Air New Zealand Air Points - SYD-CHC Question

We are about to book a long trip (YYZ-CHC) via Sydney.

While we are in Business all the way to Sydney we are economy on the ANZ portion.

We are both *A Gold, I am just wondering if there are any upgrade chances for us, failing that what should be expect in the back, any seat recommendations?

My current ANZ experience is LAX-AKL and AKL-CHC

Thank you!

I am afrid to tell you the chances of getting an ug are just about zilch. Air NZ would upgrade their *A FF first, and even that is unusual.

The seats on the A320 are all pretty much the same, though try for an emergency exit.

Virtually no chance unless you reticket in business.
SYD-CHC is on A320 - quite comfortable for the short hop. As *G you will be allocated forward seating.

Can *G book the E row in advance, or only at the gate?

Thank you!

...also if I may ask, are there meals served, or is it buy on board?

My only short hop experience is that wonderfully cramped AKL-CHC all economy

Call Air NZ to request the exit row. NZ does not guarantee seating though, but usually pre-selected seats don't get changed.

All international flights have free food and drink. Quite decent stuff too.

Thanks KF!

I am looking forward to crossing the pond again, and spend some time in Sydney, however from New Zealanders, I have been told to watch out for Aussies ;)

Hi icohen999 ... or should I say : "G'day, mate!" I guess it's up to me to spring to the reluctant defence of my Homeland here.

Despite what our Kiwi friends may tell, you have no need to be (too) careful of us Aussies. You don't actually have to live here, so our many & varied tiers of government shouldn't hassle you too much. Especially so here in NSW where - given the shady characters we have in power in this State - we don't so much pay taxes, as protection money! A word of warning tho' ... if you happen to be in Macquarie St., Sydney, don't look sideways... just keep walking, keep your gaze forwards, don't make eye contact with anyone wearing a dark suit, and you'll be OK. :p Enjoy your stay!

Back on the airline topic, I've found NZ's A320's to be very comfy and not as tightly pitched as the domestic 733's. Hint: Row 12 (2nd exit row) is the exit row where the seats recline. The catering is nice and tasty, too.

Cheers, Starbear

Hi icohen999 ... or should I say : "G'day, mate!" I guess it's up to me to spring to the reluctant defence of my Homeland here.

Despite what our Kiwi friends may tell, you have no need to be (too) careful of us Aussies. You don't actually have to live here, so our many & varied tiers of government shouldn't hassle you too much. Especially so here in NSW where - given the shady characters we have in power in this State - we don't so much pay taxes, as protection money! A word of warning tho' ... if you happen to be in Macquarie St., Sydney, don't look sideways... just keep walking, keep your gaze forwards, don't make eye contact with anyone wearing a dark suit, and you'll be OK. :p Enjoy your stay!

Back on the airline topic, I've found NZ's A320's to be very comfy and not as tightly pitched as the domestic 733's. Hint: Row 12 (2nd exit row) is the exit row where the seats recline. The catering is nice and tasty, too.

Cheers, Starbear
As a former Sydneysider and one who worked on Macquaire St with I penchant for wearing dark suits I would like to verify that is true but add the rejoineder that we would only "interact" with attractive people.;)
Starbear did forget to warn you about the dangers of dropbears in the Australian bush.:eek:

The business seats on a 320 are not worth paying for- but if you get a freebie upgrade - say thank your nicely and smile

the y seats on nz are reasonable.

the food is ok - but not as good as it used to be.

Bit of a trap during daylight changeover hours - in recent years nz has gone earlier than nsw - so if you flight departs SYD prior to 0900 even by 10 mins you get breakfast - which is not that great - a croissant or a muffin.

if you depart after 0900 you get a lunch - foccacia normally or a pie.

its ok for a 3 hr flight but nothing major to write home about.

EK on the other had have better seats, better food (3 course) and better IFE

Adam

Gotta get those Aeroplan Miles, so ANZ is the way to go.

I was able to book row 12, so we should get a comfortable ride.

If that is the case, are there any good resturants anyone recommends close to the gate in SYD when we land. Assuming we are not totally jet lagged that we can't stand straight!

There is the nice NZ lounge which has decent food offerings.

That will probably be the case, thanks again KF!