Just done LHR-LAX on NZ thanks to an especially good price in J, and am seriously impressed both by the seats and the level of service aboard NZ1.

We've been having some problems with BA on this route (several people in my department need to do this regularly), but, to their advantage, they do have several flights a day. I may be willing to accept the limited schedule, though, but I wonder if any regulars on this route could fill me in on:

• Reliability. If the plane's coming from AKL, how often is it seriously delayed?
• Price variation. The BA J fares can be £1500 one week, £7000 the next. How available are the cheaper fare classes on NZ1/2?
• Route deals. Do NZ tend to negotiate on this kind of thing, or is LHR-LAX a bit of an oddity?
• Likelihood of survival once LHR-HKG-AKL starts.

Any input would be very welcome!