BNE to AKL - VA or ANZ

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a330j

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So SWMBO has decided that a quick one week trip to NZ (North Is) is in order for the upcoming school hols - 4 adults basically. I'm tossing up whether to do the codeshare thing or book direct with ANZ.

Now I've flown VA codeshare before on SQ metal and wasn't that impressed. Also I have to say the thought of flying on a 777 with ANZ rather than 737 flying VA has me leaning towards flying ANZ, but should I book direct.

I'm wondering whether anyone has any experience, good or bad, codeshare or otherwise but on ANZ metal including how VA status is received or upgrade options. I'm due to fall back to VFF gold during the trip so I don't know if that will change numbers for lounge access or I will get a period of grace. Also are there any must see parts of the island - Hobbiton is already on the agenda :rolleyes: .
 
a330j said:
Also are there any must see parts of the island - Hobbiton is already on the agenda :rolleyes: .
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I'd definitely recommend a day trip over to Waiheke Island. Catch the ferry from downtown AKL and have lunch at somewhere like Mudbrick or Cable Bay....superb!
 
The ANZ website recognises elites booking directly, and therefore Virgin elites have access to the premium economy seats on 777 at no extra cost etc.

They seem to give Virgin elites better treatment than Virgin...
 
I'll be able to tell you next week, flying anz tomorrow to alk then va back on sunday week, north island for a week, any holiday tip ideas?
 
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Definitely book direct so you can select premium economy seats on the 777!

(They will show as available if you enter your VA number during booking)
 
Go wide bodied, and in a few months time, you can buy premY seats on the 777, and get premY SC too, to keep your VA WP.
Granted if you book as an NZ flight number, you don't get the SB, but still in my POV, SC amassment is better than mileage.
I have done NZ 320 series of planes plus NZ 737, NZ767 and the NZ777 series, vs VAs 737.
You will get lounge access to Koru as VA WP, so you can fly premY, and get access, so no need to pay for J/C class.
AusBT says that NZ will be selling (specifically) premY seating from east coast Australia to NZ in 777. Previously they came as works, but now they come as premY (bonus SC).
 
Thanks for all the tips.

I ended up booking two one-way fares. BNE-AKL with ANZ to get the wide body and see if ANZ service is as good as everyone says for a VA status passenger, and I booked direct with VA AKL-BNE to get a time that suited us better. Booking the return leg direct with VA lets me get row 3 and points bonus at least.

Sadly all available PE seats were and still are taken on ANZ even though the seating plan shows a relatively empty economy section. There does seem to be a lot of the PE seats "unavailable" which I hope might open up closer to departure date.

Still, I am looking forward to enjoying some good food and wine while in NZ. :D
 
a330j said:
]
Sadly all available PE seats were and still are taken on ANZ even though the seating plan shows a relatively empty economy section. There does seem to be a lot of the PE seats "unavailable" which I hope might open up closer to departure date.
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These we're reserved for what was Works Deluxe and we're typically will be filled with long-haul PE passengers eg people going BNE-AKL-SFO in PE.
 
A(NZ) will now be selling PE seats at a premium.
In the past, you could buy those PE sats for very cheap rates, even under the cost of WorksDeluxe.
WorksDeluxe used to get lounge entry, now thats gone!
And premium Y now cost an arm and a leg, but if you had booked those seats as such, ie, prem Y, you could/would have gotten premium Y SC.
If you do want Koru, they cost Nzd$55 and what ever the going rate for Aud$ as with Nzd$55 is, per entry for 2 hours or so, just for your taste if you have not been into one.
Edit: ah, you are already VA WP... so would get Koru entry any ways.
Enjoy the trip, wide bodied planes are the best way to go!
 
Also premY no lounge access.
Though must say Koru at equiv of Nzd$55 per 2 hrs not bad.
Only plus is premY gets bonus SC (we hope).
VA does still not list this new premY on its SC stipulated sheet.
Only 1 flight from MEL and BNE a day with premY.
2 a day most days from SYD.
 
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