Cheers: The product is great and those New Zealand accents — have to love them. Jeers: Argh, why does my elbow keep pausing my movie? Bottom Line: Having the word “economy” in the name seems inappropriate; it is anything but economy.
The outer seats in Premium Economy point towards the windows, giving extra privacy. I had the window seat.
Say what? How can I fly from an American city to a foreign city on Air New Zealand? It is because of the Fifth Freedom of the Air, which allows Air New Zealand to operate their flight from Auckland to London, via LAX. Most people probably do not think about taking Air New Zealand to London, but they are a unique option that I wanted to check out.
This was my first Air New Zealand flight — kind of. I actually flew on the exact same plane earlier, when it was brand spanking new. ZK-OKM was Air New Zealand’s first Boeing 777-300ER and I was able to hitch a ride on part of the delivery flight from Paine Field (PAE) to LAX. Since it wasn’t a real revenue flight with standard service (and only 2.5hrs long), I was looking forward to checking out the full product on a much longer flight.
With the outer seat angled a bit towards the window, it makes looking outside a breeze. Taking off from LAX (and yes, I had permission to take this photo below 10,000 feet).
When I first toured the airline’s 777-300ER, I had a hard time placing exactly what Premium Economy was. To me, it looked like something one would find in a long-haul business class.
Air New Zealand has had Premium economy on their 777-200s, but this product is very different. On the -200, it is your standard economy seat, in a 3-3-3 layout with some extra recline and seat-pitch. Not bad, but the new Premium Economy is in a whole other league.
Not only are the seats in a 2-2-2 layout, they don’t face forward. The first question you have to ask yourself when booking your ticket is if you want to interact with the person next to you or not. If you want to talk, dine or even snuggle with your seatmate, you probably want to go for the inner-space seats, located in the middle of the plane. Even though the seats are slightly tilted away from each other, they easily allow people to interact if desired.
The Premium Economy is in a 2-2-2 layout. The outer seats give better privacy than the inner seats.
If you are on your own or want some additional privacy, then getting a seat in the outer-space is for you. Each seat is tilted towards the window and gives more of a sense of privacy.
Having my seat tilted towards the window made taking off even a better experience than usual. It was a little weird at first orienting myself when I was tilted, but after a few minutes, I didn’t even notice anymore.
Since the seat in front is not directly centered, the video screen and tray table popped out and slid over for easier usability. I had plenty of room to work on my large laptop, while watching a movie.
The in-flight entertainment system was good enough and when browsing through the eight pages of movies, I found quite a few that I was interested in seeing. The system was quite slick, having a favorite list, that I could add what I wanted to watch later, so I wouldn’t forget what I wanted to watch.
Dang you remote! Why do you have to get in my way? The round silver thing above the remote is a pop out LED light.
The main downside of the product was the location of the remote — which was right by my left elbow. I ended up hitting it more than once, causing issues with my viewing experience. I unlatched the remote and let it hang, so I wouldn’t hit it anymore — problem solved.
The remote is not really needed, since the you can do everything (except use the keyboard, turn on your light or call a flight attendant) via the touch screen.
When will the lights dim? When will I get my next meal? This screen will tell you.
One of the coolest things on the in-flight entertainment system is the “My Flight” menu. This really gives you an itinerary of where you are at during the flight, when you will eat and when the lights will be bright or dimmed. This was great to be able to plan out when I wanted to sleep, when service would start and even when I could order food on demand.
Salmon, bread and wine make sense for a starter, but dessert too?
The food wasn’t too shabby. For dinner I was first served smoked salmon, watercress shoots, toasted almonds and burnt orange mayonnaise. For the main meal I had a choice between lamb, cod and chicken. I went with the lamb with potatoes and minted peas.
Then for desert was raspberry almond cheesecake, but it was odd, since the dessert was put on my tray with my appetizer and remained there until I was done with my meal. Maybe it is a cultural thing?
For breakfast, I had a choice between a chicken herb sausage cheese omelet, or Belgian waffles with strawberries. Not going to lie, I had a hard time making that decision, but I decided on sleeping through the meal, which I later regretted.
This is how dark it got during the flight. Taken over northern Canada.
The seats in Premium Economy do not fully recline, but it does go back farther than economy and there is a little beanbag pillow to put your legs up.
Although the product is slick, you don’t get all the bells and whistles as Business Class — which makes sense. Both premium classes get priority ticket counter access, but only business gets access to the Koru Club Lounge. If you want to get into the lounge, you can buy a day pass for $55, which isn’t a bad deal.
From Los Angeles to London, economy class normally runs around $1200 and Premium Economy runs about $2400. Not bad considering the product one gets when upgrading.
My biggest suggestion is to change the name of this product. The old Premium Economy was just that. An economy product with a bit more leg room, but they were the same seats as economy, with the same seat layout.
The new Premium Economy is much closer to Business Class than economy and not changing the name doesn’t do the product justice. Even calling it something like “Kiwi Class” would be beneficial, because when most people fly and see a “premium economy” seat, they just think space a few inches of extra, but this product is much more than that.
