I managed two weeks ago to fly in premium economy on NZ135 AKL-BNE here's a little review. Let's say on a works deluxe flight that's trans tasman having to show my boarding pass every five seconds to be entitled to a drink was the low light.
from what I had heard on this route and class I was left with a bad taste in my mouth. Then again I could be too fine fed after my previous encounter on this route and ended up being bumped up to business premier.
The Koru lounge as per usual was fabulous, and having earlier that morning flown from Christchurch I was in desperate need of a shower, the showers were clean, the linen was well stocked and the water was hot and plentiful.
The food in the koru lounge didn't look too appealing, it was in need of replenishment and I managed to get the last watery bit of a bacon and egg pie. Despite it looking not at all appetising, it was tasty with some vogels bread.
Boarding was seamless, the poor customer service attendant had a hell of a time notifying the passengers that they were boarding as her PA system was not working.
Once on board I found my seat, I didn't mind the extra bottle of water or newspaper but it was placed in a fashion for any traveller to think it had been overlooked during cleaning of the plane.
I spent a good while trying to get the space seat to move down to "recline" on the flight. Once moved I found it to be a comfortable seat. The only thing missing was the leg rest cushion that no one had at all in premium economy.
The flight itself was bumpy, food service for some passengers was not available due to the turbulence. I had previously ordered a vegetarian meal for this flight and well, for premium economy was left very very disappointed.
if I had known earlier, I would of flown in cattle class for a meal like this.
View attachment 28208
I paid $350 for this flight. Wow.
The regular meal passengers had worse than me. A bacon and egg roll.
But it gets better. The only drinks served with our main meal was juice or champagne. Champagne in a plastic tumbler. Classy.
Later when I enquired why we were not allowed any other alcoholic beverages on the flight the response I got "you need to pay for them". Despite being told otherwise that we get free drinks on this flight.
Later when another round of tea and coffee was served, which I will admit they did well at, I guess because it's one of the only free things on the flight for the seat only or seat & bag passengers, I get yelled at by a flight attendant for not having the non slip mat that was taken away by funnily enough the same flight attendant only 15 minutes earlier during meal clearing.
Space seats pros and cons: PROS - the tilt and slide down function (once working) for someone with a back injury it was so much more comfortable CONS - the leather was in need of a replacement and for a larger person it's not at all comfortable as after a certain width you become jammed in the seat. You cannot turn to face away from your seat row partner if you are tall or large.
I find out after my flight that I was right
With the Works Deluxe option, you will receive full meal and beverage options plus a cheese plate, bottle of mineral water, newspaper and noise-cancelling headphones. After you’ve enjoyed your meal, you have the choice of ordering extra drinks free of charge during your flight.
no noise cancelling headphones, and where the hell was the cheese platter?
please someone tell me that it's better service flying long haul in premium economy?!
can't complain about that
