Air New Zealand

Flying today with Air NZ MEL-AKL and I cant even buy food on the plane! Been told I need a credit card to buy anything and since I don't have one I guess I've got to sort my own food. Ill also add the rude manner I was told this by staff at the gate just a very unapologetic "that's the way it is" tone.

BNE-CHC-BNE. What a difference a crew makes. BNE-CHC (NZ805) flight on 16 June was very empty but crew not very interested in working. As a VA Platinum member not offered the usual services (headphones express immigration etc) that normally would be offered. Seemed a challenge to even get a glass of wine (I was on a 'works' fare). While the in-flight manager was busy spending all of his time with 2 passengers not much care shown to the rest of us on the airplane. Return CHC-BNE (NZ804) on 20 June was a different story. Fantastic crew (2 in-flight managers so perhaps a check or training flight). Service was great attentive and friendly. Food good and drinks offered plentiful. This crew made all the difference in turning a bad experience outbound into a great experience inbound.

NZ80 HKG to AKL. 22nd June 2014. Business Class. B777-200ER. The aircraft was old and shabby. The herringbone seat configuration facing away from the window is like a coffin. The seat is narrow and has limited recline when seated normally as the lay flat bed requires the seat back to be folded fully forward. The bed is reasonably comfortable with the mattress pad. The welcome aboard drink was Sparking Wine not Champagne and served by one of the 3 Grumpy Old Men who were attending the forward cabin. Food was just edible and the choices very poor. No wines listed and when asked was told Pinot Noir or Cab Sav. No hangars suitable to hang trousers for those who change into travelling clothes. The AV is something out of the ark. A screen that has a resolution such that everything looks as if the lens is smeared with Vaseline. A controller whereby when pressed takes a few seconds to respond and sound and screen hesitation on both movie and audio channels (seat 3A if anyone from AirNZ read these posts). Breakfast coffee was vile but the hot bacon roll was a pleasant change. I hope the B777-300 is a step up as I have a west coast return trip soon. If not I shall stick to SQ and EK for all my long haul trips. There are better alternatives and the penny pinching shows maybe this route doesn't justify anything better but even CX with the dated A340 aircraft on this route is a much better experience.

My husband and I recently few from Sydney to Apia via Auckland. We checked in online and printed our own boarding passes to save time and lock our seats in. When we arrived at the airport we had to go through the whole process again making our online check in pointless. The first leg of the journey was on a reasonably comfortable Boeing 777-200 but the second leg was on an Airbus A320 which was one of the most cramped airline seats I've ever sat on. Both planes felt old and tired. The meal we had was adequate but nothing more. I was quite disappointed overall but one thing I'll say is the stay were very friendly and helpful.

Flew Auckland to Narita in premium economy in a 777-200. Seat was fine helped by the fact that seat next to me was unoccupied. Service from staff was very good friendly and efficient. You don't appear to get bubbly/juice before departure anymore and the choice of wines was same as in economy. Meals were good and tasty. Massive choice of movies.

There is not often that you are sorry to get of the plane but I was after my trip with Air New Zealand. My husband and I flew Air New Zealand to the United States in May. Having flown various airlines before Air New Zealand is right up there with the best. The service given by their more mature staff was exceptional compared with other airlines who use a younger cabin crew. The only reason I rate the satisfaction of my trip 9/10 is that they code share with United who must come bottom of my list (the trip with United between New York and Los Angeles the worst I have ever had). If you fly Air New Zealand to the United States organize your onward trip yourself so that you can avoid flying United.

SYD to AKL in Business. The check in is like buying a Hamburger just unfriendly. You can see cost cutting here. The lounge in Sydney is out dated and is in need of urgent renovation. The food service is very basic. Onboard extreme cost cutting has taken effect. Considering the amount paid and the service received I would say that there a very little features and benefits. Would not travel NZ again than for the same price I will get much superior service by the opposition.

I flew from Auckland to LAX recently in business class. From the time I sat down it took 55 minutes to be served a drink while it took my wife an hour and ten minutes to receive her first beverage. The service during the flight was adequate but possible I expected more considering the price of the ticket. I would not recommend Air New Zealand but I would also not discourage one from flying this airline.

Christchurch to Melbourne on another A320. No priority boarding out of Christchurch. Again no leg room hard bum numbing seat on a full flight. Landed early in Melbourne but had to wait for a gate but not a pesky A380 to vacate our allotted gate.

Just returned Auckland to Adelaide on 9/6/14. The flight departed almost on time the cabin crew were all friendly and happy. Seat quality was good we had exit row seats. Couldn't complain about the food or service. Inflight entertainment was better than expected. We were happy with all aspects of the flight we will definitely fly with this airline again Well done.