Air New Zealand Air Points - Future of NZ First

A few questions for the experts, as I'm trying to decide between UA and NZ First to AKL. I've searched the FT archives on this topic and the consensus seems to be that UA seating and ground service are better, but NZ excels in onboard service, including food and wines. I've flown UA int'l F several times before, but never NZ in any class. Regarding NZ:

1. Are there any plans to upgrade seating in First to suites/beds? If so, has a timeline been announced?
2. How would you compare NZ's current F seats to UA's C class seats?
3. Given some of the changes at NZ lately, is it possible that they might move to eliminate int'l F for a 2-class configuration on long-haul flights?
4. Assuming the cost is equal, which would you choose?

Many thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by smg77:
A few questions for the experts, as I'm trying to decide between UA and NZ First to AKL. I've searched the FT archives on this topic and the consensus seems to be that UA seating and ground service are better, but NZ excels in onboard service, including food and wines. I've flown UA int'l F several times before, but never NZ in any class. Regarding NZ:

1. Are there any plans to upgrade seating in First to suites/beds? If so, has a timeline been announced?
</font>

No firm plans have been announced.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
2. How would you compare NZ's current F seats to UA's C class seats?
</font>

I'd give the edge to NZ's F seats, although their foot/calf rests are terrible for tallish folks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
3. Given some of the changes at NZ lately, is it possible that they might move to eliminate int'l F for a 2-class configuration on long-haul flights?
</font>

Anything's possible, but the people who truely know haven't commented on the issue.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
4. Assuming the cost is equal, which would you choose?
</font>

For the same cost, I prefer UA F over NZ F, but NZ C over UA C between LAX and AKL or SYD.

However it's often possible to find seriously discounted NZ F and C tickets through various outlets.

While I agree that UA's suite is more sophisticated than NZ's seat, I found the NZ seat to be incredibly comfortable. And the NZ service/food/drink, etc. was miles ahead of UA's.

I would choose NZ any day of the week, unless I am on a paid economy ticket and need to upgrade.

I have just flwn F to SYD from LAX and C back as I couldn't get 2 seats in F. On outbound found served was prepared by the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel one of my favorite restraunts anywhere and included the tortila soup. If you choose NZ F ask for a second pillow and put it on your foot rest makes all the difference in the world. C is similar to AA with a little better service as I wasn't really impressed with the food their. Except up top you have side storage where you can extend your feet on top albeit on an angle however. Air NZ has sufficient lounge faccilities in SYD as for Biz and seperate First which although an associate was inside and I would have bought a ticket for first except full I was not admitted so couldn't go in. In LAX no seperate first class lounge http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif and facilities were poor really need something like AA Flagship for the $12000USD Round Trip to compete with United but service in F was great.

Since today's election day in NZ, I thought this was going to be a discussion about the future of the New Zealand First political party :-)

Since I've never tried F on NZ I can't honestly compare & contrast, especially since my only encounter with UA F involved me having a cold & being unable to sleep despite the very nice flat bed. However, IMO, NZ service consistently beats UA service, in all classes.

And as to the future of the NZ First party, hopefully "very brief." :-P

justakiwi

For Question 1, about the F Class, expect some changes when Air New Zealand announce new International plan around later of this year.

By the way, Helen Clark wins. Air New Zealand may be in danger now.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jiml1126:
By the way, Helen Clark wins. Air New Zealand may be in danger now.</font>

However, she's relying on the Greens, who don't want QF in. Of course, she could also do individual deals with the other minor parties, and I have no idea which way they lean on this issue.

justakiwi

Here's the election result

Labour Party: 41%
National Party: 21%
New Zealand First: 11%
United Future: 7%
ACT: 7%
Green Party: 6%
Progressive Coalition: 2%

Anyone know besides NZ's Green party, any other opposition parties opposing the QF+NZ deal?

Cause Labour+Green will still under 50%, not really a majority.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by justakiwi:
However, she's relying on the Greens, who don't want QF in. Of course, she could also do individual deals with the other minor parties, and I have no idea which way they lean on this issue.

justakiwi</font>

Thanks for the responses (and the lesson in contemporary Kiwi politics). Given the way people gush about NZ service and food, I think I'll forgo the UA suite and go with NZ.