SYD FC on UA or Air New Zealand Business
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
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SYD FC on UA or Air New Zealand Business
I have a FC ticket on United SFO-SYD. I want to make a date change and the option is the ANZ flight in their business premiere (I think it's called). I'm guessing this is comparable and/or better than UA in some respects? Any opinions on using FC mileage award for this? Thx
#2
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Join Date: Jun 2001
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I have a FC ticket on United SFO-SYD. I want to make a date change and the option is the ANZ flight in their business premiere (I think it's called). I'm guessing this is comparable and/or better than UA in some respects? Any opinions on using FC mileage award for this? Thx
#3
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SEA/YYZ
Posts: 1,561
There is no way that NZ's herringbone business class seat beats UA's "new" F seat on the 747.
#5
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#6
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: MEL
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I've only walked through, and never sat in, the cabin, but I'd say that NZ business is definitely comparable to United First. And the food and service should be excellent.
On the downside, if you're getting off NZ7 in AKL and continuing to SYD you're going to be connecting to a single-class A320. So your last three hours are going to be stuck in Economy.
On the downside, if you're getting off NZ7 in AKL and continuing to SYD you're going to be connecting to a single-class A320. So your last three hours are going to be stuck in Economy.
#7
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
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I know we were talking about the seat. I like herringbone better then UA F, but of course you disagree.
#8
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The main advantage of herringbone is aisle access for everyone (which is not a given in other biz classes). But you already have that in UA F.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: PIT
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The only plus for UA F seating is easy window access. Other then that it's actually about the same. I still say NZ though. (Herringbone I find to be cooler which is why I said I liked it better)
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: San Francisco
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I've only walked through, and never sat in, the cabin, but I'd say that NZ business is definitely comparable to United First. And the food and service should be excellent.
On the downside, if you're getting off NZ7 in AKL and continuing to SYD you're going to be connecting to a single-class A320. So your last three hours are going to be stuck in Economy.
On the downside, if you're getting off NZ7 in AKL and continuing to SYD you're going to be connecting to a single-class A320. So your last three hours are going to be stuck in Economy.
#12
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: SFO South Bay
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I have flown both. UA 747 F seat hands down, particularly if you can get one of the windows seats. Service on NZ is more consistent and on average significantly better. UA on a bad day is FAR worse than NZ. UA on a good day is as good.
#13
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,973
I actually wasn't that impressed with the NZ food. It was just okay. Service was good, not great. But as always, it just depends upon the crew that given flight.
As far as seat, UA does win hands down. Not even close.
#14
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: MEL
Programs: VAG
Posts: 1,865
Ah, it seems to be a function of the day of the week you fly. Possibly A320s on weekdays and 767s on weekends. If it's a 767 then I retract my primary objection. Biz on the 767 isn't as snazzy as Biz-Prem on the long-haul, but it shouldn't be uncomfortable.
#15
Join Date: Feb 2006
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How about reliability and likelihood of arriving at your destination on the date that you want to? If reliability is a factor, and I assume it would be unless you can afford to risk cancellations on UA (search the threads to see how many UA 744 flights this month have been canceled -- it is staggering), then NZ would be the logical choice.