily flew that way 8-10 times before the new class was introduced...

Tough call... especially for 4 people!!
 
No way on two accounts.

Firstly $4000 to upgrade a family of four is way too expensive.
Secondly, AirNZ economy product is damn nice.

The flight to the U.S. is about 15 hours in the air. Chances
are you'll sleep for 5 hours of those.

So your paying $100 per person per hour. I would personally
take $1000 and with that buy noise cancelling head phones for
everyone, a portable DVD player or two and some nice DVD's,
have a great meal before you leave for the airport.

PE is nice, but its not that nice, it's not as though you'll be able
to sleep in the seat or anything.
 
Yes, I think you are right on IMPD, what you say makes sense. if it was $4000 for business then it would be worth it. Appreciate everyone's input, it really helps to discuss with people who know a bit about travel.
 
Have you called to request seats?

Like the choice between Y and Y+ THAT is also subjective of course....I'm sure folks here will give you their take on it!

My preference was always for the "two seaters" down the back... others disagree of course!:mrgreen: Those seats do of course mean you are last off....I was happy with that because I like those seats... YMMV!!!!!!!;)

Having 4 complicates it a bit... and the armrests no longer go all the way up which reduces the options for sleeping.... hopefully some experienced family travellers will weigh in!

I think you'll find the AVOD system a godsend for the kids...(and maybe for you too??) it is very good IMO - with movies, TV shows and games....

I sleep REALLY well in the Y+ seats.. but then I slept PRETTY well down the back too....

I hope you enjoy your trip with NZ as much as I (usually) enjoy mine.. (I'm off to Hokitika with them next month... and a week later off to the US again...:D )
 
if anyone can advise on which seats I should request that would be a great help. we usually get 4 in the middle, and i was going to ask for as close to the front of the plane as possible. but would love to hear if there are some seats that are better than others.
 
That sounds like a plan....

Row 35 is the bulkhead/bassinet row... rows 36-41 seem to be the go.. row 42 backs on to the lavs... (seatexpert doesn't say much about it, seatguru marks 42 as RED! And suggests the bulkhead has limited legroom.. which I would agree with... many like them however..)

Same applies to row 45 (bulkhead) and 52 (backs on to the galley).. rows in between are normal...
 
Looks like I will ask for row 36. Now with the extra $4000 in my pocket, i am starting to look at what to spend it on !!
 
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