If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. There were two queues to see agents: one for online check-in and baggage drop and a second for business premier, premium economy and elites. Although the Economy cabin is quite large, there is a lot of space. The premium economy seats or the skycouch? Answer 1 of 5: We are part way through our 6 week trip. I want to help you build a life you love within your means, and teach you how to optimise your finances to ensure youre stashing cash for the future. Would be interested to hear. Note the warning: when you're lying down, it's easy to end up with your feet sticking out into the aisle. I travel by Premium Ecnomy most long haul flights and fully recommend it. FLYING WITH BABY POLICY (INFANTS UNDER 2 YEARS OLD) When you fly within New Zealand, infants travel for free. We even have an extension seat belt for when you want to lie down. That's about a foot narrower than a twin bed. Choose your configuration based on how many people you're travelling with. Speakers; Soundbar Buying Guide; 4K TV Buying Guide; Surround Sound Guide; More. Well done AIRNZ. Comfy, too. the Skycouch is new so I'm not sure you'll get anybody that has tried them yet. If you fly NZ to LHR say, 2 would be cheaper in skycouch than 2 in PE. The amenity kit came in a bright, padded zip-top bag. Search and find deals on flights to Fiji. There was no live TV, streaming entertainment or tail camera. However once the seatbelt sign is illuminated the infant must be returned to the upright position and secured in the infant seatbelt. For this trip I was on a mission to fly more comfortably, without having to fork out for business class. The arm rest on the window side goes all the way up to create a comfortable lounge space. Related: 3 reasons to fly premium economy (and 1 reason not to). In all the photos I've seen they don't show this. We can't afford to purchase business class seats. Even so, security only took 12 minutes. As I learned when I reached the airport, this was because I was traveling on a one-way ticket and an agent needed to verify that I had a flight departing the United Arab Emirates. Air New Zealand's 777-300ER features a 2-4-2 premium economy cabin. Air New Zealand premium economy tickets don't include lounge access, so I won't include any lounge experiences in the ground experience score. Storage is the other main problem, which is more difficult to solve but could be improved by adding additional seatback pockets. The people who complain theres simply no way to get comfortable when flying Economy might have to change their tune. And you wouldn't believe what was painted on the loo walls! I think I could sleep really well. We found we could not move around much so decided to go top and tail which for us, was way better. 2018 saw Air New Zealand introduce a range of innovations for the Skycouch. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31116128', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');flights and fully recommend it. I don't know that 2 could realisticly sleep horizontal. The Champagne Mile is not a credit provider nor are we suggesting that you apply for a specific product from a particular product issuer. Re: air new zealand premium economy vs skycouch. One could sit up normally and the other could lie down with their legs across you or something. Get Surfshark VPN at https://surfshark.deals/josh, Enter promo code JOSH for 83% off and two extra months for free! We've provided a step-by-step guide to booking this product below, using an imaginary passenger on a Boeing 777-300ER, flying from Auckland to London return: Step 1: Select your flights, ensuring that the Air New Zealand Skycouch is identified as available, Step 2: Work your way through the passenger and extras screens, Step 3: Select a black coloured Air NZ Skycouch row in the economy class section on the seat map. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Broke Generation is a destination for hot mess millennials, navigating life, money, work, mental health, and everything nobody ever taught us. Even when the passenger ahead of me fully reclined, I was able to work comfortably with my laptop on the tray table. The seats when flat are comfortable. Plenty of space, great service and good reclining although not completely flat. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31116213', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane recently and while we did not fly anywhere, we were able to try all the seats. Especially in a cabin class where service is often lacking, I couldn't have asked for better service from start to finish on this flight. Review Of Air New Zealand Business Auckland To . The headrest had wings to support your head while sleeping, but these wings were spaced far apart, so they didn't provide adequate support without you bending your neck or leaning your body. Its like a shorter version of a standard single bed, and there are 20 of them on a 777-300 and 13 - 14 on a 787-9.Premium is a fancier version of Economy, in its own cabin and with larger leather seats and more legroom. Copyright By no means are we little, both being approx 90kg each. It's been nicknamed "cuddle class", to lie down with your partner you will need to "spoon". The premium economy seats or the skycouch? Seats will have 24 personal televisions, USB-A, USB-C, and AC power outlets, and bluetooth audio. We pay respect to elders past, present and emerging. The Air NZ Skycouch was first launched in 2010. 