AC vs NZ to Australia; AC 787 non-stop vs Air NZ 777 via AKL?
Dec 19, 18, 10:23 am
#1
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AC vs NZ to Australia; AC 787 non-stop vs Air NZ 777 via AKL?
I am looking at booking YVR to Australia in Y using airmiles, AC 787 non-stop vs Air NZ 777 via AKL. Never flown NZ, only done AC 787 in J or PE. Which is better in Y, only heard bad things about AC 787 in Y, am 6’5” tall so leg room matters for me. Surprised by how “low” YQ and charges are, C$226 on NZ and C$330 on AC, given distance compared to the scam charges to Europe.
Dec 19, 18, 10:29 am
#2
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Dec 19, 18, 10:57 am
#3
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Does NZ still offer "cuddle seats" aka sky couch in Y for the three seats in window rows.
I flew Y twice to NZ. Once solo with two the other seats full, and I found the footrest section completely hindered leg room. It wasn't pleasant at all.
Second time with wife, there was no third person, and it was amazing to be able to spoon on a plane and it was more comfortable than J imo!
i really miss NZ
I flew Y twice to NZ. Once solo with two the other seats full, and I found the footrest section completely hindered leg room. It wasn't pleasant at all.
Second time with wife, there was no third person, and it was amazing to be able to spoon on a plane and it was more comfortable than J imo!
i really miss NZ
Last edited by YVRYEGYVR; Dec 19, 18 at 11:31 am
Dec 19, 18, 11:54 am
#4
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Air Miles - taking advantage of the miles rebate for 1 ticket when booking 2 tickets for BMO Air Miles World Elite card, unfortunately Airmiles only has Y inventory access.
Last edited by tobegold; Dec 19, 18 at 11:59 am
Dec 19, 18, 12:00 pm
#5
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Both will be awful but endurable. NZ may be a bit more pleasant but you have to deal with the stop-over. If they still have it and two of you are flying, the NZ skycouch would be worth a go (if bookable with Air Miles).
My recommendation would be to fly direct on AC and given your height pay the extra to get an exit row/bulkhead seat.
My recommendation would be to fly direct on AC and given your height pay the extra to get an exit row/bulkhead seat.
Dec 19, 18, 12:46 pm
#7
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Does depend a little which Australian destination
Route-->Great Circle Mapper
Dec 19, 18, 1:43 pm
#9
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yes, I get advanced seating without paying on AC, but if I want preferred seats/exit row will have to pay extra as I am TK Elite Plus (*G) and no free access to these for me. I don't know if NZ gives *G any free access to preferred seats. Does NZ allow advanced seat selection to get exit rows (don't mind paying extra).
I don't mind the extra travel time by connecting through AKL, it is the comfort that is my main concern since I am 6'5" and my long legs need room.
Looking at open jaw in /out SYD/MEL though with NZ could do Adelaide instead of either of those. Flexible on in/out cities as still in planning stages, flights are bookable on Airmiles website. One aberration noticed is that we can get seats to oz for the 11,500 airmiles, but if we try just going to NZ or open-jaw with NZ the cost is 20-22,000 each, even if the YVR -AKL nonstop is used, the same non-stop when continuing on to oz drops to 11,500 as long as we fly in/out of oz. Its like, "Hey fly us to Oz, but don't stay in NZ".
I don't mind the extra travel time by connecting through AKL, it is the comfort that is my main concern since I am 6'5" and my long legs need room.
Looking at open jaw in /out SYD/MEL though with NZ could do Adelaide instead of either of those. Flexible on in/out cities as still in planning stages, flights are bookable on Airmiles website. One aberration noticed is that we can get seats to oz for the 11,500 airmiles, but if we try just going to NZ or open-jaw with NZ the cost is 20-22,000 each, even if the YVR -AKL nonstop is used, the same non-stop when continuing on to oz drops to 11,500 as long as we fly in/out of oz. Its like, "Hey fly us to Oz, but don't stay in NZ".
Dec 19, 18, 2:04 pm
#10
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On trans Tasman (NZ<----> Au) on Air NZ you can pay extra $30 for a exit row. Expect will be the same on NZ long haul, but more $$. If that can be done with an airmiles ticket is another matter. But on an ordinary cash fare have the chance to purchase exit row at any time on line.
If first going to an Au airport not served by AC (BNE-SYD-MEL) then via AKL is viable option. The SYD international <---> domestic shuffle is best avoided if possible.
If first going to an Au airport not served by AC (BNE-SYD-MEL) then via AKL is viable option. The SYD international <---> domestic shuffle is best avoided if possible.
Dec 19, 18, 9:10 pm
#11
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Just did a dummy booking on NZ website, gives us free access to preferred seating with 33” seat pitch and can buy exit row for a reasonable price. I expect should be able to reserve these later on the NZ website or by calling in. Sky couch option looks good. AC only gives 31” pitch, preferred costs extra, exit row more $ than NZ. Looks like NZ gets my business.
Dec 20, 18, 7:44 am
#12
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I would take any option that avoids a transit of AKL, an airport I regard as the anti-room to hell.
That said, I agree the NZ experience is likely to be marginally better than the AC one but on balance that would still not get me to transit AKL.
That said, I agree the NZ experience is likely to be marginally better than the AC one but on balance that would still not get me to transit AKL.
Dec 20, 18, 7:04 pm
#14
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What are the issues with transiting AKL?
Dec 20, 18, 7:35 pm
#15
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There are a few I've experienced in recent months, more annoying than terrible. If you are not flying NZ via the U.S. then it's less of a hassle.
You might also want to ask opinions on the NZ FT forum
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ir-points-440/
You might also want to ask opinions on the NZ FT forum
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/air-...ir-points-440/
