First Impressions I arrived at LAX Terminal 2 at 1305 for my 1600 return flight. The airline carriers are clearly signposted on the outside of the building, and while the economy line was fairly busy, the Business Premier check-in desk had no queue and three attendants. Locating the security check was slightly confusing, as I had started to queue in what seemed to be the correct line, only to find it was for passengers with locked checked baggage (presumably waiting to be handed back their bags for inspection). I was directed out of the terminal building and back in through the Virgin Atlantic entrance, near the elevators, to security. There was no fast-track stream, but I was through by 1320 with plenty of time to enjoy the lounge (see left).
The flight was called at
1515 as promised by the receptionist, and thankfully there was no
boarding queue, unlike the outward journey. This time I was seated on
the lower deck, and once settled was offered a drink, ear plugs, eye
mask and shown how to use the various functions of the new seat. We
taxied at 1605 and were airborne 10 minutes later.
The Seat
Business Premier seats are 56cm in width, forward facing in a 1-2-1
herring bone formation, each with aisle access. I was in seat 11F
(bizarrely the seats are lettered A, E, F and K across), one of 36
Business Premier seats on the lower deck. Most of the leather seat
functions are operated electronically, including the lumbar support,
pitch, table access and conversion into lie-flat bed mode. The foot
rest doubles as a seat, enabling passengers to dine with a guest. We
were also invited to recline our seats and use the foot rest during
take-off and landing.
There are a few problems with the dining table, and the printed seat guide advises that a new design is in development. The passenger in front of me was unable to access his table at all, and despite the help of three stewardesses, a knife (and later a very apologetic purser) the table could not be used, and he was left to eat his food from a tray on his lap. My table functioned fine, albeit a little stiff to return to its housed position.
The IFE works in the same way in all classes but there was a larger 26.5cm screen. Noise cancelling headphones also improved the sound quality considerably compared to premium economy. During my first film choice the screen froze, but I was quickly able to get back to where I was with the fast forward function.
Other seat features include: a retractable cocktail tray, water bottle holder, three reading lights depending on seating/lying position, in-seat power (again not compatible with British three pin plugs), and a retractable arm rest doubling as a stowaway for small items.
The seat converts into a
2-metre lie-flat bed (the seat back flips forward to connect with the
ottoman). The pillow and duvet are located under the bed seatbelt, and
once the armrest is retracted, the bed is 84cm wide around the shoulder
area. I found it comfortable and was still able to watch the IFE from a
lying position.
The Flight Drink orders were
taken almost immediately after take-off. There is a wine guide in every
Business Premier seat, but unfortunately this was not up to date and
none of the listed Pinot Noir were available, so I asked the steward to
choose and was perfectly happy with the result. Dinner was served on a
white tablecloth, with simple, stylish crockery and strong (plastic)
cutlery. The starter was a light oak leaf lettuce salad, with feta
cheese, beets, sweet onions and black olive oil. For my main course I
chose the oak roasted duck breast with toasted wheat berries, broccoli
rabe, grapes and almonds, followed by the same cheese dish I had on the
outbound journey. The menu for the LA to London leg in Business Premier
has been devised by New Zealand chef Govind Armstrong, co-owner of top
restaurant Table 8 in LA.
Snacks and drinks were available on
request or from the self-service area, but all I really wanted to do
was sleep, so having filled in my breakfast request form, I lay back
and dozed on and off until breakfast, a delicious strawberry and honey
smoothie, and a plate of sausage and eggs. Unfortunately at this point
my IFE had frozen completely, and soon afterwards the purser announced
that the system would be shut down completely for the rest of the
journey, assuring us that the glitches would be fixed by the next time
we travelled with Air New Zealand.
Arrival We
arrived on time at 1030 and quickly disembarked. There was a fast-track
passport control, but as there was only one person manning it, I opted
to queue in the economy line (with five attendants), and it was faster.
Business Premier customers enjoy a complimentary taxi to their
destination (within a 50 mile radius of the airport). Unfortunately my
ride had arrived 24 hours earlier (they had forgotten that I would be
landing the day after I took off). A quick call resolved the issue
within five minutes.
Verdict Air New Zealand
acknowledged the teething problems with the IFE and Business Premier
tables, but these hiccups are relatively minor. The staff were
extremely courteous and made time to help passengers with any problems.
The new Business Premier seating is a welcome addition for business
travellers looking to rest properly on a long-haul flight, and the
catering and IFE (when working) were of a very high standard.
Price Pacific Economy return fares start from £683, premium economy from £927, and Business Premier from £2,224.
Mark Caswell
