Aircraft change AKL - YVR

[Harthagan]

So we booked business class flights for a holiday to Canada and I just noticed that for the AKL-YVR leg the plane has been changed from a dreamliner to a 777-367ER.

I was really looking forward to trying the new AirNZ business class product on the Dreamliner as I have read that it's a much better seat in terms of privacy and space. It's a significant reason why we paid the extra money for business class seats, definitely wouldn't have done so otherwise. I guess this sort of thing happens all the time and there's nothing the customer can do or say about it.

I see that there are "business prefered" seats available on our flight, but they cost an additional $590. What would be the difference in these seats as opposed to the regular business class seats. I see they are in a 1-1-1 layout as opposed to 1-2-1 so I'm guessing they are more spacious and private but the service in terms of food/bev would be identical to regular business class.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The aircraft will be an ex Cathay Pacific plane, and they’ve retained the first class cabin, which is the 1-1-1 configuration.

That said, the business class seating on those flights is pretty good, reverse herringbone. They’re not the latest aria ‘suites’ but they’re still very good… long and no cubby holes for your legs or feet… plenty of space. (But you should pick a seat on the side of the plane that best fits your sitting position… when at home watching tv with your feet up, are you angled slightly to the left or right? Pick your corresponding seat on the plane! Also, if travelling as a couple, i’d recommend 2 x windows..l the centre seats aren’t designed for conversation.)

Reverse herringbone is probably preferable to the new Air NZ seats which are herringbone… so your back is still facing the window and you’re looking out into the aisle. A strange choice for the airline.

Given the 1-1-1 are first class seats… possibly worth the surcharge! They’re great seats and the cabin is very private.

 

[Harthagan]

Also, if travelling as a couple, i’d recommend 2 x windows..l the centre seats aren’t designed for conversation.)

Reverse herringbone is probably preferable to the new Air NZ seats which are herringbone… so your back is still facing the window and you’re looking out into the aisle. A strange choice for the airline.

Given the 1-1-1 are first class seats… possibly worth the surcharge! They’re great seats and the cabin is very private.

Oh thanks for that tip. We had selected 2 adjacent middle seats but changed them to 2 x window seats now. Luckily there were 2 available, rows 19 and 20, so we will still technically be neighbours lol

And good to know that the seats are not as bad as I thought! Kind of tempted to just upgrade to the business preferred seats but will take some convincing if the better half lol

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Oh thanks for that tip. We had selected 2 adjacent middle seats but changed them to 2 x window seats now. Luckily there were 2 available, rows 19 and 20, so we will still technically be neighbours lol

And good to know that the seats are not as bad as I thought! Kind of tempted to just upgrade to the business preferred seats but will take some convincing if the better half lol

The ex Cathay seats are chalk and cheese compared to the old Air NZ offering, which was copied from Virgin Atlantic. They were cutting edge when installed 20 years ago, not even close now.

But reverse herringbone has stood the test of time. The seats are still pretty much same same, although they have been ‘refined’ and updated over the years, for example adding a door. Necessary? Not really.

You can see the detailed seat maps here: Cathay Pacific - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans (it’s the configuration with the gold 6).

If you want to see the first class seats, google a Cathay 777 first class trip report.

 

[markis10]

Sounds like you’re on a winner!

Review: Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 Business/First Class (Melbourne – Hong Kong)

On some Cathay Pacific Boeing 777 flights, you may be able to book Business Class but sit in First Class with a gratis switch.

www.pointhacks.com.au