NTarrant flew Air New Zealand Pacific Economy, on a B767-300ER (02/01/2012 05:15)

Check-in was extremely slow, taking 45 minutes from joining queue to getting to the desk. Two other flights to NZ were also checking in on this line. Flight was being called whilst finishing check-in, which meant a quick rush to the gate which seemed like miles away.

A pleasant greeting from the the senior attendant, seats found (19AB) which were emergency exit. Seat was comfortable and the extra leg room was welcome. The IFE was available from the start and the choice of CD's and films is extremely good. Saftey demo was a film which was fun and well put together which was made to attract attention, not your normal run of the mill.

Take off was late due to a passenger not turning up and bags removed, but once under way the crew can around with water. Sometime after meals were served. A choice of a hot meal with lamb or a chicken salad with pasta. We went for the chicken which was good and accompanied with bread and a chocolate brownie which was a little heavy. Beverages were served as well, soft and hot.

Another chance for drinks was given whilst trays collected. Crew came around shortly before arrival with sweets and handed cards so that comments could be made on a dedicated website. Arrival into Auckland was about 30 minutes late, but disembarking was quick.

All in all a good flight, only downside being the awful check-in.

alwaysairbound flew Air New Zealand Pacific Economy (10/07/2010 19:49)

One of the most spacious economy classes in the air. Seats have a hefty recline, and the 34" pitch makes a huge difference. Main meals of considerable quality still served in ceramic dishes. I have travelled on some flights where NZ's economy service was better than service I have experienced in business class cabins on Singapore Airlines, JAL, KLM and British Airways. My main and only Air New Zealand gripe is that they have removed the individual air vents (gaspers) which sometimes makes for a hot, nose frying experience. Many airlines still have these vents on 747s, and Air Canada, AA and United all have them on their 777 aircraft, so it is airline choice. I know at least 30 business travellers who will not travel Air New Zealand for this reason, and I estimate that from these travellers alone Air New Zealand loses £300K per year (each traveller does approx 4 return LHR-LAX business class flights per year).

EdmundCarew flew Air New Zealand Pacific Economy, on a B747-400 (15/02/2009 09:08)

Way ahead of QANTAS. Air NZ's service is as good as SQ's, which is saying something.