Thai-Kiwi

There are a few YouTube clips where the seat is visible as people are boarding.

samjnz

Anyone seen anything yet on the “refreshed” business seat?

sbiddle

Nope. Other than I hear they're on NZR which is due here later this week.

NZbutterfly

Honestly, my expectations are pretty darn low. Basically expecting the same seat with a different cover at best.

Really hope they make up for it with the actual new business seat which is forever away.

Rebound

New business seat will be on the 787-10, so 2022

jeffrocowboy

I enjoyed the seat, loved to stretch my legs out and very little traffic (apart from flight crew).

On AKL-YVR I was 36A and B were empty, so I could use those 2 seats to spread out over (36B/C arm rest is unfortunately fixed).

Some people report downside as no floor storage or pocket, but as I tend not to use it did not bother me on return leg. Only watched a couple of tv shows so screen was ok too.

I'm Elite Partner and on both flights was acknowledged at door (told 'noise cancelling' headphones placed on seat) and then another welcome visit when in my seat [I could do without this actually]

What I did find odd was that people in row behind me were moved from their allocated as someone had purchased a sky couch and there was not one available. I would have been very annoyed if that was me.

tr3k

Does NZ have any benefits for *G members (of other airlines) wrt. seat selection?

sbiddle

Yes

tr3k

So, if I were able to add my *G ff number to the reservation, I would see a different/better seat choice?
What happens if I have an award booking (using a different ff account)? It seems that in that case NZ website does not let me change the ff number on the booking to the one for *G?
If I call in - what can I ask for?

Thai-Kiwi

Yes, seats coloured a light yellow for HVC.
Yes it will, providing you use the AirNZ PNR & website to access the booking.
Tell them you are *G and to update their system with the number. Ask for the seats you want in HVC zone.

tr3k

Tried that just now - called NZ CS, agent claimed to be able to enter my *G account. However, she also said she does not see a change of available seating. In the booking it still shows the old ff account (so looks like did not work). Agent gave up and told me to "show my card at the airport" to get better seats.

Given that it's a short flight (SYD-AKL) I am probably not going to spend much effort on this. But clearly not entirely trivial.

nzkarit

If it's a rewards booking often can't change the number as needs to be linked because it's reward.

sbiddle

Yes therein lies there issue - we know Air NZ's policy on split FQTV / FQTS, and on an award booking for obvious reasons this can't be changed after its been booked.

Thai-Kiwi

But the award is not from an NZ account IIRC...

tr3k

For clarity - the award is made with UA MP miles. At the same time I have SAS *G.