Air New Zealand Air Points - New NZ J Class

Had the pleasure of experiencing NZ's new J class product flying 744 MEL-AKL and was most impressed, only wish I could have continued on to SFO. Quite a contrast to both QF & BA which are the only other long haul products I have experienced in recent times but in my mind it really is a superior product.

Like the BA product (when facing backwards), the NZ feels a bit strange at first particular during take off but you very quickly get used to it. Interesting to note that you are allowed to have your seat in the reclined position both for take off and landing if you choose. The seat belt is padded with some airbag type setup (but does not feel overly bulky) which enabled NZ to get the requisite international regulatory approvals to enable reclined take off and landings etc.

One drawback of the NZ layout is the inability to look out the window without craning one's neck but given that the majority on NZ's longhaul flights are night flights this is probably not a great sacrifice. The big advantage is that everyone has easy access to the aisle.

Obviously the pick of the seats are those in the front in the space occupied by the former first class cabin. This area feels very spacious and has a small self service bar to the rear. If you are travelling as a couple the best seats are 1A/1K as you are close enough to converseand could even touch toes when you sleep if thats your thing ;-) Otherwise couples would be advised to select a pair of seats with one directly behing the other eg 17K/18K as the diagonal orientation of the seats mean that these are effectively along side each other, although the walls cocooning each seat mean that you are still quite sheilded. One really good aspect of the new NZ product is that the ottamans can be used as a seat and if you are travelling together you can dine opposite each other. I sat on the ottaman during the meal and it really was quite comfortable.

If you can't score a seat in the front section then I would opt for upstairs, as the main J class section does have a bit of a school dormitory feel to it. Upstairs too has a slightly odd feel to it as you share the cabin with the new premium economy section (which btw looked quite spacious) and the only real division is a raised counter which houses the self service bar and there is no curtain between the two classes. I'm not convinced that this arrangement really works and wouldn't be surprised if NZ convert upper deck to a single class (either J or premium economy).

One of the things that really was noticeable on my flight was how proud the flight crew were of their new product. I have always thought the service standards on NZ have been world class but up until now their J class product has lagged well behind in terms of seating and IFE (the big screen AVOD is certainly the best I have ever experienced). Although it was a day flight, the FA's were encouraging everybody to try the new lie flight beds and again they were most comfortable and seemed longer than both the QF and BA products.

All in all its a great product and a vast improvement on what they have offered previously. This product could cerainly give QF a run for its money particulary if NZ ever resume the SYD-LAX route.

I just flew down last night SFO-AKL. I had 10K, my friend had 6A (or whatever the left side is).

I agree, best seats are in the forward cabin, which are 1-7. My cabin was fine, since I was in the first row. The seats are fantastic, the crew was outstanding, and the food and drink were wonderful. Overall a 10/10 hands down best J class in the business and I have seen most of them.

The reason the seats are so much better is they are different from the usual. Rather than the mechanical contraptions that motor you to an almost flat position (CO, SQ,UA) these are truly flat. You stand and press a button that brings the back of the seat forward. You are actually sleeping on the back of the seat, which is extremely comfortable and there are no odd pieces sticking up to jab you all night. The crew places a mattress cover on it, and a duvee to cover you. An additional seatbelt is there to buckle you in. Full size pillows are provided. I was only slightly disappointed to not have jammies, but sadly, none are provided.

Another interesting thing is there is a footstool that is the footboard for the bed, the footrest when it is a seat, and doubles as a guest chair. The table is very large (about the same as a "two-top" at a restaurant) and when folded out, you can eat in your chair and a friend can join you by sitting in the other. Lot's of room for two meals. A seatbelt is provided. I suppose you could also play cards there, but this was, of course, a night flight.

I did find the angle a little strange, but once we got airborne I did not feel anything more. I did look out the window a few times, but at least this time of year it is dark the whole time going down.


I did take a walk upstairs and it was a bit odd with the two classes splitting the cabin. The premium economy looked really nice and certainly worth it for escaping the huge economy cabin. This is probably the best overall value on the plane, but J is where I want to be.