VA vs ANZ to the US (SYD-SFO) - who has the better hard/soft product?

[Snoopydoo]

Morning AFFers,

Title of the post says it all really...

Have found loads of info re VA on this forum but not much on ANZ for some reason. J prices between the 2 carriers are now much and much the same and they're both flying the 777-300.

My take so far:

ANZ - overnight flight so easier on my body clock and I can pretty much get to SFO and start my day fresh. The SYD-AKL-SFO flight is ideal becauase 1) I get to hang in another lounge (I love airport lounges, I don't know why, I just do) and 2) I don't have to go via LAX.

VA - the onboard bar! And I prefer the reverse herringbone style seating for more privacy being a solo traveller and all. But to get to SFO I have to transit at LAX which means the hassle of rechecking my bag which will then eat into any lounge time I might have before my next flight.

Which would you seasoned flyers pick?

 

[AviationNZ]

Morning AFFers,

Title of the post says it all really...

Have found loads of info re VA on this forum but not much on ANZ for some reason. J prices between the 2 carriers are now much and much the same and they're both flying the 777-300.

My take so far:

ANZ - overnight flight so easier on my body clock and I can pretty much get to SFO and start my day fresh. The SYD-AKL-SFO flight is ideal becauase 1) I get to hang in another lounge (I love airport lounges, I don't know why, I just do) and 2) I don't have to go via LAX.

VA - the onboard bar! And I prefer the reverse herringbone style seating for more privacy being a solo traveller and all. But to get to SFO I have to transit at LAX which means the hassle of rechecking my bag which will then eat into any lounge time I might have before my next flight.

Which would you seasoned flyers pick?

It is a tough one, but for me the sleep experience is better on NZ and as you've mentioned, an overnight flight so better on the body clock, plus transiting in AKL is a heap better and easier than LAX. However, VA's new J is definitely a LOT better than their old one. Both have very good soft experiences too, love the food and wine on either airline.

I'm sure you'll enjoy either experience (sorry, don't mean to sit on the fence)...and it goes without saying they are both streaks ahead of UA, and IMO, their hard products are well ahead of QF too.

 

[trooper]

Does VA have a thick mattress for the seat? That really makes the NZ seat into a bed... IMO...

 

[Snoopydoo]

Thank you for the feedback, at this stage I'm leaning towards ANZ.

 

[Nugget_Oz]

Thank you for the feedback, at this stage I'm leaning towards ANZ.

Have you thought of UA with the 789? It's also a direct flight.

 

[windycityf]

Funny I am curious about ANZ as well. I just booked my first flights on them an am curious to see how I go. I will say there is something about the evening flight that has an appeal. I took VA in a few months back and I was awake the whole flight. Seriously. The bar was great and all but at the 13th hour I just wanted to sleep. I have done UA and as much as I am a fan of my hometown airline I would go VA or ANZ first. Or least wait till next year with the new Polaris seats. I am in BNE and recently went to the States via HKG,NRT and it was not bad on the body. It was night flights and I was able to sleep. So if that is important I would consider ANZ over VA

 

[Snoopydoo]

Have you thought of UA with the 789? It's also a direct flight.

Most of the feedback I've gotten from this forum has been that UA/AA don't provide the best hard/soft product compared to what we get here. Did a quick google search and read one review of the 787-9 and I'm not crazy about the 2-2-2 configuration.