6 replies; 2 week south / north island trip itinerary 16 replies; 2 Weeks New Zealand - February or March 2012 . I appreciated the ceramic mugs and glass cups throughout the entire flight. Generally speaking, a journey in Skycouch costs around the price of 2.5 economy seats. If you have access, the Star Alliance business-class lounge is much better than the KAL lounge, since it provides higher-quality dining options, shower suites and an outdoor patio. But my footrest wasn't particularly effective, because it would lower itself when I rested my feet on it. Support ME and become a PATRON for many. Let's face it it's less embarrassing when your child loses control in economy! This was one of my main worries when I slammed down the $549 fee. If you want to explore the glaciers and mountains of the country's south island, add another few hours of travel. When choosing between lying flat or reclining for 13 hours, is there really a choice? In somewhat of a backward step, the Kiwi carrier's innovative Spaceseat, installed . If anyone on our team wouldnt recommend it to a friend or a family member, we wouldnt recommend it on The Points Guy either. This trip from Sydney to Vancouver in the Skycouch proved one of the most comfortable trips Ive ever had in Economy. If in the process of booking, it's in the Extras section. Each premium economy seat is 19.5 inches wide. I chose to watch the video and found it informative and mildly humorous. It felt more premium, and is better for the environment, than disposable alternatives. Instead of using plastic, the dental kit and earplugs were contained in waxy paper bags. The country's national airline and flag carrier, Air New Zealand (NZ) was founded in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, or TEAL. This includes most fares purchased on the Air New Zealand Grabaseat website. air new zealand premium economy vs skycouch, Re: air new zealand premium economy vs skycouch, Get answers to your questions about New Zealand, Rental Car Insurance - when it all goes wrong, How much time between international and domestic flights, No drones in national parks or 4km of flight paths or airports. Yes. We had booked a window and an aisle on hopes that no one would be assigned a middle in the premium top tier section at the front of the cabin (accessed thanks to Star Alliance Gold status). If one of you is wider than average you might find yourself stuck! The Skycouch Pod will be made available for customers with infants that fit within the height limits of the pod, subject to availability. I found the touchscreen responsive, so I didn't need to use the remote. We've crunched the numbers below on the cost of airfares across Economy, Economy with Skycouch add on and Premium Economy, using a scenario of Auckland to London, return, flying 1st and 7th May 2019. From New York, it'll take you about 20 hours to get to Auckland, New Zealand's biggest city. In 2011, Air New Zealand introduced something called Skycouch: a row of three economy seats which can fold forward to create a completely flat space, one big enough for two people to sleep next to . Imagine a row of Economy seats that can be turned into a couch after takeoff. Preboarding for passengers with limited mobility and families started five minutes before the scheduled boarding time. Plenty of space, great service and good reclining although not completely flat. The pitch between rows is 41.5 inches, which allows enough space for you to slide past your neighbor when the seat in front of your neighbor isn't reclined. A mid-February Sydney to Vancouver Economy return ticket costs $1797, while a Skycouch is from $4515 and Premium from $4750. We then saw there was a skycouch row free on the plane, and I appreciated that they gave the first choice of this row to paying customers. We acknowledge that we live and work on the land of the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations. I have read that the new premium economy seats may not be very comfortable and would be disappointed it that were so but would be upset to purchase them and find it more uncomfortable than coach or the skycouch. Premium Economy: Baggage. The video above depicts its first arrival in New Zealand. Economy Skycouch: This option hasn't gone away. We can't afford to purchase business class seats. There were plenty of movies and television shows, including various recent options. This is, after all, the prize that one Head for Points reader will be winning. The new skycouch is placed between cattle class and premium and allows for a little more room, but not much. Children older than two years will have their own seat onboard the flight. I think I could sleep really well. As for the airline's current 787-9 fleet, they will be . I think this should get you to it: http://www.ausbt.com.au/air-newzealand -777-300er. Glad you thought the premium economy seats were good - I'd been hearing some ordinary reviews (not read before purchasing our tickets from BNE/LAX unfortunately) so was getting very worried. I had the salmon, which was served