Air New Zealand LHR-LAX-AKL-MEL 31/05/06 Business
Posted: 20 Jun 2006, 01:01This was my first time flying with Air New Zealand and was not disappointed. Slight hiccup with their online reservation system, I was advised to take NZ1 to AKL and change to NZ5 there to continue onto MEL otherwise I would have had to collect my luggage and clear customs and immigration in Los Angeles and take bags to transfer desk, which I selected on the tabs and had a confirmation email to that effect. However when the Eticket was issued they had me changing in LAX after a phone call and emailing the confirmation back to them all was sorted quickly and efficiently.
Check in was speedy and efficient at LHR and presented with an invitation to the United Red Carpet Club Lounge and Fast Track security. My luggage was checked in all way through to MEL, a big plus for me as one of the reasons I was traveling with through the USA was to take advantage of the increased baggage allowances as I was moving to Australia to work. After goodbyes I went through to the lounge which was pleasant enough and had a view of the departing aircraft. The flight was called around 1515ish and I proceeded to the gate and straight onto the aircraft through the forward jetway, for use of business class only, no queuing.
Was greeted at the aircraft door by name, upon checking boarding card, and shown to seat / suite in 5A in A zone, jacket taken and hand luggage stowed I settled in to the seat. Moments later I was offered a welcome drink, champagne / water / orange juice, and asked if I had traveled in these seats and as I said no was given a full tour of how everything worked, recline, AVOD on 10.5 inch screen, table and fully flat bed. The seat was very comfortable in all positions I tried it and having the ottoman to put your feet upon is great. Were then offered a selection of amenities including, socks / lip balm / eye shades / ear plugs / toothbrush. Pushed back on time and were airborne only a few minutes behind schedule. A menu and drinks guide was available at seat and shortly after seatbelt sign was off was offered a drink form the bar.
Shortly after this the very friendly Kiwi inflight supervisor came round explaining the transit procedures for those traveling onwards to AKL. This consists of every passenger completing a US immigration card, however as business class passengers we were given the option to access the Air New Zealand lounge at LAX if transiting on NZ1. This meant also completing a customs declaration as we would have to go landside before being able to access the lounge. If you didnt want to access the lounge the option was to go the transit lounge and sit in a premium area however I was advised, even with the hassle it was worthwhile to go to the lounge, have a drink/snack/shower etc.
Drinks were followed by dinner, starter / choice of main course / choice of desert with desert wine / cheese and biscuits / selection of hot drinks, overall an excellent meal. Table was laid with linen tablecloth and served on crockery with metal knives and forks. A self service snack and drink selection was set up. Watched a couple of films and tv shows before converting seat into bed and having a sleep. I found the bed to be very comfortable with plenty of space at the shoulder only issue would be my personal preference for a bulkier pillow. We were served afternoon tea with selection of sandwiches and a scone with cream prior to landing in LAX. Landed in LAX some 20 minutes early. Flight crew on this leg were mainly British and very helpful and courteous.
Clearing immigration and customs was straightforward as had no luggage to collect. Then through to landside upstairs and through security, shoes/belts off laptop out of bag, and onto lounge. Well worth the hassle as had a relaxing couple of hours. Had a refreshing shower, a bite to eat and a few drinks.
We were called to re-board the aircraft at 2100 and were given priority boarding and headed back to same seat. Pre take off drinks were served and breakfast orders taken along with amenities offered, to allow those who were not partaking of dinner to go straight to sleep. Noticed the drinks guide had been removed and a new menu had been placed at seat. Immediately after seatbelt sign was turned off were offered drinks quickly followed by dinner. Again four courses served on linen. The lamb was superb, overall the food was again excellent quality albeit slightly rushed I assume because half the cabin had already gone to sleep. As soon as meal service was complete the main cabin lights were turned off. The self service area was set up again.
Flight was uneventful and I had some 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep. We were woken about 2 hours out of AKL for breakfast. Full choice of smoothie / continental / cooked / toast / hot drinks etc. Again served on linen with full service, top ups of drinks and toast etc. Landed in AKL approx. 30 minutes early. Crew on this leg were all Kiwis and slightly older average age than previous leg and slightly less open in my opinion.
After landing proceeded to the Air New Zealand lounge and had some fresh fruit and juice. Showers were available if required. After 3 hours the flight to MEL was called and proceeded to the gate and after a few minutes were invited to board. Welcomed on board again by name. Took seat, 5A again, and had pre flight drink no amenities on this flight, but only 3h55m. A zone was not full on this flight and I noticed there were only 4 or 5 in B zone. About 45 minutes into flight were offered breakfast again, hot choice was different from previous leg so you didnt have to have same thing twice. There was a new flight attendant in the cabin as I overheard him asking what he should to do on a number of occasions. Landed in MEL on time at 10.35 and proceeded through customs and immigration with no fuss. The crew on this leg were all Kiwis who kept interaction with the passengers to a minimum in fact the female inflight supervisor didnt come into zone A at all. However on all three legs all requests made to the crew were all dealt with quickly, professionally and with a smile.
All in all for a 33 hour trip LHR MEL I arrived fresh and alert and none the worse for it. I would recommend Air New Zealand Business Premier. It did take a few days to get over the jetlag afterwards though. I chose to fly with Air New Zealand for the following reasons, taking into account I was traveling one way due to relocating to Australia:
Luggage allowance Business Premier via USA 2 pieces at up to 32kg each
Awarded Flying Club miles
Fully flat seat exactly like Virgin Atlantics Upper Class Suite
On a personal note I have now fully circumnavigated the planet (although not in one trip!)