I booked on Air NZ from Narita in early August this year and was assured that the Business Premier product on the 777 ER was one of the best available.
Great lounge, easy check in and boarding buy when I got to the plane they are using an old 767 with barely reclining seats.
Discussion with the cabin crew reveals that they are using the 767 more often than not and getting quite a few complaints on this run.
At every stage in the booking process a B777ER aircraft was being offered and I even had a discussion with their booking staff regarding seat selection on a B777 2 days prior to the flight.
This seems to me the equivalent of booking and paying for a 4 star hotel and getting a backpacker shared room. Air NZ have declined to reply to my email on the matter. I would hesitate to use this carrier again.
Cashsuds - 24/08/2011 02:52 GMT
Travellingbiker I could not agree with you more I just went and returned from Auckland flying AirNZ and guess what, their 767 was just about dropping to bits.The loo was so dirty and disgusting that when you stepped on the vinyl of the floor, they squished and emitted some liquid on the sides!!! Not for the faint-hearted!! Not only that - I note that AirNZ have been downgrading their services and the ones that pays a higher fare (same flight) gets to sit in front and those that has a discounted fare sit on the tail wing.
As I always say, fly with airlines who are prepared to "pamper" you with what you have paid for. Do not be an airbenefactor!!!
I think I had the same toilet on my flight! The 767s are a disgrace especially when they are using them more often than not on a route where they advertise flat bed 777s. I would be glad to support my local airline but not a chance after this.
ZKSmith - 24/11/2011 23:01 GMT
It's a shame they can't always keep their promise regarding aircraft. Whilst I have never been unlucky enough to be 'downgraded' to the 767 aircraft, I have seen them change from 777-200 to 777-300 to 747 planes on the day on their Auckland to Melbourne routes.
Thankfully the aging 767s will soon be replaced by 787s.
Regarding the 777-300 business class, I have been lucky enough to fly this on AKL - LHR. It's a great improvement on the previous seat. Basicly the same, but the new entertainment system is much faster to load, easier to use, and is on a larger screen with more angle for adjustment. The bed is now much comfier and provides a wonderful sleep. Proper pillows and a thicker matress. It's now equivalent to sleeping on a slightly firm bed rather than a rock hard board like the previous product, and is certainly the best bed in business class that I've experienced.
Well worth it, although if you aren't flying on AKL - LAX - LHR then there does seem to be a fair chance that you won't get this product due to last minute changes, which is a great shame.
The same discussion has been raging for the past years in business class, where there are currently 3 - 4 different type of business class seats, from upright recline, through to a compeltely lie flat (without slipping off).
I dont think that there is any other business that can be so vague about the end product to be used, after a purchase costing anything upwards of $1500 US.
I understand when an aircraft goes tech, equipment / product can change - however, that should mean an automatic, refund to cover the lower grade product.
