Review: Air New Zealand
Yifan Wang
Last updated: 26 Apr 2025
15 Views
Booking Experience ️
The official website and mobile app are intuitive and user-friendly, even for non-tech-savvy users.
Various fare options are available such as "Seat + Bag" or "The Works" (includes meals and seat selection), making it easy to match your budget.
Frequent promotions are available, especially for students and work visa holders.
Instant confirmation is sent via email, and flight alerts can be enabled via the app.
Tip: Some exclusive deals and upgrade options, like Skycouch or Premium Economy, are only available when booking directly on their website.
Check-in & Airport Service
The self-service kiosks at the airport are easy to use, typically taking only 23 minutes per passenger.
For those with checked luggage, simply print your tag and drop it off at the baggage counterquick and seamless.
Staff are friendly and proactive in offering assistance.
Priority lanes are available for Business Premier passengers and Airpoints Elite members.
Bonus: The Air New Zealand lounge at Auckland International Airport is spacious, offers great food, and has a beautiful runway view.
Cabin Atmosphere ️
The cabin is decorated in a clean and modern color palettewhite, grey, and blackcreating a calming environment.
Cabin lighting changes according to flight time, promoting better sleep and helping reduce jet lag.
Background music features relaxing New Zealand tunes, adding a cultural touch even before landing.
Fun Fact: Air New Zealand is famous for its creative safety videos featuring themes like The Lord of the Rings and Men in Blackmaking them fun and unforgettable.
Seats & Comfort ️
Cabin Class
Description
Economy
Comfortable seats with decent legroom (3132 inches), good for long-haul
Skycouch
Three-seat rows that convert into a flat bedgreat for couples or families
Premium Economy
Wider seats, greater recline, and more legrooma cozy mid-tier upgrade
Business Premier
Fully lie-flat beds with luxurious bedding and extra space
Special Highlight: The Skycouch is a standout featureunique to Air New Zealandand must be booked early as availability is limited.
In-Flight Meals & Drinks
Economy class meals include 23 choices like chicken in herb sauce, vegetarian pasta, or grilled fish.
Ingredients are often sourced from New Zealand, with an emphasis on quality and freshness.
Desserts include New Zealand favorites like brownie, Kapiti ice cream, or Tip Top brand treats.
Complimentary New Zealand wines are served in all classes, even Economy!
Bonus for Business Premier: A fine dining experience with full-course meals and wine pairings curated by expert sommeliers.
In-Flight Entertainment
Large, responsive HD touch screens in every seat.
A wide selection of new Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, and Kiwi-made movies.
Popular TV series like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and The Crown.
Extensive music library and exclusive New Zealand content.
Relax Mode offers calming soundscapes like birdsong and waterfallsperfect for resting.
Cabin Crew Service ️
Crew members are warm, genuine, and always ready to help.
They check in regularly without being intrusive and respond quickly to requests.
The overall atmosphere is informal yet professional, a true reflection of Kiwi culture.
Personal Experience: I once requested a special drink during a night flight, and the flight attendant not only brought it with a smile but also shared travel tips for New Zealandlike chatting with a local friend in the sky!
Punctuality & Reliability
Most flights arrive and depart on time, with excellent communication if theres a delay.
Notifications via the app are timely and clear.
Final Verdict: Should You Fly with Air New Zealand?
Best for:
Travelers who appreciate a warm, personal, and relaxed flight experience
Families with kids (Skycouch is a lifesaver!)
Tourists who want to immerse themselves in New Zealand culture from takeoff
Less ideal for:
Those seeking ultra-luxury and extravagance like Middle Eastern carriers
Passengers wanting very low-cost basic fares (Air New Zealand offers quality over minimalism)
Overall Scores:
Service: 9.5/10
Comfort: 9/10
Food & Drink: 9/10
Entertainment: 8.5/10
Punctuality: 9.5/10
The official website and mobile app are intuitive and user-friendly, even for non-tech-savvy users.
Various fare options are available such as "Seat + Bag" or "The Works" (includes meals and seat selection), making it easy to match your budget.
Frequent promotions are available, especially for students and work visa holders.
Instant confirmation is sent via email, and flight alerts can be enabled via the app.
Tip: Some exclusive deals and upgrade options, like Skycouch or Premium Economy, are only available when booking directly on their website.
Check-in & Airport Service
The self-service kiosks at the airport are easy to use, typically taking only 23 minutes per passenger.
For those with checked luggage, simply print your tag and drop it off at the baggage counterquick and seamless.
Staff are friendly and proactive in offering assistance.
Priority lanes are available for Business Premier passengers and Airpoints Elite members.
Bonus: The Air New Zealand lounge at Auckland International Airport is spacious, offers great food, and has a beautiful runway view.
Cabin Atmosphere ️
The cabin is decorated in a clean and modern color palettewhite, grey, and blackcreating a calming environment.
Cabin lighting changes according to flight time, promoting better sleep and helping reduce jet lag.
Background music features relaxing New Zealand tunes, adding a cultural touch even before landing.
Fun Fact: Air New Zealand is famous for its creative safety videos featuring themes like The Lord of the Rings and Men in Blackmaking them fun and unforgettable.
Seats & Comfort ️
Cabin Class
Description
Economy
Comfortable seats with decent legroom (3132 inches), good for long-haul
Skycouch
Three-seat rows that convert into a flat bedgreat for couples or families
Premium Economy
Wider seats, greater recline, and more legrooma cozy mid-tier upgrade
Business Premier
Fully lie-flat beds with luxurious bedding and extra space
Special Highlight: The Skycouch is a standout featureunique to Air New Zealandand must be booked early as availability is limited.
In-Flight Meals & Drinks
Economy class meals include 23 choices like chicken in herb sauce, vegetarian pasta, or grilled fish.
Ingredients are often sourced from New Zealand, with an emphasis on quality and freshness.
Desserts include New Zealand favorites like brownie, Kapiti ice cream, or Tip Top brand treats.
Complimentary New Zealand wines are served in all classes, even Economy!
Bonus for Business Premier: A fine dining experience with full-course meals and wine pairings curated by expert sommeliers.
In-Flight Entertainment
Large, responsive HD touch screens in every seat.
A wide selection of new Hollywood blockbusters, indie films, and Kiwi-made movies.
Popular TV series like Friends, The Big Bang Theory, and The Crown.
Extensive music library and exclusive New Zealand content.
Relax Mode offers calming soundscapes like birdsong and waterfallsperfect for resting.
Cabin Crew Service ️
Crew members are warm, genuine, and always ready to help.
They check in regularly without being intrusive and respond quickly to requests.
The overall atmosphere is informal yet professional, a true reflection of Kiwi culture.
Personal Experience: I once requested a special drink during a night flight, and the flight attendant not only brought it with a smile but also shared travel tips for New Zealandlike chatting with a local friend in the sky!
Punctuality & Reliability
Most flights arrive and depart on time, with excellent communication if theres a delay.
Notifications via the app are timely and clear.
Final Verdict: Should You Fly with Air New Zealand?
Best for:
Travelers who appreciate a warm, personal, and relaxed flight experience
Families with kids (Skycouch is a lifesaver!)
Tourists who want to immerse themselves in New Zealand culture from takeoff
Less ideal for:
Those seeking ultra-luxury and extravagance like Middle Eastern carriers
Passengers wanting very low-cost basic fares (Air New Zealand offers quality over minimalism)
Overall Scores:
Service: 9.5/10
Comfort: 9/10
Food & Drink: 9/10
Entertainment: 8.5/10
Punctuality: 9.5/10
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