Travelled on ANZ flight 175 AKL to PER on the new Dreamliner. Exceptional personal service at business check in desk but the Air NZ lounge is pretty average. Worn seats, carpet, chairs, food selection average. Quite surprising for an airline that is so good in every other way.
Once onboard in Business we received excellent service and attention in every detail. This aircraft is big, spacious, light and bright but the unusual seats and controls do take a lot of getting used to. The movable TV screens are large and high def and are possibly the best I’ve experienced.
The downside is the weird fishbone pattern seating. The rows against the windows are at a diagonal angle facing into the cabin rather than forward so passengers can take advantage of the big windows. The middle row of seats are also on an angle facing the RHS of the aircraft so whilst you can get a window view the fact is you’re usually staring at a stranger. I’m really puzzled at the seating layout as it is best suited to a pax travelling alone. If you’re with a partner then he/she is seated ahead or behind and conversation is difficult. Im sure Im not alone in saying that this layout takes a lot of getting used to and detracts from an another perfect aircraft flight.
Our choice next time will be Premium Economy with the traditional 2 x 2 forward facing layout.
Home Air New Zealand review by David 2014-11-16
