Air New Zealand verses United Airlines LAX - LHR
Jul 26, 2017, 6:23 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Posts: 102
Air New Zealand verses United Airlines LAX - LHR
Hello All.
I will be flying on Air New Zealand flight 2 and 1 this November.
I always wanted to try Air New Zealand but never had the chance until now.
How is Air New Zealand compared to United?
It may be a night and day difference, but I wanted to ask.
Keep in mind I am flying on Economy class 777-300 Skycouch convertible, but didn't pay for it. (Regular Eco)
Thanks
I will be flying on Air New Zealand flight 2 and 1 this November.
I always wanted to try Air New Zealand but never had the chance until now.
How is Air New Zealand compared to United?
It may be a night and day difference, but I wanted to ask.
Keep in mind I am flying on Economy class 777-300 Skycouch convertible, but didn't pay for it. (Regular Eco)
Thanks
Jul 26, 2017, 8:44 pm
#2
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Austin, TX - AUS
Programs: AA Platinum, Hilton, Hyatt, IHG, Marriott
Posts: 1,625
They are both equally cramped in economy (UA has 3-3-3 787 and ANZ has 3-4-3 777). Both have in seat TVs. I find Air New Zealand crews friendly and seem willing to help passengers, but there could be the occasional crew having a bad day. Air New Zealand food generally receives better reviews.
Enjoy Air New Zealand.
Enjoy Air New Zealand.
Jul 27, 2017, 1:18 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Frensham, Lincolnshire
Programs: RFC
Posts: 5,071
Believe it or not, the NZ seats in Y are more cramped than in UA. Exit rows are the order of the day, if you can. Everything else will usually be better than UA. 50/50 chance on the crew being tired/grumpy, in which case they will perform at slightly above UA regular level. If the crew is in a good mood then they will be light years ahead of UA on UA's best day.
Jul 27, 2017, 7:23 am
#4
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: AKL
Programs: NZ Elite (*G), IHG Spire Elite, Accor ALL Gold
Posts: 214
I flew LHR to LAX return on UA in January, and it was on a 777-200. I was in J, but I recall it being 3-3-3 in Y. Depends on aircraft type I guess, but if it's between 3-3-3 777-200, and 3-4-3 777-300, you'll have plenty more room on UA.
Jul 27, 2017, 11:16 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Northern Calif./Eastern Ida.
Programs: Amethyst Premier Plutonium Medallion
Posts: 20,619
VS is the way to fly LAX-LHR, IMO.
I guess you are trying to fly *A, in which case, NZ is generally better than UA on the soft product side, while both are equally awful on the coach hard product side.
It's worth putting in a one-up upgrade bid to Y+ if your budget allows.
I guess you are trying to fly *A, in which case, NZ is generally better than UA on the soft product side, while both are equally awful on the coach hard product side.
It's worth putting in a one-up upgrade bid to Y+ if your budget allows.
Jul 27, 2017, 1:14 pm
#6
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,094
Believe it or not, the NZ seats in Y are more cramped than in UA. Exit rows are the order of the day, if you can. Everything else will usually be better than UA. 50/50 chance on the crew being tired/grumpy, in which case they will perform at slightly above UA regular level. If the crew is in a good mood then they will be light years ahead of UA on UA's best day.
The fact most are European rather than NZers delivers a very different level of service to NZ based crew.
Jul 27, 2017, 2:20 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Australia
Programs: QF LTS, Marriott LTP, ALL GOLD
Posts: 2,440
My experience of the UK based crews has never been great in the past - with the exception of NZ2 a few weeks ago that had some of the best service in BP I've ever experienced.
The fact most are European rather than NZers delivers a very different level of service to NZ based crew.
The fact most are European rather than NZers delivers a very different level of service to NZ based crew.
the question here is comparing Air NZ's UK crew versus United Airlines on the LHR-LAX route.
Jul 27, 2017, 4:53 pm
#8
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Wellington
Programs: QFWP (LTSG), NZ (Jade), TG ROP (Forgotten), OZ (Silver), AA (Cardboard), EK (Lowest of the Low)
Posts: 4,669
OP stated that they are seated in the Sky Couch row so there is extra pitch but still 10 across seating, so tight width wise (the seat not the OP 
). All NZ 777 in Economy are 10 across, the 777-200 were converted last year and the 777-300 were delivered 10 across.
The crew may unlock the Skycouch function, meaning the armrests go all the way up and the seat extension can go up. Of course if there are two other passengers in the row this is pretty much useless unless you can maintain a meditative sitting position for several hours.
). All NZ 777 in Economy are 10 across, the 777-200 were converted last year and the 777-300 were delivered 10 across.The crew may unlock the Skycouch function, meaning the armrests go all the way up and the seat extension can go up. Of course if there are two other passengers in the row this is pretty much useless unless you can maintain a meditative sitting position for several hours.
