What do you think about TAP-Air Portugal joining STAR?
Jun 8, 2004, 6:59 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SYD
Programs: Too many golds, no plat: OZ*G, AC*G, NZ*G, VA Gold, QF Gold, HH Gold, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 5,350
I'm a bit non-plussed by TAP's inclusion in the alliance as well - *A is making some interesting choices. SAA, however, is a fantastic addition. ^
As for the comments re AirNZ, while everyone's experience is of course different, in my (reasonably frequent) experience their long international economy class product wipes the floor with the rest of the Star Alliance (with the possible exception of NH) and business class is pretty good as well, though let down by old-style seats (which the upcoming cabin refit of the long haul fleet will address). The lounges (LAX excepted) are generally pretty impressive too. I haven't experienced their first class product, so I can't comment on that. I also haven't experienced any real problems (unlike Why Fly), so I also can't comment on how well they handle such situations, but the fact that in about 50 flights with them over the last 3 or 4 years all has gone smoothly is a testament in itself. Don't get me wrong, NZ is far from perfect, but I'm telling you, if AC gave the level of service that NZ does day in, day out, there would be a whole lot less unhappy people on this board!
Which may of course beg the question: what am *I* doing on this board, lecturing you all on the joys of NZ? Because AC's frequent flyer programme is light years ahead of NZ's!!!
As for the comments re AirNZ, while everyone's experience is of course different, in my (reasonably frequent) experience their long international economy class product wipes the floor with the rest of the Star Alliance (with the possible exception of NH) and business class is pretty good as well, though let down by old-style seats (which the upcoming cabin refit of the long haul fleet will address). The lounges (LAX excepted) are generally pretty impressive too. I haven't experienced their first class product, so I can't comment on that. I also haven't experienced any real problems (unlike Why Fly), so I also can't comment on how well they handle such situations, but the fact that in about 50 flights with them over the last 3 or 4 years all has gone smoothly is a testament in itself. Don't get me wrong, NZ is far from perfect, but I'm telling you, if AC gave the level of service that NZ does day in, day out, there would be a whole lot less unhappy people on this board!
Which may of course beg the question: what am *I* doing on this board, lecturing you all on the joys of NZ? Because AC's frequent flyer programme is light years ahead of NZ's!!!
