DEPARTURE

Check in at a very pleasant dedicated room with helpful staff, a quick turn around, and a dedicated immigration counter. The lounge was spacious, but the furnishings quite worn. Three of the four computers offering internet access were broken and the agent indicated they would be repaired "maybe tomorrow." An excellent supply of beverages was not matched by a meager selection of cold cuts and chocolate pudding.


CABIN

Cabin was clean, and appealing, in dark blue tones.


SEATING

The Air NZ Business class seat has advantages and disadvantages. The materials and pitch are good quality. The controls for the lights and IFE come on a wired remote that is easy to use while reclining. However, despite the large angle of recline, the seat always remains in a "cradle" configuration, producing an uncomfortable angle.


CATERING

Two good meals were served - perfect for this long haul flight. Food was well prepared, if slightly bland. Service was attractive, and typical of the casual comfort of New Zealand. Delivery of meals followed a very slow and tightly scripted choreography. FAs were generally somewhere else when you needed them. It was impossible to have wine with the meal - by the time the wine arrived the plate had been cleared. Also the lengthy progression of courses interfered with sleep. Dinner took too long, and we were woken up for breakfast two and a half hours prior to landing.


CABIN STAFF SERVICE

Effective but not particularly attentive. The excellent supply of beverages in the lounge (and the enthusiasm with which they were being consumed) was explained by the great difficulty of obtaining a sleep-inducing two glasses of wine on board.


FLIGHT ARRIVAL

San Francisco Airport is modern and efficient. It is a far, far cry from the hell that is LAX. Priority bags arrived within five minutes. A spacious customs hall, flooded with natural light accommodated passengers.


CUSTOMER VERDICT

Design errors (in the seat ,and the catering service) interfered with sleep, which should be the priority on such a flight. Otherwise an acceptable product.


CUSTOMER RANKING