Air New Zealand Air Points - NZ 744 Y-class Exit Rows

Hi All,

I recently booked a SYD-AKL-LAX flight for December '08. Having done AKL-SFO a number of times on NZ's 772, I am looking forward to flying their 744 this time.

As the thread title states, I'm looking at reserving an exit row seat for two key reasons:
1. The extra legroom would be great, and the ease of getting up and out of your seat without bothering anyone.
2. Frustrates me no-end when the person seated in the row in front of me fully reclines their seat for the entire 11+ hour journey.

So I have a few quick questions I was hoping some members could answer for me.

A) When it comes to NZ and exit rows, are you even allowed to reserve an exit row seat, or do you have to wait till you're at the check-in desk to ask for a seat change to an exit row (if available of course)?

B) With the NZ 744 exit row seats, how much is seat width reduced due to the tray table being fixed with the armrest?
(Also, read conflicting figures on what the 744 seat width in Y is for NZ. Is it 17" or 17.8"?)

C) How high (or low) does the PTV screen raise up to for an exit row seat?
I really like how non-exit row seat the PTV screen is right at eye-level, so I'm a little worried about a ending up with a sore neck if I have to look down at my PTV since I will most likely stay awake throughout the entire flight.

D) Are there any particular A/K exit-row seats in the NZ 744 fleet which do not have a window?
I always take photos, so it would be a shame if there was no window for the seat.

E) Just how much is your legroom impeded by the exit-row door for A/K seats on the 744? Do your feet literally get in the way of the person seated next to you, or is it only a slight impediment?


I've searched through the NZ Seating Thread and other NZ threads here. Tried to find in-flight cabin photos which show exit rows on NZ 744 flights, read passenger review websites ..but as yet have not been able to find much information that has been helpful in relation to the questions posted above.



Thank you in advance for any helpful responses. :)^


- Shameel Kumar

Can't answer all your questions, but check out seatguru.com (http://www.seatguru.com/airlines/Air_New_Zealand/Air_New_Zealand_Boeing_747-400_new.php)

Im not an expert but-

a) They usually assign to Airpoints Gold/Elite members, and you cant reserve online- But, you can always try!

b) No Idea

c) It is below eye level (from memory), but its far enough away, so you probably wont get a sore neck- Supposed it depends on your own needs.

d) Rows 38,39,43 Dont have Windows from what I can see.

e) Only even flown ANZ PE on the 744..

A) Can reserve (if available) but not guaranteed.
B) I haven't bothered measuring but does feel quite a lot narrower.
C) A long way below your head. PTV has adjustable swivel and angle, but not height.
D) If in exit row generally you will have poor view out windows (on 747 seats are forward of the cabin windows, the exit door has small window, and bulk of door + distance makes it difficult to see out the cabin windows of rows ahead of exit door).
E) Moderate - legs get angled across a bit.

Thanks for the response guys :)

Well after reading your responses to my various questions, I'm no longer interested in the exit row seats..so thanks for steering me away from that. :)

If you are travelling by yourself, an inner aisle seat is good. If on 777 then reasonable chance of getting a couple in the other 2 seats thus no one disturbs you getting in or out of their seats. If on 747 odds are not as good but at least there should only be one person trying to get past you (vs 2 for the outer aisle seats).

I too read through the seating guide here.. before ringing to request certain seats on a few upcoming flights.... ( been flying in Y+ the last 6-8 flights but this time took the savings on one way flights by booking in Y.. I've put in for upgrades but no guarantees there of course!)

After simply requesting "forward aisle" on the Trans Tas 320 I then asked for 36C on the AKL-HKG seg.. to be told "That's where I've already put you"...:D^

The seating guide here suggests it's a good seat... If the UG doesn't come through I shall report back!!:D

(Have been pencilled in for 10B on a couple of 763 flights as well... once again - if the UG's don't clear I hope that turns out decent!!)

slightly OT, but I have a flight on a 744 in a few weeks with AirNZ, anyone know if its possible to reserve a seat? and if so, who should I contact?

You can request a seat, just call the reservations number!

They are always helpful and polite, by far the best airline phone customer service that I deal with when compared to AC, UA and QF, NZ are always on top

What he said...;) The "central" (NZ based) call centre seems to work damn well.... and there is something that just feels "right" about ringing Air New Zealand and hearing THAT accent.