Air New Zealand review by Emma 2016-01-09

I was quite optimistic about taking an air New Zealand flight. I had paid extra to book my luggage, select my seat and watch some films. Being six months pregnant I had been sure to avoid my usual window seat selection in favour of an aisle seat (important for hydration, blood circulation and toilet access- and not bothering other passengers in the process). Unfortunately when I was boarding I was told that, despite my payment for seat selection, my seat had been changed to a middle- this was to accommodate a family group. I explained my circumstances and felt quite uncomfortable about explaining them to a total stranger. Instead of empathy, a solution and support, I received apathy from the man who had been making announcements at the gate. He told me I would have to ask another passenger to swap with me. Explaining my situation to another stranger and taking away their seat was beyond rude and the thought of it was very distressing. I was almost in tears when I asked the air hostess to help me and they obliged. The response from the announcer was, in my option, beyond unacceptable. He, and perhaps others in this airline, need pregnancy empathy training of some kind.