You win some, you lose some — sometimes at the same time. That’s the gist of the changes at Air New Zealand for premium cabin travelers flying the carrier from its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways.
In keeping with the trend to downscale (from First Class) service on international routes around the globe, Air New Zealand will cease traditional First Class service on B-747-400 flights from San Francisco on Aug 6. On Aug. 7, the carrier will introduce three-cabin service on these aircraft: Premium Class (Business Class), Premium Economy Class, and a “refreshed” economy class. Services between Auckland, Los Angeles and London on flights NZ1 and NZ2 will be the next to get the reconfigured aircraft in November.
Included in the refit are new seats in all cabins (the Business Class Seats are the same as Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite), a new in-flight entertainment system, and new food and beverage service. First Class passengers traveling during the transition period on routes where the cabin change has been implemented will be eligible for a refund of half the First Class fare.
The new 180-degree reclining Business Class seats, and horizontally flat, will be the most desirable on the route. United Mileage Plus members can earn and redeem miles on Air New Zealand, a Star Alliance member.
The Fares
Premium Economy: Starts at $1,773 round-trip for seats with 39 to 40 inches of pitch (legroom), 5 to 6 inches more than economy.
Business Class: The best fares are available through American Express’ 2-for-1 program (offered by Platinum and Centurion Card travel services). With this program, Los Angeles-Auckland comes to about $3,431 each.
You win some, you lose some — sometimes at the same time. That’s the gist of the changes at Air New Zealand for premium cabin travelers flying the carrier from its Los Angeles and San Francisco gateways.
In keeping with the trend to downscale (from First Class) service on international routes around the globe, Air New Zealand will cease traditional First Class service on B-747-400 flights from San Francisco on Aug 6. On Aug. 7, the carrier will introduce three-cabin service on these aircraft: Premium Class (Business Class), Premium Economy Class, and a “refreshed” economy class. Services between Auckland, Los Angeles and London on flights NZ1 and NZ2 will be the next to get the reconfigured aircraft in November.
Included in the refit are new seats in all cabins (the Business Class Seats are the same as Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class Suite), a new in-flight entertainment system, and new food and beverage service. First Class passengers traveling during the transition period on routes where the cabin change has been implemented will be eligible for a refund of half the First Class fare.
The new 180-degree reclining Business Class seats, and horizontally flat, will be the most desirable on the route....