Flight Date: 13 May 2025
Route: AKL-IAH NZ28
Aircraft: ZK-OKW
Class: PE to BP
Type: RU
Lodged: October 2024
Status: Gold (Silver when requested with a Silver RU)
Result: Was pending until check in, unable to check in on the app so did checkin with premium counter in Auckland, and was offered a choice of two 'broken' J class seats - one with broken recline function and one with broken tray table (able to be manually operated by crew).
Opted to take the one with broken tray table as sleep was more important than food.
Was then told that I had been allocated 1A and given handshake as a congrats - explained to me that it was 1st class. Given a boarding pass with 1A as the confirmed seat (unfortunately also with SSSS), and app also updated to show 1A.

Boarding went fine, scanned through the gate no probs, on aircraft welcomed aboard and directed to my seat - only to find someone else already sitting in it. Asked if she had the correct seat, and she showed me her boarding pass that also was for 1A.

Went back to the crew, and was told that this happens often - please wait next to the cockpit door while they sort it.

After all J class had boarded (and worried I was about to go back to PE class) was handed a new boarding pass for J class seat 24G and explained that the lady in 1A was a commercial, non upgraded customer, so she gets to keep the seat. Thanked the crew, happy to remain in business class.

Then got to my new 24G seat, only to find someone standing in it. He explained that he was actually allocated 25D, but his wife was in 24D - was there any chance I would swap seats so he could sit next to his wife. Told him no problems, as long as cabin crew were ok with it. Cabin crew came over, crossed out 24G and wrote 25D on my boarding pass and thanked me for swapping with the man.

The seat changes obviously caused confusion for the crew, as their system of a clipboard with post-it notes seemed to have them addressing me as the previous occupant multiple times including bringing me his meal and drinks! They are seriously understaffed for the number of seats in the 777 business class - but overall the crew were awesome as usual, food was great and seat worked well.

Having flown the much maligned herringbone business class on the 787 a few times - while the 777 business class is more private and has better storage - the herringbone on the old 787 business class is a much more comfortable bed, and it is nice having your head further away from the aisle, and it is easier to get up with your tray table still covered in items.