Air New Zealand Air Points - BP 1 sector only, would I lose my PE seats??

Hi all,

Mrs TiggerK and I are flying in PE from AKL-HKG-LHR in June. I've got enough AP for a standby upg for both of us in one sector only and availability at this stage is good, so am thinking of trying for the AKL-HKG sector in BP since it's an overnighter, and then back to PE for the daytime HKG-LHR sector.

Sound worthwhile to you?? I'm thinking that after a few drinks in Biz SYD-AKL that evening, having a liedown bed for the sleep might help in arriving in LHR a bit more refreshed?? It's my first longhaul trip for a long time... (yes very excited!)

I assume we would get both a dinner/supper and breakfast in BP before we got to HKG?? 23.30 - 6.45 (11.15hr)

And the other question is, would we retain our pre-allocated 22JK PE seats for the HKG-LHR sector after moving up front for AKL-HKG, or is it possible that someone would have pounced on them??

Cheers for any help...
TiggerK

Are you ticketed as AKL-LHR or AKL-HKG and separate line/coupon for HKG-LHR? If done as AKL-LHR I am not even sure you can upgrade half the flight.

Yes 2 meals for AKL-HKG leg.

Thanks Kiwi Flyer,

Hmm, good point, but AP have just confirmed that I can (just called them). Can't do it online, have to call and they waive the service fee.

We are ticketed AKL-LHR...

Any thoughts on the seat issue, and if you think it's worth 395 AP's each to have a lie flat bed for the night?

BTW Kiwi Flyer, I LOVE your extended trip reports, just amazing. Where are you off to next!!?

Cheers
TiggerK

For me it would be worth it, but then going back to PE for the 2nd sector would be hard :D

As for trip reports - I still have some updates to make to existing ones. I have some upcoming trips that may be sufficiently interesting to merit a short report (as well as a lot of travel that isn't interesting enough).

And of course if it doesn't clear then you can put in for the next flight on your trip!

Either sector is good in BP. I do the AKL - LHR each month and have found that the BP section "goes dark" on the HKK - LHR section for a good 8 hours min. This is usually the easiest sector to get an upgrade on as it doesn't seem so busy. If you miss out, then 22JK are tops, especially if you have a good sized roller to use as an "ottoman", just about BP. I don't know about keeping your seats. Ask at check in.
Enjoy the flight

Thanks kpnz,

interesting that they dim the lights in BP HKG-LHR?? I can't figure that one out. NZ39 leaves HKG 0845 and flies for 12.50hrs (arrives 9.35pm HKG time or 2.35pm London time)... where's the need for a sleep??? I assume it's because NZ time on arrival in LHR is 1.35am, therefore they dim the lights around 6pm NZ time.... Doesn't sound like a good way to adjust to a new time zone... I thought the idea was to adjust the lighting to reflect more the time in the destination? OK maybe not a good idea when leaving NZ at 11.30pm, but half way through the trip?? Or do they leave BP lit up NZ-HKG?? Surely not?

Any tips for adjusting to the time zones kpnz, Kiwi Flyer or other NZ-LHR regulars??

I'm a bit nervous about losing my 22JK seats HKG-LHR if I upgrade AKL-HKG. In theory the seats go back into the system and then get rebooked a minute later when they reissue my ticket across two separate sectors. Assuming no-one gets allocated those seats in that minute I'd be OK... But after holding the good seats for so long, I'd be very disappointed to have to sit elsewhere... might think about the upg HKG-LHR instead....??

Whew, big decision... any help and/or opinions are always appreciated!!

Cheers everyone
TiggerK

You have no more or less risk of losing the seats whichever leg is upgraded (except in the case of on departure upgrade made in HKG - but that seems silly to risk not getting an upgrade at all when the odds are better the earlier you put the request in).

For AKL-LHR I try to only get a shortish sleep (say 3 hours) on the first leg. That way I'll be really tired on the second leg, and get a decent sleep. Get woken up a few hours prior to landing. Do full day, usually very busy first day, and then tired so good sleep the first night. Presto - adjusted to europe time (close enough).

Yes good point, might just get in early and see how it goes. I'm actually thinking after your and kpnz's post that the upg HKG-LHR might be better.....

Hmm lots to think about.. Thanks!
TiggerK

[...]In theory the seats go back into the system and then get rebooked a minute later when they reissue my ticket across two separate sectors.I wonder if this means you will get credit for AKL-HKG and HKG-LHR separately (100+100 Airbucks on the NZ earning chart) instead of for the AKL-LHR through journey (165).

If so, it could be a good plan - break through journeys by using upgrades, where even if they don't clear, you still get the increased earning.

Possible, but shouldn't happen that way. For a NZ only itinerary it is the total each way journey that determines the points not each flight individually.

I can't figure that one out. NZ39 leaves HKG 0845 and flies for 12.50hrs (arrives 9.35pm HKG time or 2.35pm London time)... where's the need for a sleep???

Personally I'd look at it the other way around. When you leave HKG it's 2am in London, if you don't sleep then you will arrive at 2:30pm having effectively been awake all night. I haven't done it, but I think I'd go with KiwiFlyer's suggestion.

I'm doing AKL-LHR in November with a 3 day stopover in HKG so I'll have a chance to try then. My plan is to get very little sleep the night before HKG-LHR (which shouldn't be too tricky in HKG :))

TiggerK Another newbie question...

You say "availability looks good" for the Standby UG.... how are you checking on that if one may ask??? :)

I presume looking at availability in paid business.

Ahhh.. thankyou.... thought it might be one of those specialty websites.. which I've read about here.. which I know ZIP about! :)

Picking up lots of good 'tips".. I note Kiwi Flyer that you suggest NZ6 is a better "shot" for BP upgrades than NZ 2... (fr'instance)..

Interesting! ... and noted!:D

Well most times NZ6 seems less full than NZ2. On peak days it will still be full.

Aber naturlich!

As I am a leisure traveller however I can pick and choose dates.... I can fly "mid week" in both directions without any problems....

Thanks again!