Can anyone give me a comparison of UA vs NZ from SFO to SYD?

Do they both have new C?

Which seats are better?

Service?

Wine?

With thanks,

Shofar

NZ is via AKL and means you will get on a different aircraft, A320 or 767 for the AKL-SYD. UA is non-stop.
I have not been on UA for over 6 years as they had seats around the same age as me and FAs the age of my grandmother but with more attitude.
NZ have the flatbeds, relaxed service, AVOD IFE.
Oh the NZ Koru Club in AKL is a good place to relax, SYD is excellent, I doubt UA has had the money to update their RCC in SYD....

The new F/C on UA hasn't even debuted on the first aircraft, so it will be a while before one can reliably expect the new product.

With that, NZ C is >>>> UA C, and some even go so far to say that NZ C is >>> UA F!

Check out the Trip Reports forum, there are a few threads about this topic.

Thanks for the help.

On the UA forum I was directed to a link that compared NZ C to UA F and most posters went for NZ new C.

I'm trusting that all their AC from LAX and SFO will be flying new C.

Thanks to all and looking forward to NZ and new C.


Shofar

The difference is simple: NZ is a great airline with fantastic seats (they use the Virgin Atlantic seats) and good service. UA C on this route is not much better than having an exit row on NZ Y.
Having said this, one service is direct and the other one is not. Your choice.

Yes direct is nice but this was I'll get to spend a day or 2 in AKL.

Any suggestions on what to see?

I was hoping to fly the front of the 747 but it seems that from SFO-AKL they are using 772.

Same seats I think but much more crowded.

Shofar

What are you into (as a tourist)?

How long will you be in Auckland ?

When?

Gazza

[QUOTE=Gazza;8295409]What are you into (as a tourist)?
Natural Beauty without too much walking (wonky knees).
Fine NZ wine and food.

How long will you be in Auckland ?
24-26 Oct.

Can you recommend a good and not too expensive hotel? I am HH Honors but not locked into them.

Thanks,

Shofar

In Auckland

Eating
Try and get to Hammerheads (great seafood with an excellent vibe/view)
or
Catch a ferry (10 minute ride) across the harbour to Devonport (historical part of the "North Shore" that has many nice places to eat and drink a little or a lot as well as shopping if thats your go).

Just out of Auckland
1 hour drive to Piha (amazing wild West Coast beach - DONT swim unless you are an experienced surf swimmer or the lifeguards are on duty). The views and feel of the place is magic. You can do this as a day trip or see if you can get a beach house (locals rent theirs out).

Well out of Auckland
Rotorua (3 hour drive)
Hotpools, Geysers, Maori (NZ's Indigenous people) experience - I recomend Tamaki Tours, bushwalks. Realistically this would be an overnighter.

Hotels in Auckland
Generally overpriced, The Hilton has a great location but man do you pay for it. Me i stay at the Crown Plaza (central Location with a decent gym). If you do go for the CP ask for a renovated room away from the construction noise (on the Queen St side is best) as they are currently giving the place a much needed makeover.

For more check out http://www.newzealand.com

Also next time (you will want to come back) go to the west Coast of the South Island-it will blow you away

Have fun

Gazza

That's going a bit far. UA's old C seat is still a bunch wider than any Y seat and the leg rest still does a lot more than NZ's new Y seat.

Only nonstop flights. All 772 and 744 a/c have business premier. The island hopper flights to LAX (via NAN, RAR, TBU & APW depending on day of week) are on 763 a/c and have the old business class.

For ideas on things to do in AKL check out the NZ master thread sticky in the Australia, NZ and South Pacific destination forum.

FWIW, here's my trip report on NZ C.