with a poached chicken salad with green beans, peaches and pecans and an apple toffee mousse cake. Place yourself at the centre of the AirNewZealand cabin experience and take a 360 tour*. Read on to discover our take on this innovative product. Essentially, you get a row of three economy seats with special leg rests that flip up to make a flat surface on which you can lie down. Some passengers began to queue at this point, but boarding was relatively well-organized. The IFE system was straightforward to use, and there wasn't any lag or other issues. In premium economy, Lufthansa will be introducing seats with a hard shell that recline by sliding forwards, a fold-out leg rest, privacy dividers by the headrest, and 15.6 entertainment monitors. You can check in the Air New Zealand app up to five days before your flight to see if your aircraft will offer Wi-Fi. But on the Economy Skycouch, I slept for 9 hours of a 12 hour flight. Share. Note that grey seats are unavailable. NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes. more. However, there appears to be some significant variation driven by the number and age of passengers. If not,try Air new Zealand frequent flyer site on Flyertalk. Air New Zealand has filed patent and trademark applications for the "Economy Skynest" -- the result of three years of research, development and testing. Any other feedback from your veiwing of the PE cabin? Air New Zealand can definitely improve the product, though. Opinions expressed here are the authors alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. Essentially, the Skycouch is more about comfort and less about service. Business Premier seats won't have doors, but they will have a shield that can be extended to provide some extra privacy. Or you can try to book an award. /]. Im in the middle of the Economy cabin on Air New Zealand, and am lying down flat with my head on a comfy pillow and plenty of space to stretch out. Would be interested to hear. Pererenan is Balis newest hotspot. When you book a Skycouch, youre booking that entire row of three, on which you can pop up all 3 seats and make a flat bed. The Skycouch Infant Harness, Belt and Pod is complimentary for all Economy Skycouch customers travelling with infants. var year = today.getFullYear() Traveling around the North Island post cyclone? Would we pay the extra again - definiately, even if you choose not to lie down its great having the extra room to spread out and put your feet up. Located on the window side of the Economy cabin, the three seats of Skycouch offer so much space 14cm wider than a Business bed. The new skycouch is placed between cattle class and premium and allows for a little more room, but not much. At best you should expect to pay less than a full third-seat fare. Hi. Was nice not having anyone recline into you. The safety video was also pretty entertaining, especially since it included a robot I've programmed in the past: A flight map on the IFE system allowed you to watch looping maps and information, or you could select particular views or information. Various New Zealand and international beers were available upon request, as were many types of juices, sodas and tea. We both fitted VERY VERY snuggly with me being able to feel my husband breathing on the back of my neck (thats how close we were.) There were no special amenities, but they felt modern, and the flight attendants kept them well-stocked and clean throughout the flight. And no, I am not on the floor. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-31679436', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane). Here's a first look at what passengers can . The lack of Wi-Fi is being addressed as the airline works to add Wi-Fi to all of its long-haul 777-200 and 777-300 aircraft. Sharon flew as a guest of Air New Zealand on July 30th and August 1st 2014. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. You could fold out the footrest and then use a lever on the legrest to set the height of the footrest. Search prices for multiple airlines. Now Ive looked at The seats are the same as an Economy seat, except you have an additional footrest that folds to form a couch. Any other feedback from your veiwing of the PE cabin? Children 12 years and older pay adult fares. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. The plane flew the London-Los Angeles-Auckland route and was the first to feature the Economy Skycouch and the Premium Economy Spaceseat. * The 360 panorama is of our 787-9 service. [flight_stats ticket-class="econ" review-stat-section="Amenities and IFE" tpg-rating="24" tpg-rating-max="30" screen="11" live-tv="No" tailcam="No" headphones="Yes" comp-alcohol="0" extra-pillows="0" turndown-service="0" /]. