OK, for those of you who have flown these airlines - what do you think?? We are deciding between the two right now, for an LAX-Christchurch flight in November (rates are within $30 of each other.)
Through Quantas we have to layover in Auckland. But they are supposed to have better entertainment.
Through AirNZ we can flight direct to CHC, and I have heard they have more legroom.
Any advice is much appreciated!!!

Each are quite good over long distances. (especially if you lose that "u" in Qantas!).

You need to decide what's important to you - leg room, entertainment, etc. LA to Christchurch, I'd go with ANZ, simply because it's direct, so probably faster (but as an Aussie, I'd prefer to fly Qantas!)

Jonesie,

both airlines are great; however, I'd opt for Air NZ because of the direct flight from LAX - CHC......the "entertainment" can't be worth a direct flight in my opinion!

Regards,

Melodie
Certified Aussie & Kiwi Specialist

I cannot comment on long haul as I ceased every flying l/haul with Qantas years ago, but on several recent domestic flights within Australia I had 2 flights with Qantas and personaly I rated tham as downright awfull, 2 flights with Virgin Blue were fine. Sorry but I rate Qantas very low down especially their Cabin Attendants.

Qantas regularly rates very highly in international passenger surveys, which must say something. On my last flight with Air NZ I found the Kiwi cabin crew excellent, but the interior of the aircraft was a little tired. IMO they both rate well compared with UA, say - the last time I flew the "friendly skies" I started feeling sorry for the aged, tired and crabby cabin crew, who reacted to service requests with all the verve of a Wal-Mart checkout operator. To be fair, UA crews on US domestic routes seemed quite a bit younger, although not much happier. I think that was because the more senior the employee, the better chance they have in bidding for long-haul routes.

Can't advise about Air NZ but I've flown Qantas (stands for Queensland And Northern Territory Air Service) and their long haul service was excellent. The attendants are always friendly & helpful. We're flying them again next month.

Qantas service is good on long-haul flights, but the food is substandard even for airline food AND the cattle-class seats are a real tight fit, so 14+ hours in economy would really be unpleasant (I did 12.5 from SYD to LAX and hated it).

In other words, go with the legroom.

Big Russ

If you think Qantas seats are tight - NEVER, EVER fly Scandinavian long-haul. I flew Narita to Sweden and return last year, and I have never been so uncomfortable in all my life - and the cabin staff were just plain awful. A complaint to Scandinavian (SAS) here in Sydney proved their ground and sales staff were just as bad.

You can't believe how glad I was to get back on Qantas for the Narita to Sydney leg. I just about hugged all the cabin and flight deck crew.