Air New Zealand Air Points - Air New Zealand Business Class Virgin

Hi

I will be flying on Air NZ business class in a few weeks, first time, so want to get the best experience. I’ve obviously looked through the boards and gathered as much info as possible, however got a few things I am not sure about and want advice on.

I’m travelling on a miles redemption and have no status.

First thing is seats. I have put in a request for a seat up at the front of the plane. However I understand these are normally reserved for pax with status. What would the next choice be for a good seat (I am travelling alone). Should I look at the top deck or stick to the main deck, or which would be the best seat rows.

Next thing, food. I’m a vegetarian and have requested a special meal. Will this meal be the same as the special meals given in econ, or do they have specific business class special meals. Does the standard meal option in business class have a veggie option, or should I not risk it and stick to my special meal request.

Last thing, lounges. My route is HKG-LHR return. On the outbound, which is the best lounge to use (I think I have a choice of the United lounge, the Thai lounge and the SQ lounge). My return is from LHR. I understand Air NZ now fly from T1. Does that mean I get to use the Star Alliance lounge in T1? Also, what are the check in options now in T1? I.e. a dedicated business class check in for Air NZ. Also, in relation to LHR T1 is there an arrival’s lounge which I would be entitled to.

Many thanks for any help!!

Can't help with the lounge question. I'm longhaul NZ crew.

If I was you, I'd get an upper deck seat assigned and attempt to change it at checkin. To me, upper deck is the next best option.

If you're a vegetarian, request a vegetarian meal. There are several types, vegetarian, vegan, fruit platter, raw vegetarian, hindu, and others. They are catered to a business class standard and are not the same as the economy special meal options.

Enjoy your trip!

Last thing, lounges. My route is HKG-LHR return. On the outbound, which is the best lounge to use (I think I have a choice of the United lounge, the Thai lounge and the SQ lounge). My return is from LHR. I understand Air NZ now fly from T1. Does that mean I get to use the Star Alliance lounge in T1? Also, what are the check in options now in T1? I.e. a dedicated business class check in for Air NZ. Also, in relation to LHR T1 is there an arrival’s lounge which I would be entitled to.

Yes, you can use the Star Allaince lounge at T1 -it's okay, nothing to rave about. Yes, NZ do have a dedicated Business Premier check in and it's a 100%improvement on T3 and the staff are just fantastic.

I don't think NZ has an arrivals lounge facility.

Can't help with the lounge question. Not much experience with *A lounges in HKG. Though obviously you can use Star Alliance Lounge in T1 at LHR.

Personally I wouldn't choose the upper deck because it can be quite noisy and no barrier between you and Y+ pax. If you can't get the seats in the nose then the A and K seats in the middle of the second downstairs J cabin are good.

In HKG, I think Air NZ tend to push you towards the UA lounge - for starters it tends to be near where the Air NZ a/c park, so you can just go downstairs and right over to the gate. The UA lounge is okay, they had a nice bit of breakfast laid out for customers, and a toaster for fresh toast. The HKG-LHR flight is an early a.m. departure, so when I've flown it I noticed a few people had a muffin and a coffee, but waited until they got on board to eat a more comprehensive hot breakfast.

Veggie meals will be catered to Air NZ's high business class standard. There are also mid-flight snacks including noodles.

I would go for window seats in zone B (second cabin) downstairs. It is nice and wide, spacious, airy and the seats are very comfortable. Plus, when you land, you're first off the aircraft, regardless of door 1 or door 2 being used for arrival.

Have a good time - I love Air NZ, and always enjoy every flight I take with them in Business Premiere.

In HKG, I think Air NZ tend to push you towards the UA lounge - for starters it tends to be near where the Air NZ a/c park, so you can just go downstairs and right over to the gate. The UA lounge is okay, they had a nice bit of breakfast laid out for customers, and a toaster for fresh toast. The HKG-LHR flight is an early a.m. departure, so when I've flown it I noticed a few people had a muffin and a coffee, but waited until they got on board to eat a more comprehensive hot breakfast.The TG lounge is only a couple of minutes walk from the UA lounge and is a far better bet. As a Business Class passenger you can access any * carriers designated Business Class lounge.

I agree with AndyFlyer, on the 747, the B section downstairs is a nice place to be. If I was alone, I'd be very tempted to request something like 15A or K. Quite private as you're not in the sight zone of other biz pax (being back a bit and alongside a bulkhead - not that it's imposing though), and no issues with noise from the rear either. My wife and I travelled LHR - HKG last year in 14K and 15K and found them excellent seats indeed. I later went 4K and found the cabin more intimate and quiet, but it wasn't actually that comfortable for me. (not that I was complaining being on AP Upg's!!).

Hey at the end of the day, any seat in BP on AirNZ is fantastic. Enjoy!! Just remember that essential aspect to travel... don't expect too much, you'll love it!! (no reflection on NZ implied whatsoever, just that we all have preconceived notions that are easily not met based on personal needs, and so we should expect something that's just OK, and see what happens!!)

Cheers
TiggerK

thanks for the suggestions guys.

i will no doubt be enjoying the trip, just wanted to optimise the enjoyment, esp as i'm paying (albeit via a cash + miles reward)!!

TG is the best *A lounge in HKG
Shared *A lounge in LHR
There is a shared *A arrivals lounge in LHR T1, but NZ pax are not eligible to access (because NZ won't pay for it and arrivals lounges are not a standard *A benefit of business/first class travel or *G status).

No veggie mains option in the standard meals. Check out the NZ menu thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=832747) for more info.

thanks Kiwi Flyer.

Wow, no trip reports for HKG-LHR legs.

I'll get round to writing a trip report once I've flown in that case.

hi

just a quick question. can i check in town the night before my flight?

You can only check in the night before if you are connecting off another flight (and get checked in at the previous airport) - ie remote check in.

Grrr, called up today. For outbound they only have the back of the top deck available (I had called up last week but they told me they couldn't release seats for reward bookings and I should try calling again this week. This is strange because a few months ago I had called asking for a seat request).

Oh well, will try my luck at the airport (guessing better chance at the airport than at airport express?)

Grrr, called up today. For outbound they only have the back of the top deck available (I had called up last week but they told me they couldn't release seats for reward bookings and I should try calling again this week. This is strange because a few months ago I had called asking for a seat request).

Oh well, will try my luck at the airport (guessing better chance at the airport than at airport express?)

Back row of the top BP deck is fine, I have been there, was very happy.

Back row of the top BP deck is fine, I have been there, was very happy.

When the seat belt sign is on, you can lean over and help yourself to a drink - I have been there as well.

Only problem with first row, is the ottoman is often bumped as people line themselves up with the narrow aisle and slight miss. Upstairs or down, same problem.

The TG lounge is only a couple of minutes walk from the UA lounge and is a far better bet. As a Business Class passenger you can access any * carriers designated Business Class lounge.

Yes, you should use the TG lounge instead of the UA lounge at HKG.

flew yesterday. was a great trip, very relaxing.

i'll get round to writing a full report in a few days time.

btw ended up getting seat 3k upon check in.

Glad to hear. Look forward to the trip report. Post a link in here when it's all done and dusted :)

Here's my trip report from a recent LHR-HKG flight in Business Premier:

http://www.nakedsky.org/archives/000210.html