Which airline is better, or doesn't it matter? Also, would you take an early afternoon flight from LAX or one of the late night flghts? Thanks.

We flew Qantas nonstop LAX-SYD (first row of 2-5-2 ... or was it 2-4-2? ... seating of 747 at the back - great seats, by the way). Our flight left LA at 11 p.m. I believe and after a meal, we were able to sleep fairly decently until nearly to Sydney when we were served a meal before landing. Arrived there at 8 a.m., kept ourselves occupied all day, went to bed about 9 p.m. local time and woke the next day fairly well over the jet lag. Would do it again just like that if flying to Oz. We are doing nearly the same thing this year to NZ, but on Air Pacific, so have to stop in Fiji, but the price couldn't be beat for our time frame. It also depends on who you earn miles with. We can't use Air NZ's miles (or their partners) but have heard their service is quite good.

Air New Zealand offers a little more room in coach, but Qantas offers individual tv monitors with I believe 20 channels. (What means more to you?)

747's seat 3 4 3 in coach. I would recommend arriving early in Sydney--most flights arrive around 6:00 a.m. Avoid the Opera and museum the first day and go to bed a little early the first night.

Remember--It is NOT food for Purchase on these airlines. They feed you quite well and drinks are free, too.

Has anyone tried premium economy on the Air NZ flights?

I have never flown AirNZ, but here's what I find about their Pacific Premium Economy.

- On their 777 to SFO and 747-400 to LAX.

- They don't seem to be much wider than economy. Same 3-3-3 seating on the 777, and a slightly better 2-3 seating on the upstairs of their 747.

- Seat pitch is quite generous. 38-39". And a lot more recline.

- They have huge 8.4" personal video screen and AVOD (A/V on demand).

It's definitely a significant improvement over standard coach or E+ on UA.

Thanks RKK.

Am flying to NZ on December and business/first is too pricey for me on this trip so am considering either premium econ. or two coach seats to make the long journey more bearable. If I'm reading the internet sites correctly the prices aren't that different.