ShazKhan flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (22/03/2012 22:19)

Premium Economy – LHR-LAX June 2011 > Welcomed by the lovely and friendly air hostess Kara, I was excited about experiencing Air New Zealand's premium economy's SpaceSeat™, despite having read mixed reviews online.

For an average extra cost of €600, compared to economy, you get prior boarding, separate lanes, additional baggage allowance, and for me, a slim 5'7" woman, a good sized seat with ample legroom to stretch out and get comfortable. With a full-size pillow and the cocoon encasing of the IDEO designed SpaceSeat™, finding a comfortable position was not difficult. True there is not much space between each row and this rendered squeezing in and out of the window seat a bit tricky.

Kara informed us that by the end of the 2011 a row would be taken out in the aircraft and the seats further spaced out to increase pitch and comfort. The seat could do with an extra netting in the back shell for additional storage – much appreciated on long haul flights.

Despite a fantastic entertainment system, I found the screen to be a bit too close to my face however it still allowed for an enjoyable experience.

All in all, both the pre- and inflight experience was well worth the extra money and I would definitely fly Premium Economy with Air New Zealand again.

007BOSS flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B747-400 (22/06/2011 08:02)

I flew from Hong Kong to Auckland, and later (6 weeks later) Auckland to Los Angeles in premium economy.

I had come from London to HK on Virgin premium economy, and returned from LA - London on Virgin. This was my first experience flying Air NZ premium economy, having travelled business for the last few years on various carriers.

Overall I was very satisfied with the experience. The food was excellent (much better than Virgin), cabin staff were attentive but not intrusive, and the in-flight entertainment excellent. The seat was ok, with plenty of leg room, though perhaps not the most comfortable for sleeping.

The one drawback is perhaps cost. I am just looking to book for early next year, and the cost comes in only a few hundred pounds less than the cheapest business fares. I note with interest some of the negative reviews of the new space seat operating on some Air NZ services, so on balance may well end up paying the extra for a slightly more comfortable seat next year (i.e. business seat).

I would however say that premium economy offers a good alternative to those travelling long-haul whom want a more comfortable experience than economy, without wanting to pay the hefty extra of a business class fare.

granspops flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B747-400 (09/11/2010 15:00)

We flew to Auckland in March 2010, this was out 8th trip but first time in Premium Economy. It was amazing, comfortable seats plenty of legroom, food was great service was great. Busy saving for our next visit in 2011 its well worth the extra £s

MalcolmFlanagan flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B747-400 (24/04/2010 08:00)

superb service in premium economy up top

purplegranny flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B777-300ER (19/04/2010 10:45)

First time on Premium Economy, service was fantastic, food was great, the seats were wonderful, enough room for me to stretch out, slept well.

We travelled from Wellington to London via Hong Kong the last leg home was an extra 2 hours because of headwind, didn't matter we were very comfortable well worth the extra pennies.

If possible seats could be a little wider, but with the new configuration coming end of this year that problem will be sorted.

Loved every minute of it.

chinafinger flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (25/03/2010 06:09)

Did the NZ89 NZ88 AKL to PVG(Shanghai) to AKL last week on PY. Sorry seats not anywhere upto expectation, too hard, too narrow, yes the leg room is excellent, although as others have commented, the foot rest is a joke. Premium Check at AKL was OK, Premium check in at PVG, not up to standard, desk last to open and no Priority Baggage until major protest, "makee learnee" was also apparent at the Business check in at the next desk. Why do I always strike the Check In staff on their first day on the job?

Asked for nuts with Drinks on the southbound leg and was told, nuts in Business Class only, by Greg the Flight Director, anyway after an impromptu Oliver Twist impression, nuts appeared. Did I read that the PY catering was Business Class?

Northbound in-flight crew excellent, Benny and his co-worker, sorry did not get her name, were well above expectations. Please consider Benny as the epitome of the right attitude and how the job should be done. Southbound the crew were also above expectations but Benny is a hard act to follow. As a veteran of hundreds of long haul Business Class travels, a few 1st Class and some Y since Air NZ had 8 DC8 's and CX had 8 Convair 880's, I have seen a bit. Sorry Air NZ you still have a lot to learn. Most important is that your "punters" are actually the reason for your being, not providing freeloading luxury travel to yourself, your staff members or travel agents. You are not alone, many of your fellow Government owned/subsidised outfits have the same ethos. Might be while before I fly Air NZ again, I usually take about a ten year break between tries, Surely someone in management must have used their 10% sub load on Cathay or Singapore Airlines etc in the last thirty or forty years.

loneflyer flew Air New Zealand Premium Economy, on a B777-200ER (23/09/2009 14:58)

London to Hong Kong.

Was seated in Row 23 in the middle which did have extra legroom but if you want the most legroom go for the sides (ABC, HJK) where the bulkhead is further forward - probably another foot.

The snacks also are placed on a ledge on the bulkhead in front of 23D and 23F so there can be a little disturbance from other passengers.

I slept for the first part of the flight. They have fleeces rather than wool blankets and an amenity kit with lip balm and good quality eye shades. I missed dinner but the breakfast was of good quality and served off china.

Service superb throughout.

As for the seat I would say it's better than BA but not as good as Qantas and Virgin.

One major difference is the width of the armrest which is double on Qantas.

Overall a good experience.