The Koru Club at LAX offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
First of all, I have to be honest and say that I have become a bit of a spoiled traveler. Before starting this blog, I rarely got to see the inside of an airline’s lounge. I thought they were just for the uber elite (either wealthy or status earners). Now, I realize that lounges aren’t this magical land that a rare few can access, they are something that almost anyone can get into (with a fee, of course).
On my recent flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to London’s Heathrow (LHR) (for Farnborough), my ticket did not give me club access. The problem was I had almost a six hour lay over at LAX (after flying in from Seattle) and I didn’t want to do it in Terminal 2 at LAX.
This became my temporary office for a few hours in the Koru Lounge.
Taking a look at what the Koru Club offered and knowing how great lounges can be, I was ready to pay the $55 for a day pass. Don’t get me wrong, I surely don’t have much money to throw around, but the idea of being able to spend a good chunk of my lay over (I arrived at LAX at 10:30am, but the lounge doesn’t open until 1pm), the $55 seemed like a good deal.
When you break down what it might cost to access internet at an airport, buying a meal or drinks, the $55 becomes a good deal quite quickly.
Luckily for my wallet, Air New Zealand reached out and asked if I would like access to check it out and prepare before my flight. Um…yes please.
There is a nice selection of food and drink options at Air New Zealand’s LAX lounge.
Access to the lounge is on the second floor of Terminal 2, past security. It is a lounge operated by Air New Zealand, but Virgin Australia customers are able to get access too.
Some lounges seem too fancy and I feel a bit out of place. Others feel pretty cheap and I would be embarrassed if I was the airline. The Koru Club is a lounge that is just right for my taste. It is not too large, has plenty of seating options, free Wi-Fi, showers, a decent selection of food and drinks.
The lounge offers a sandwich bar. Good thing — I love sandwiches.
Another important quality I look for is great views of the airport. During my wait, I was able to spot so many different types of aircraft — MD-11, A380, Boeing 747 — it was eye candy for sure.
As with most places around an airport, I wish they had more power outlets. The four place table, where I spent the majority of my time, only had two outlets and I used both of them the entire time (luckily no one else came to sit down).
When I first heard that ANZ was coming out with a new video, I actually got a little giddy. I wasn’t sure how they would go about topping their other videos, but I had high expectations that they would.
In the email informing me of the soon-to-be-released video, I was told I would see, “a new animated in-flight safety video featuring Ed O’Neill (Modern Family, Married With Children)… Hand-drawn and filmed during the process, the video depicts an airline safety pamphlet as it comes to life, and also includes appearances by New Zealand native Melanie Lynskey (Up in the Air, Two and a Half Men), Snoop Dogg and New Zealand’s famous All Blacks rugby team.”
Sounds like a nice recipe for success. Then I finally got to watch it and as I stated earlier, I was disappointed.
It felt dull, dry and a bit boring. The humor just didn’t connect and I am assuming that Ed and Melanie did not record their lines together at the same time. However, I am all about second chances, so I told myself I would give it a few days, talk to some people about their thoughts and take a second look. When I reached out to ask some of you what your thoughts were, I was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reactions:
“I liked the video! It was a little funny and not too boring. I’d be more likely to watch it then listen to FA’s make their speech!” from Paul Mahon.
“It’s definitely creative and keeps my attention more than a video of a flight attendant doing the regular routine but on video. But still, most people won’t pay attention,” from Jason Rabinowitz.
“Much better than the Richard Simmons one, not really all that condescending, which is good but its was a bit light hearted which should keep people watching it and paying attention at least. Still not Deltatina though,” from Malcolm Muir.
“I get the small airline making things go viral thing. I LOLed on the YouTubes, but on the plane? Kill me,” said by @thatjohn on Twitter about the previous Richard Simmons video. He feels the new one is much better.
I guess I can kind of get it. ANZ has made some pretty successful viral videos, but the type of video that goes viral, might not be the same type of video you want to watch over and over again, if you fly a lot.
So, I decided to watch the video with a new view point. How would I feel flying on this airline ten times and having to watch this safety video? I have to say I liked it better — a lot better.
Sitting on a plane, I rather have this video, but on the ground, give me Richard or Rico any day of the week.
As many of you have probably realized by now, yesterday was April Fools Day*. This was an opportunity for airlines, with a sense of humor, to break out their best creativity and come up with stories that are almost believable — almost.
How would you like to spend your next flight standing up? All images by Air New Zealand.
Air New Zealand offers STRIGHTUP Fares for those willing to stand while flying
From Air New Zealand’s press release: Air New Zealand’s Domestic airline is proud to introduce STRAIGHTUPFARES™, the next step in the evolution of affordable domestic air travel on sale to anyone who can ‘stand it’. The special fares are part of the airline’s Grabaseat™ promotion.
For the April 1, 2012 launch date, the airline has installed hand holds on the cabin ceilings of selected aircraft to allow even more passengers per flight. The new “seating” plan can accommodate up to 69 extra passengers standing in the aisle for the duration of the flight, massively increasing Air New Zealand’s capacity and drastically lowering ticket prices.
