Air New Zealand Air Points - Changes to IFE as per customer feedback

Hi all,

I know that many of you have questioned the compulsory viewing of the arrival videos at AKL/CHC/LAX/SFO/LHR on 777 and 747 aircraft, cutting into your viewing time.

Sounds like NZ has listened to this feedback and been able to work things out with the relevant airport authorities and advertising clients, as from April 1 the arrival videos will now be OPTIONAL on 777 and 747 aircraft. The 'Welcome Onboard' video will also be removed, increasing viewing time substantially.^

Great news! I was a bit gutted when with about 40ish mins in the flight left, they said they were turning off the AVOD in 10 mins time. The follow up comment was hilarious: "If you are in the middle of a program, you may wish to fast forward to the end to see its conclusion"

:p

Heading out on long haul PE to AKL this week, so that's a nice April Fool's Day surprise...

nz_crew: Great news, thank you for sharing :)

Does this mean the IFE stays on until landed or will it still be turned off prior?

Any news on when the 744 will have the new prem seats downstairs installed
Also any changes to the 777 Y+ seating ? As in 2-3-2 or more seats being added.

Not that it concerns you, but about to book at flight MEL-YVR, cannot justify the extra $2350 per person for Y+ on the 777. Actually not sure if I can justify that even on the 744 now ! :)

Also any changes to the 777 Y+ seating ? As in 2-3-2 or more seats being added.


A real plus if this happens, no doubt about it. A couple of extra rows would be welcome as well.

I'm looking at MEL-LAX in PE in July. When I try and book on-line I only get the 777. But if I book MEL-AKL and AKL-LAX then I have the 747 as an option across the pacific. Far better PE upstairs on the 747 than in the cramped 777.

nz_crew: Great news, thank you for sharing :)

Does this mean the IFE stays on until landed or will it still be turned off prior?

Any news on when the 744 will have the new prem seats downstairs installed
Also any changes to the 777 Y+ seating ? As in 2-3-2 or more seats being added.

Not that it concerns you, but about to book at flight MEL-YVR, cannot justify the extra $2350 per person for Y+ on the 777. Actually not sure if I can justify that even on the 744 now ! :)

Hi AndDee,

The IFE will be switched off at top of descent so we can collect the headsets for landing (I'm aware other airlines leave it on until at the gate, but NZ prefers passengers to be aware of their surroundings and environment during the critical phases of flight for safety reasons). However, these days Airshow is broadcast right up until touchdown, so there's still something to watch.

I hear the new Y+ extension is being fitted over the next couple of months, and will be rolled out on the LHR route first. I'm not aware of any plans to increase Y+ on the 777 - I hear it was always intended to be an aircraft for slightly lower-yielding routes, but things change quickly in aviation, as we saw when it was put on the LHR route, so who knows..

A real plus if this happens, no doubt about it. A couple of extra rows would be welcome as well.

I'm looking at MEL-LAX in PE in July. When I try and book on-line I only get the 777. But if I book MEL-AKL and AKL-LAX then I have the 747 as an option across the pacific. Far better PE upstairs on the 747 than in the cramped 777.


Definately go the 747, I was hoping I was going to be in Business Class, but American Express/Air NZ decided to add $4000 to their fares.

nz_crew: Thanks :)

Great news, thanks.

Hi AndDee,

The IFE will be switched off at top of descent so we can collect the headsets for landing (I'm aware other airlines leave it on until at the gate, but NZ prefers passengers to be aware of their surroundings and environment during the critical phases of flight for safety reasons). However, these days Airshow is broadcast right up until touchdown, so there's still something to watch.

My experience several days ago - IFE was switched off about 30-45 minutes before landing (not quite top of descent). Airshow was indeed left on until started taxiing off the runway.

Kiwi Flyer: Thanks, yes they did that on my trip from LAX-AKL and AKL-MEL early March.

:)