Air NZ Premium Economy
 

Wife and I are planning a trip from UK to NZ and intending to use the direct Air NZ flights.

Given the distance and the fact that I'm tall we are considering booking Premium Economy. Any thoughts on whether it is worth the extra cash, please?

Also, assuming Premium Economy, is there any difference between that class on the 747 and the new 777?

Thanks,

Michael

Hi Michael,

I just had a client of mine try out the new Premium earlier in the year; he's not tall, was coming from SFO and felt it was worth it -- he didn't feel that the seats were much wider or extra comfortable or anything, it was all about the leg room, which in your case, sounds like it would be a priority!

Hope this is helpful!

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Hi there, The Premium Economy seats on the 777 are the same as on the ones on the upgraded 747's - not sure if all the 747's have been upgraded now but obviously you wouldn't be able to purchase that sort of seat on the older ones anyway. From what I've heard, for the extra money you pay, you might as well pay a bit more again for the new Business class seats - lie-flat beds, if you can. Premium economy also do not get anything extra, ie. same meal, regular checkin area, no lounge access. It's basically just more leg room. Hope that helps!

FYI

All Air NZ's 747s and 777s are upgraded with the new bus class and prem econ seats.

Only main difference between std econ and prem ecom is really leg room. Pitch of 38-40" vs 34" on the 747s and 32" on the 777s.

Thanks for responses.

Michael

I'm trying them out on NZ from SFO to Aukland next week (and back) -- both on the 747-400.

I'd suggest you be sure to check out the actual seats on seatguru.com. Some are better than others--for ex., some PE seats are in a row of 3 and some 2. The best seats IMHO (as you can see from seatguru) are exit row that have lots of leg room but no under-seat storage.

I've read that you actually do get special boarding area, etc. with Pe but I guess I'll find out soon.

When I checked business (which I usually fly, to Europe) was SUBSTANTIALLY more than PE, several thousand $$. But who knows with specials or miles.