Originally Posted by
isaacchambers
I would ask the travel agent why didnt they book you on AC which you can through check to NZ as they are star alliance carriers.
That one's easy: why pay more - or even the same - for inferior service if you can avoid it? Given the level of AC service and their on-time-performance, it's debatable what is the greatest hassle.
(Agreed that Porter service on the Dash-8 is not what it used to be, but the OP would go on newer jets...)