SYD-LAX Air new zealand vs china southern -business class.

[jughead77]

Hi all,
After opinions on what people think would be the better option.
1st march-16th march 2017.
Price is very similar around the $4200 mark but longer stop over in AKL on way over.
can credit to VA with ANZ but not sure on CZ (if you can credit to anything)
Happy for other options for flights also? Have plenty of OF and AA points but cant flights. (didn't want to use them for anytime award with AA)

Treating myself to a 40th birthday trip !

 

[NZflygirl]

Nice! Why don't you look at some you tube clip reviews of the airline and aircraft? I'm clearly biased towards NZ but I have never flown China Southern to give you a comparison.

 

[Mattg]

In my opinion, Air New Zealand would provide a considerably better product and service, so if prices are about the same then it's a bit of a no-brainer to go with them.

Yes, you can credit the Air NZ flight/s to VA. You would be able to credit the China Southern flights to any SkyTeam program (e.g. Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles), which while worth something is not as useful as Velocity.

A long-ish stopover in Auckland isn't necessarily a bad thing either - the Air NZ lounge there is quite nice, and of course you could always head into the city if you had enough time.

 

[Shamrock55]

Can only speak about Air NZ but their food, wine and service will be top notch. In my view way better then QF or AA. Never flown China Southern except years ago in Y which was a terrible experience The IFE is also excellent.

You may love or hate the Air NZ J seat arrangement. I find it a bit weird looking over the partition at my neighbor, but the sleep on the bed in my view is one of the best in the sky.

As above, the new Air NZ lounge in AKL is lovely, but can be very busy.

 

[Dr Ralph]

Happy 40th

If it was me I'd be using Air NZ.

 

[Buzzard]

Another vote for Air NZ.

 

[GDSman]

+1 for NZ - I love their service in all cabins...friendly, warm yet professional

 

[docjames]

At the same price, for me it'd be a no-brainer to go NZ.

 

[jughead77]

Thanks for the opinions everyone.
I have watched a few trip report videos and read a couple on here also. ANZ looks the goods I think.
$4158.00 return is the price which seems a really good deal too.

 

[williamsf1]

I have just travelled J class on CZ mix of a330 a380 aircraft …. Unless CZ is $1000 cheaper …. I would fly NZ hands down

The CZ product is old … food average for J

 

[AnnaB]

I have never flown J on CZ, but I did fly Y. That is enough for me to avoid that airline at any cost. Hands down the worst airline I have ever flown with and I have done lots with EasyJet and Ryanair.
Almost got stranded for two days at an interconnecting airport due to 8hrs+ delays (with no information given) and no one hardly speak English.

+1 for ANZ

 

[clazman]

NZ for me....

 

[jughead77]

In my opinion, Air New Zealand would provide a considerably better product and service, so if prices are about the same then it's a bit of a no-brainer to go with them.

Yes, you can credit the Air NZ flight/s to VA. You would be able to credit the China Southern flights to any SkyTeam program (e.g. Flying Blue or Delta SkyMiles), which while worth something is not as useful as Velocity.

A long-ish stopover in Auckland isn't necessarily a bad thing either - the Air NZ lounge there is quite nice, and of course you could always head into the city if you had enough time.[/QUOTE

Thanks , Mattg.
I only have red status with velocity ( as normally fly on points) so would it better crediting status to somewhere else to achieve gold? ( I think it air Lingus that had reciprocal status?)

 

[flychrisfly]

Thanks , Mattg.
I only have red status with velocity ( as normally fly on points) so would it better crediting status to somewhere else to achieve gold? ( I think it air Lingus that had reciprocal status?)

Aer Lingus now use Avios (for FF points) as they are owned by the same company that owns BA and IB so not sure they'd have any arrangements with NZ or Star Alliance anymore. But happy to be proven wrong

 

[jughead77]

My mistake, it was Aegean Airlines. Star alliance partner.
Would it be worth crediting to this to get gold? Mainly fly on domestic economy ( international not an issue but use points anyway most of the time)