I Tried Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy – Is It Worth It?
View on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOXOJnM6CYI
Is Air New Zealand Premium Economy The Extra Cash?
When planning long-haul flights, comfort becomes a priority, and upgrading from Economy to Premium Economy can be tempting. Air New Zealand, known for its innovative approach to in-flight experience, offers a Premium Economy class that promises enhanced comfort and services. But is it worth the upgrade? Here’s a closer look at what you get with Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy and whether it justifies the extra cost.
Seat Comfort and Space
More Space:
The increased seat space is one of the most significant benefits of Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy. Passengers enjoy wider seats with more legroom compared to standard Economy. The seat pitch (the distance between rows) in Premium Economy is typically around 41-42 inches, giving you more room to stretch out and relax.
Enhanced Seat Design:
The seats in Premium Economy are also designed for added comfort. With a generous recline, footrests, and adjustable headrests, the seats allow for a more restful flight experience. The cabin has fewer seats than Economy, providing a quieter and more spacious environment.
Privacy:
Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy seats are arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration, offering more privacy than Economy seats. The seats are also positioned to minimize disturbance from other passengers, making the overall experience more peaceful.
In-flight service and Amenities
Priority Boarding and Check-In:
Premium Economy passengers benefit from priority check-in and boarding, which reduces wait times and makes the airport experience smoother and more efficient.
Upgraded Meal Service:
In Premium Economy, you can expect an upgraded dining experience. Air New Zealand offers a premium meal service with gourmet dishes in real crockery and metal cutlery. Complimentary wine, beer, and spirits are also included, along with snacks throughout the flight.
Amenity Kits:
Passengers in Premium Economy receive amenity kits with essential travel items like eye masks, socks, and skincare products. This adds an extra touch of comfort, especially on long-haul flights.
Dedicated Cabin Crew:
The Premium Economy cabin has a dedicated crew, ensuring more personalized and attentive service. The crew-to-passenger ratio is higher, often translating into quicker service and more attention to detail.
Entertainment and Extras
Larger Screens:
In Premium Economy, you’ll enjoy a larger in-flight entertainment screen than in Economy. The entertainment system offers a wide selection of movies, TV shows, games, and music, keeping you entertained throughout the flight.
Noise-Cancelling Headphones:
To enhance your in-flight entertainment experience, Air New Zealand provides noise-cancelling headphones in Premium Economy. This is a significant upgrade from the standard headphones in Economy, allowing for a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
Wi-Fi Access:
Air New Zealand offers in-flight Wi-Fi on many long-haul flights, and Premium Economy passengers can often purchase Wi-Fi at a discounted rate. This is a valuable feature for staying connected during your journey.
Value for Money
Cost Consideration:
The price difference between Economy and Premium Economy can vary significantly depending on the route, time of booking, and availability. On some routes, the upgrade may be relatively modest, while on others, it could represent a high additional cost.
Comfort vs. Cost:
For passengers who value comfort and want to avoid the cramped conditions of Economy, Premium Economy can be well worth the extra cost, especially on long-haul flights. The added space, upgraded service, and enhanced amenities provide a more pleasant flying experience.
Frequent Flyer Perks:
For frequent flyers or those with Air New Zealand loyalty status, upgrading to Premium Economy can earn additional Airpoints Dollars and Status Points, making it a strategic choice for those looking to maintain or improve their loyalty status.
Is It Worth It?
Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is worth considering if comfort, space, and service are essential to you, especially on long-haul flights. The enhanced seat comfort, upgraded meal service, and additional perks make the flying experience significantly better than in Economy. However, whether it’s worth the extra cost depends on your preferences and budget. For those who can afford it and value a more comfortable and restful journey, Premium Economy offers a compelling balance between luxury and affordability.
#AirNewZealand #PremiumEconomy #FlightUpgrade #TravelComfort #InFlightExperience #LongHaulTravel #AviationReview #TravelInStyle #FlyAirNZ #TravelTips #NewZealandTravel