Concerns: The Golf Clubs. Tom had not enjoyed much time with them, what with the fall from the horse in the high mountains NW of Napier and the resulting concussion and rib break but they still had to go home. We exited car transfer to NZ terminal, showed e booking to official who directed us to Y check in, realized her mistake, and backtracked to subtle glass doors which we now remembered from 'last time' to encounter the no clubs ban. Two bags, two bags--despite USAir having through checked five outbound...so we tucked items from one or the other (we're talking two very small sports kit bags and two relatively small ultralight luggage--seriously under weight limit) and hauled small bag numero five to Koru Lounge.
Hungry--buffet--meat, cheese and salad, curiously reminiscent of LAX. A placid beef curry appeared around 9pm and I was filmed nicking a glass of fizz from the fridge at the same time as a local newscaster. Note--EVERY open bottle of fizz I checked--was flat. Stoppers not a terrible idea?
Lounge emptied out as earlier flights called and finally us---we'd been allowed nose seats floor one on the 747 which are THE BEST as no central aisle (although upstairs is fine as well) and were delighted to find flight attendant gent who was so pleasant our outbound two years ago on duty. He took great care of us, wine glasses topped up, main not much better than outbound but good salad, good pudding/cheese. Video was fine--enjoyed the docs re NZ, beds made up and to sleep (in VS jams). Sun was up half way through flight.
Morning--egg breakfast not quite as nice as four months ago Y--but tea excellent and cheery staff--three taking care of our low numbers up front--til arrival LAX, tow to gate and off.
Overall? I love NZ air--but am continually annoyed re huge barrier to accruing FC miles--as well as having to spend 125 K miles to fly business premier LAX-AKL 12 hour flight as opposed to mileage debit 12 hour flight LHR-LAX...next visit to family NZ, might consider V Australia and backtracking is mileage if VS accrual.
cheers,
RR[:?]
Roadrunner
