I like the departure time -- it makes for a good sleep and a well rested arrival in SYD. I either eat in the airport or lounge before departure, or have the "express" meal right after depature. It's a lighter and much faster cold entree. But since it's supposed to be cold, it's not really "leftovers" like the hot stuff that is cooked, chilled, and then reheated. I'll usually get in a single movie during dinner, relax a bit, wait for things to settle down in the J cabin, and then go to sleep. Get in 8-10 hours of reasonably good sleep, wake up and have breakfast, watch another movie to amuse myself, then arrive ready for the day.

I don't really care too much about this, other than the IFE is often out of service to one degree or another (potentially along with the lighting and seat controls.) And for a frequent flyer and cinema goer, sometimes the IFE offerings seem a bit thin. I usually go equipped with 10 or 12 movies of my own.

Hit and miss. I early December I did an MR and have very good service on the way down. The next day I came back with the very surprised same crew, and got exceptional service. Food (and service) both ways was quite good.

A few days later I went back to SYD, and becasue I'm feeling generous today I'll just say the crew was mediocre. But it least it was better than the food.

Definitely, but I've made my peace with the AC pod.

Definately a shortcoming if you're travelling with someone.

Go guerilla, and use industrial grade ear plugs. I recommend 3Com 1100s (which are sometimes supplied in the AC overnight kit.)

All things being equal, I'd prefer NZ for the bigger better pod and IFE, but upgrading on AC is easier (if you're clever about it.)