The fares are offered at three different levels: STRAIGHTUPFARES™ – The standard offering includes carry on baggage only, STRAIGHTUPBAG™ – Includes carry on bag and one checked in bag up to 25kgs, and STRAIGHTUPDELUXE™ – Includes carry on bag and one checked in bag up to 25kgs, inflight refreshments and a interactive handhold.
Fare restrictions:
* Height restriction: 150cm Minimum height, excluding wheelchair passengers.
* Girth restriction: STRAIGHTUPFARES™ 100cm max waist, STRAIGHTUPBAG™ 120cm max waist, STRAIGHTUPDELUXE™ 150cm max waist
* Standing passenger must possess at least one fully functional arm and one fully function leg or equivalent. Wheel clamps provided for wheelchair passengers.
Who wants to go to space? Spirit can take you there. Image from Spirit Airlines.
Spirit Airlines Offers $9 Each Way Trips to the Moon
What is funnier than Spirit offering to take you to the moon is their ability to make fun of themselves. They are known as an ultra low cost carrier and charge for everything (even your carry-on). So they might have $9 each way fares advertised, but adding in your space suit, oxygen mask, tang, government service fee (good thing that is not hidden) and the rocket fuel, you are looking at a $1,203,000,025.97 ticket. Classic.
TOFUnuts on Southwest? Please no. Image from Southwest Airlines.
Southwest Airlines Now Serving TOFUnuts Onboard
Mmmm. TOFUnuts. Thank goodness this is a joke. From the airline’s press release: Southwest Airlines today begins serving a delicious onboard snack in addition to the carrier’s legendary peanut offering, TOFUnuts. With the same salty taste, TOFUnuts contain more protein than Southwest’s lightly salted peanuts. Customers who stop in the airport terminal for that savory cheeseburger can wash away the guilt knowing that a packet of TOFUnuts will help lower bad cholesterol. Other benefits include appearing younger as Customers step off one of the carrier’s LUV jets since the isoflavones in the TOFUnuts scavenge free radicals to prevent premature aging.
“We didn’t think we could top our world famous peanuts, but this little baby has real potential,” said Kevin Krone, Southwest Airlines Vice President of Marketing, Sales, and Distribution. “If you aren’t in the mood for our traditional peanuts, then get on the tofu train. I mean, a snack food and healthy skin—sign me up!” Read more…
The new VVS1 will be able to take up to three people down to the Earth's core. Photo from Virgin.
Richard Branson launches journeys to the centre of the Earth through Virgin Volcanic
From the “official” press release: Richard Branson launches journeys to the centre of the Earth through Virgin Volcanic. Academy Award winning actor Tom Hanks to join first expedition. Only 500 people have been to space, only three people have been to the bottom of the ocean, but no one has ever attempted to journey to the core of an active volcano. Until now. Using patented carbon-carbon materials pioneered for deep space exploration, Virgin is proud to announce a revolutionary new vehicle, VVS1, which will be capable of plunging three people into the molten lava core of an active volcano. Read more…
WestJet says no to kids? Origional photo from Andrew Sieber. Click for orig.
WestJet Introduces Child-Free Cabins
From WestJet’s website: Airline unveils Kargo Kids, a travel program to create a serene travel experience. WestJet today introduced Kargo Kids, an exciting new program allowing guests to travel on select child-free flights, creating a quieter and more relaxing inflight experience, while children travel in a “special VIP” area of the aircraft. ”As Canada’s low-cost airline, we are constantly looking for innovative and fun ways to enhance the guest experience,” continued Richard Bartrem. “The initial feedback on Kargo Kids has been quite positive and we’re looking forward to the peace and quiet while we get families where they need to be.”
Do you have what it takes at 30,000 feet? Photo by Air New Zealand.
FORE! What do you get when you have a fun-spirited airline, like Air New Zealand (ANZ) sponsoring a sporting event like the NZ PGA Pro-Am Championship? You get to test your putting skills at 30,000 feet… that is what.
Starting yesterday, ANZ started their 30,000ft In-Flight Putting Challenge. It is exclusively on board their Airbus A320 aircraft that is painted in All Blacks livery (ZK-OAB), flying between Auckland and Queenstown.
Four passengers on each flight will be able to strut their stuff and put down the aisle for a chance to win a variety of golfing prizes. The one passengers who does the best overall during this week will win a VIP trip to the actual championship.
Putting on the ground is one thing. Trying it while in an airplane at 30,000 feet is another. Photos from Air New Zealand.
“At Air New Zealand we’re crazy about rugby on the outside of our planes and we’re crazy about golf on the inside,” James Gibson, Air New Zealand’s Head of Sponsorship stated. “This world-first for entertainment onboard is sure to show off some skills and provide a few thrills for passengers traveling on the all black A320 over the next few days.”
How can you not like fun airborne promotions like this? I have a hard enough time at my local putt-putt golf course on the solid ground, I couldn’t imagine what it would be like at 30,000 feet with a little bit of turbulence.
Photos and the leaderboard are up on ANZ’s theflyingsocialnetwork.com site. Currently the person in the lead was able to make her hole in one at six feet. Let’s see if that can be surpassed.
