AUCKLAND to WELLINGTON (AKL-WLG) on DJ (Pacific Blue) 737-800

I debated with myself whether or not to post this here given the flight experience (pre start of scheduled service) would be atypical. I decided to post the more pertinent bits.

Pacific Blue is part of Virgin Blue (they only have rights for the Virgin name in Australia) and has just started a small domestic network in NZ a few years after operating internationally across the Tasman and to selected South Pacific Islands.

I was advised to turn up at check in some 45 minutes before departure (compared with QF and NZ which both use 30 minute cut off). I'm not sure if this is normal or just because they wanted passengers to enjoy any special arrangements made for this flight.

The check in desks occupy about 1/3 of the space QF domestic check in used to have, and feels rather cramped. There are half a dozen kiosks, as well as a elite line (for status passengers - there is no business class) and 2 snakey regular lines - one for bag drop for those who have checked in using the kiosks (or OLCI?) and one for check in.

Although there is no queue it takes some time to check in - apparently the computers are playing up. The boarding pass is like a supermarket check out docket - cheap and no good at all for those who collect boarding passes for I'm sure it will quickly fade. I was checked in for my same day return flight automatically.

Even though check in is beside Qantas, you clear the Air NZ jet security - a small distance to the left. Then, instead of going upstairs to the left for Air NZ, stay downstairs and proceed to the right for the fairly small gate lounge area. There is a single toilet in this area. There is also a coke machine, and today a portable coffee maker which I'm sure will not be here for scheduled flights.

There is ample room for 1 738 load of passengers by the gate, but will be crowded in the event 2 flights depart close together (shouldn't happen at this stage unless due to delays - DJ only has 2 aircraft on the domestic network).

Boarding was called rather late. The boarding pass barcode is scanned and we have a short walk across the tarmac to the air stairs. When 2 or more DJ aircraft are here at once I would guess a bus will be needed - there are no spare stands next to the terminal. 2 stairs were used for boarding, but it still took a while to finalise paperwork due to the computer issues.

The FA crew were in fine fettle being rather jokesy. This will wear thin rather quickly I suspect.