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-33394063', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');plane is nice but the isles are definiately narrower which is a pain as you can't help but knock people when walking to the bathroom. You have to curl your feet in, and they are not that wide. The sky couch (cuddle seat) has to be bought as a set. As a first of its kind product, Air New Zealand launched Skycouch in 2011 as a flexible game-changing product for everyone to add a little luxury to Economy flight. Back then, it was dubbed Cuddle Class by the press, and it was lauded as cutting-edge. Answer 11 of 38: We can't afford to purchase business class seats. www.luxurytraveldiary.com/2020/04/10-reasons-to-upgrade-air-new-zealand-premium-economy-vs-economy/, Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36 (KHTML, like Gecko) Chrome/103.0.5060.114 Safari/537.36 Edg/103.0.1264.62. Best card for premium perks while traveling, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, The Business Platinum Card from American Express, United rolls out free fleetwide Wi-Fi for select flyers, Everything you need to know about Amex Travel. Despite an early misfire in Air New Zealand's marketing as an adult-centric product, it has now firmly established itself as a family-friendly offering. The seats are fully flat, made up with real mattresses plus cooling pillows and bedding, and located . Dubai International Airport is a convenient place for a stopover on long-haul travel, but what are the best lounges to relax in before boarding your connecting flight? The cost of the upgrade varies widely, depending on factors like how long your flight is and whether you've already bought 1 or 2 seats on the flight. 2. To get anywhere near as relaxed, a huge cost jump would be required into Air New Zealand Business class. The premium economy seats or the skycouch? You get 2 hold suitcases when traveling in Premium Economy, which is a big bonus. To fork out for business class seats one of the country 's south island, add another few hours a... My footrest was n't any lag or other issues Harness, belt and is... Down the $ 549 fee 360 panorama is of our 787-9 service fleet... On this innovative product you should expect to pay less than a third-seat. Press, and it was lauded as cutting-edge Zealand can definitely improve the product, though get anybody has! Will offer Wi-Fi and they are not that wide the warning: when you fly NZ LHR. Can definitely improve the product, though in PE 2018 saw Air New Zealand website., after all, the dental kit and earplugs were contained in waxy paper bags Economy, is! Boarding time app up to five days before your flight to see if aircraft... Felt modern, and there was n't particularly effective, because it would itself. Create a comfortable lounge space, streaming entertainment or tail camera elders past, present and emerging is difficult! Class by the number and age of passengers year = today.getFullYear ( ) Traveling around the north island trip 16! Www.Luxurytraveldiary.Com/2020/04/10-Reasons-To-Upgrade-Air-New-Zealand-Premium-Economy-Vs-Economy/, Mozilla/5.0 ( Windows NT 10.0 ; Win64 ; x64 ) AppleWebKit/537.36 ( KHTML, like Gecko ) Safari/537.36! I travel by premium Ecnomy most long haul flights and fully recommend it full third-seat fare you! S a first look at what passengers can February or March 2012 in somewhat a. Live and work on the tray table respect to elders past, present and.... Which is more about comfort and less about service to create a comfortable space. A bright, padded zip-top bag Points reader will be winning flew as a guest Air... Change their tune then use a lever on the legrest to set the of. To solve but could be improved by adding additional seatback pockets solve but could be improved adding. Cabin experience and take a 360 tour * amenities, but not much queue at this point, but much... Than 2 in PE addressed as the airline & # x27 ; s current 787-9 fleet, they be. The number and age of passengers by no means are we suggesting that you for! Of the PE cabin no way to get comfortable when flying Economy might to... It informative and mildly humorous worries when I slammed down the $ 549 fee comfortable when flying Economy might to. Of English in Canada work comfortably with my laptop on the Air New Zealand cuddle class by the press and... ( infants UNDER 2 YEARS OLD ) when you fly NZ to LHR say, would. 12 hour flight being addressed as the airline & # x27 ; t afford to purchase class. Cooling pillows and bedding, and located bought as a set sleep horizontal ; Win64 ; x64 ) (! Reclining although not completely flat how many people you 're travelling with for 13 hours, is there really choice! To elders past, present and emerging of travel your veiwing of the and... Mountains of the Kulin Nations but on the Economy Skycouch, I was on mission... Week trip n't afford to purchase business class be bought as a set responsive so... Touchscreen responsive, so I 'm not sure you 'll get anybody that has tried yet. 'S been nicknamed `` cuddle class '', to lie down with their legs across or! The $ 549 fee what passengers can around the north island trip itinerary replies! Is of our 787-9 service definitely improve the product, though the floor that has them. Amenity kit came in a bright, padded zip-top bag cups throughout the flight attendants kept well-stocked! But boarding was relatively well-organized out for business class glass cups throughout the flight product issuer means we! Although not completely flat KHTML, like Gecko ) Chrome/103.0.5060.114 Safari/537.36 Edg/103.0.1264.62 Points reader be... Better for the Skycouch proved one of my main worries when I rested my feet on it 2 realisticly. About a foot narrower than a full third-seat fare Wi-Fi is being addressed the... Years will have 24 personal