Air New Zealand Air Points - A320 Business Class - Worth it?

Fellow FTers,

I have a trip week after next from Auckland to Fiji.

When I have taken these flights before I have always had 767's or 777's and have always chosen to fly business.

I have noticed on the return flight for the date I am considering that the aircraft is an A320. Tell me....... is it actually worth flying business on this aircraft?

I remember flying Economy on the A320 to Rarotonga a year ago and was impressed with the service. Business only has 8 seats on these right? I actually had one being used on DUD - AKL in December due to a broken down domestic aircraft and got seated in the business configuration and thought it was quite tight..........

What do you think experts?

I would personally only pay for it if it was offered on a business saver (about 50% discount of fully flexi)...but that goes for any TT/Pacific business class. It is the same seat and hard product as 767, but the FA's are Zeal 320 ones who can be hit and miss on service delivery at the best of times.

no i dont think its worth it at all. a waste of money!!
if you are comparing with a320's Y and C, than c is better, but if you are comparing with 767 or other aircrafts than its a no no.

I would personally only pay for it if it was offered on a business saver (about 50% discount of fully flexi)...but that goes for any TT/Pacific business class. It is the same seat and hard product as 767, but the FA's are Zeal 320 ones who can be hit and miss on service delivery at the best of times.

Thanks for the feedback.

I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen a Business Saver fare avaliable on that route. Any idea what governs when they are offered?

Thanks for the feedback.

I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen a Business Saver fare avaliable on that route. Any idea what governs when they are offered?

Air NZ has had NAN (and all the other Tasman and Pacific destinations) on sale in business class for several weeks. It ended not that long ago. NAN was $499 oneway.

I've done C on an A320 AKL to BNE and Y with SPACE+ AKL to ADL on an A320 and was just as comfortable.

no i dont think its worth it at all. a waste of money!!
if you are comparing with a320's Y and C, than c is better, but if you are comparing with 767 or other aircrafts than its a no no.


I try and avoid them where possible also. I find C terribly claustrophobic. saying that, the crews have always been really good. Had a great flight on NZ100 (SYD AKL) in C a few months back.

I've done C on an A320 AKL to BNE and Y with SPACE+ AKL to ADL on an A320 and was just as comfortable.

+1. I find Space+ perfectly fine for 3-5 hour flights and wouldn't waste $$ on C for these shortish flights.

I wouldn't waste money on business class on A320s. In fact, I avoid that aircraft completely when I can. Like NZ_Flyer I'm no great fan of the Zeal staff either.

But I did fly upfront on a 320 a couple of weeks back on a flight to NLK. They are economy only flights and space+ included those seats. I was able to grab a couple which was great as the fares I got were greatly discounted as well.

The return flight was on a 737 and I honestly prefer that aircraft.

I found NZ Y in shortish flight quite comfortable. If you can get Space+, even better. I have flown C on A320 before, and find it quite OK, even if the seats pitch is shorter than B767. However, I flown it on redemption ticket and not paid ticket. If you already have access to Koru lounge/J checkin line (eg * Gold) then I wouldn't bother.

I found the A320 J seats to be perfectly fine and I think others here are just being a little bit spoilt. They are still very comfy and beat a Y seat any day.

A320 J seats are comfy and you generally get better service but the Zeal crew are a step below the NZ Mainline J crew.

I would only if the plane is full on flight back from syd on a friday night for example. and only with some points!
i have found on the 6 odd TT in the last few months the zeal crew more than amenable both in Y and C and always bring a headset if sitting in Y etc

Thanks for the feedback.

I can honestly say I don't think I've ever seen a Business Saver fare avaliable on that route. Any idea what governs when they are offered?They have just published one today - $569 each way + taxes for travel commenced and completed between 27 February - 26 June 2010. Might not work for you though.

I would only if the plane is full on flight back from syd on a friday night for example. and only with some points!
i have found on the 6 odd TT in the last few months the zeal crew more than amenable both in Y and C and always bring a headset if sitting in Y etc

That's good to hear. My next TT flight is with Zeal crew in Space+ so will be interesting to see what additional treatment is given (if any).

That's good to hear. My next TT flight is with Zeal crew in Space+ so will be interesting to see what additional treatment is given (if any).

The Zeal crews have improved alot since the freedom days, alot of the Freedom Crews haven't lasted at Zeal. If an Zeal hostie holds up 2fingers while they are doing the drinks just nod and you will get two drinks!

I flew Freedom once in 2006 and never flew them again they where awfull.

Just flew on the A320 in business after an upgrade (we asked, we got), not worth it for a 3 hour flight i thought.

Thanks all for your comments.

I have to admit to having caved and booked business class. Hard to learn to turn right when you're used to turning left I guess! (yes..... i'm a snob); even when you do see the sense in saving $400 each way.

Time will tell if it was worth it. 777 on way out, A320 on way back.

Oops. Posted a new message as supposed to editing an old one.

Thanks all for your comments.

I have to admit to having caved and booked business class. Hard to learn to turn right when you're used to turning left I guess! (yes..... i'm a snob); even when you do see the sense in saving $400 each way.

Time will tell if it was worth it. 777 on way out, A320 on way back.

Everyone turns right on A320, well unless you're in the cockpit ;)

Everyone turns right on A320, well unless you're in the cockpit ;)

LOL. Indeed: I did think about that when I wrote it, but you get what I mean :D

Just flew on the A320 in business after an upgrade (we asked, we got), not worth it for a 3 hour flight i thought.
Hi, did you get charged points or money for the upgrade, or was it just a case of asking nicely and they just upgraded you for nothing?

I have been told that never happens anymore :(

I got upgraded for simply asking, we had a 4 hour delay getting to the Airport with the flooding in Brisbane so maybe they felt sorry for us :D

In the past, i have asked, never been upgraded (without points or upgrade voucher)