CHRISTCHURCH to AUCKLAND (CHC-AKL) on Air New Zealand 737-300 in economy class

I sped away to immigration. I was first there and very quickly through, only a slight pause at x-ray when they checked I didn't have any bag other than my tiny carry on - yup. Exiting landside I couldn't even see the second pax - I'm not sure why I was so far ahead of everyone else.

With a short connection of 1 hour scheduled (and already used up a good part of it), I decided to check in at the transfer desk right outside international arrivals instead of using the quick check machine in the domestic part of the terminal. I got my boarding pass and headed for domestic security and into the lounge.

Once there I found my carefully selected flight which was to have been an A320 (and I'd picked a business class seat) had changed to a 737 - within the past 24 hours Later on boarding it got even worse - the flight was jammed full so not even a seat block for comfort.

I had just enough time for a quick drink before boarding. Other than being so full, it was the usual domestic flight. I tried snoozing. A snack and drinks cart offered buy on board. Free tea coffee and water followed. Music videos was playing on the bulkhead screens, but since we have no earphones we couldn't listen to it

The view out the window was nice. The flight was a bit bumpy. We arrived on time, and I noted the 777-200ER had not arrived by the time I left the airport on my way into the city.