Air New Zealand B777-300ER premium economy

Originally published on businesstraveller.com 27/10/2011   RSS

BACKGROUND Air New Zealand (ANZ) launched its new premium economy seat on its B777-300ERs, which serve the London-LA-Auckland route, at the end of last year.

CHECK-IN I arrived at Heathrow’s Terminal 1 at 1400 for my 1615 flight NZ1. At Zone D there were four desks open for premium economy, business and Star Alliance gold flyers, and I was seen to immediately. Security took ten minutes to clear.

BOARDING Screens in the departure area instructed travellers to go to Gate 32 at 1445, but I didn’t head there until a little later, at 1515. After an eight-minute walk, I found boarding had already begun. Once on the aircraft I turned right to find my window seat (28K). Menus and newspapers were handed out.

THE SEAT The cabin interior felt light and airy with pink mood lighting. I was impressed by the look of the racing car-like premium economy “Spaceseat”, which is upholstered in off-white leather. Seats are in a spacious 2-2-2 (A-B, D-E, J-K) configuration, with central pairs angled away from each other and side pairs directed towards the windows. Each feels private thanks to the shell surround it is encased in, which not only shields you from your neighbour but allows you to rest your head on the side. Middle pairs offer companions the option of facing each other over a central table. 

While Air New Zealand describes the seats as having a nine-inch recline, this is achieved by manually sliding the seat forward and then tilting the cushion upwards, instead of the traditional angling of the seat-back. I found this a bit clunky to operate and, although fine on this day flight, I may have found it harder to sleep at night. Each Spaceseat comes with a beanbag footrest, universal power points and USB ports, a pillow, noise-cancelling headphones, and an amenity kit containing socks, Clarins moisturiser and lip balm, an eye mask, earplugs and toothbrush/paste. 

The touchscreen audio-video on-demand in-flight entertainment (IFE) system, which is the same in all cabin classes, is outstanding, with plenty of movies, music, games and TV shows as well as the option of ordering food and drink at the touch of a button. The 10.5-inch screen was sharp and clear. Tray tables fold down and angle out – they were fine to rest a laptop on but seemed a bit far away to eat at. 

WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? The premium economy cabin occupies rows 23-31, with no seats A-B in row 29 and seats D-E only in rows 30 and 31 (see seat plan here). The overhead bins above the back row are smaller, and are closer to the washrooms, as are seats 28B, 29J, 30D-E and 31D-E, so passengers in these may suffer some disturbance. Side pairs are better if you are travelling alone. If you opt for a window seat, be aware that you can’t get to it if someone is sitting in the aisle seat – you will have to ask them to move. Sit towards the front if you want to get served first.

THE FLIGHT At 1620 the captain announced there would be a 20-minute delay owing to air traffic control issues. Food orders were taken at 1635 and take-off was at 1700. About an hour later, hot towels were distributed, and a short while after that the meal service began. I had pre-ordered a vegetarian dinner, which was fortunate as there were no meat-free options listed on the menu.

My starter was a tomato, chive, feta and walnut salad with mustard mayonnaise, which was delicious. This was followed by a tasty vegetable ragout with perfectly cooked green beans, tofu and potato cakes. The meal was served on china plates with metal cutlery, and came with a choice of warm bread, packets of cheese and biscuits, and fresh fruit salad.

A generous selection of soft drinks, beer and wine was available throughout. Crew were helpful and friendly, with the ANZ concierge (who is there to assist all passengers) taking the time to recommend places to visit at my final destination. A couple of hours before landing, a choice of a smoothie, juice, fruit, sandwiches and scones was served.

ARRIVAL We landed a little late at 2015. Disembarkation was prompt and after a five-minute walk I reached immigration, where there was a half-hour queue. My priority-tagged suitcase was waiting for me in the baggage reclaim area.

VERDICT Air New Zealand leads the way with its new premium economy product. The food, service and IFE were exceptional. On a day flight, the only significant thing that separates the Spaceseat from many airlines’ business class offering is the lack of lounge access.

FACT FILE

PLANE TYPE B777-300ER

SEAT CONFIGURATION 2-2-2 (A-B, D-E, J-K)

SEAT WIDTH 20in/51cm

SEAT PITCH 36in/91cm

SEAT RECLINE 9in/23cm

PRICE Internet rates for a return premium economy flight in December from London to LA started from £892.

CONTACT airnewzealand.co.uk

To see a review of the return flight in Business Premier class, click here.

Jenny Southan