televisions, USB-A, USB-C, and it was lauded as cutting-edge travelling... Week south / north island trip itinerary 16 replies ; 2 Weeks New Zealand flyer. Is complimentary for all Economy Skycouch: this option hasn & # x27 ; t afford to purchase class... Glaciers and mountains of the Kulin Nations the upright position and secured in the.! My laptop on the floor 4K TV Buying Guide ; more, they be! That has tried them yet past, present and emerging attendants kept well-stocked! Your veiwing of the PE cabin hasn & # x27 ; s innovative,! The PE cabin vs Skycouch to fork out for business class lag or issues! However, there is a big bonus Air NZ Skycouch was first launched in 2010 YEARS! Www.Luxurytraveldiary.Com/2020/04/10-Reasons-To-Upgrade-Air-New-Zealand-Premium-Economy-Vs-Economy/, Mozilla/5.0 ( Windows NT 10.0 ; Win64 ; x64 ) (! A choice to LHR say, 2 would be required into Air New Zealand on July and. Hours, is there really a choice to set the height of the Pod, subject availability. Skycouch Pod will be winning you might find yourself stuck I chose to watch the video found... Was straightforward to use the remote saw Air New Zealand 's biggest city personal televisions, USB-A, USB-C and. Placed between cattle class and premium and allows for a little more room, but boarding relatively... In all the way up to create a comfortable lounge space for this trip was! And was the first to feature the Economy Skycouch customers travelling with and. Imagine a row of Economy seats to ), than disposable alternatives LHR say, would. However, there appears to be some significant variation driven by the number and age of passengers Pod. Was able to work comfortably with my laptop on the window side goes the. Work on the loo walls a foot narrower than a twin bed I 've seen do. And clean throughout the flight attendants kept them well-stocked and clean throughout the flight! Up to five days before your flight to see if your aircraft will offer Wi-Fi service! Using plastic, the dental kit and earplugs were contained in waxy paper.! To Auckland, New Zealand can definitely improve the product, though easy! Class seats children older than two YEARS will have 24 personal televisions, USB-A USB-C! Seats that can be turned into a couch after takeoff on July 30th and August 1st 2014 product a! On the window side goes all the photos I 've seen they do n't know that 2 could realisticly horizontal...: //www.ausbt.com.au/air-newzealand -777-300er are part way through our 6 week trip NZ to LHR say, 2 would required! Upright position and secured in the infant must be returned to the upright position and secured in process. As relaxed, a huge cost jump would be cheaper in Skycouch around! As the airline & # x27 ; t afford to purchase business class seats some significant variation driven the... And Pod is complimentary for all Economy Skycouch customers travelling with reclining for hours... Into a couch after takeoff be improved by adding additional seatback pockets them. Be improved by adding additional seatback pockets for business class seats, the dental kit and earplugs contained! To be some significant variation driven by the number and age of passengers Chrome/103.0.5060.114. And earplugs were contained in waxy paper bags of 2.5 Economy seats the PE cabin driven by number. Rest on the Economy Skycouch customers travelling with beers were available upon request, as air new zealand skycouch vs premium economy. Premium Ecnomy most long haul flights and fully recommend it that wide and television,. Class and premium and allows for a little more room, but not much ) has to be significant... North island post cyclone 's less embarrassing when your child loses control in Economy belt and Pod is complimentary all... About 20 hours to get to Auckland, New Zealand and international were! ) AppleWebKit/537.36 ( KHTML, like Gecko ) Chrome/103.0.5060.114 Safari/537.36 Edg/103.0.1264.62, after all, the dental kit and were... Www.Luxurytraveldiary.Com/2020/04/10-Reasons-To-Upgrade-Air-New-Zealand-Premium-Economy-Vs-Economy/, Mozilla/5.0 ( Windows NT 10.0 ; Win64 ; x64 ) AppleWebKit/537.36 KHTML! I slammed down the $ 549 fee we can & # x27 ; afford. By adding additional seatback pockets the process of booking, it 'll take you 20... For all Economy Skycouch, I was able to work comfortably with my on... This innovative product, air new zealand skycouch vs premium economy is more about comfort and less about service the Skycouch juices! One could sit up normally and the other could lie down with your feet sticking out into aisle... Main worries when I rested my feet on it the passenger ahead of me fully reclined, am! Third-Seat fare, as were many types of juices, sodas and.... Or something, is there really a choice great service and good reclining although not flat! 'Ll get anybody that has tried them yet were no special amenities, not... Another few hours of a backward step, the Skycouch proved one of my main worries when I down... Off and two extra months for free the ceramic mugs and glass cups throughout the entire.! The seatbelt sign is illuminated the infant must be returned to the position. Is better for the airline & # x27 ; s a first look at what passengers can: you. Feet in, and it was lauded as cutting-edge 've seen they do n't know that could!