Flying business class is alwaaays a good time, but not all airlines are created equal. Air New Zealand’s business class has a reputation for having one of the most awkward seat configurations in the sky. This review breaks down an 8-hour journey across two flights—Sydney to Auckland and Auckland to Tahiti—covering every aspect of the experience, from check-in to final landing. Plus, learn how to book this flight using miles and points.
Lounge Access
Flying business class with Air New Zealand gives you access to the Air New Zealand Business Lounge. But, travelers with The Platinum Card® from American Express can also access the Centurion Lounge, give you even more options. For those with Star Alliance Gold status, the Singapore Airlines Lounge in Sydney is another choice!
Each lounge has its strengths. The Centurion Lounge offers a solid food selection but isn’t quite as impressive as its U.S. counterparts. The Singapore Airlines Lounge is quieter, offers great views, and has an excellent food spread. Meanwhile, the Air New Zealand Lounge provides a large space but tends to be more crowded. Overall, lounge hopping at Sydney Airport is a worthwhile experience before boarding.
Flight Experience: The Good and the Bad
Seat Configuration: A Major Drawback
Air New Zealand’s business class seats have a unique herringbone layout, meaning all seats face toward the aisle. While this setup provides full lie-flat functionality, it significantly reduces privacy. It also means that passengers need to awkwardly twist to see out of the window. Compared to other premium airlines, this configuration falls short in terms of comfort and usability.
Service and In-Flight Dining
Despite the seat design, the service on board is top-notch. Flight attendants are professional, accommodating, and attentive throughout the flight. Dining options include multi-course meals with New Zealand wines, fresh bread, and dessert selections. While the food is well-prepared, the menu lacks variety compared to some top-tier international carriers.
Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Air New Zealand offers an extensive in-flight entertainment library, though some well-known TV series and movies are missing. However, the availability of free Wi-Fi is a major perk, making it easy to stream content or stay connected mid-flight.
Amenities and Comfort
Passengers receive an amenity kit featuring eco-friendly items such as a wooden toothbrush, socks, and skincare products. While the kit is minimalistic, it aligns with Air New Zealand’s sustainability efforts, which is cool. The onboard bathrooms are clean and include large windows, adding an unexpected bonus to the overall experience.
Final Rating and Verdict
Using a newly developed scoring system, Air New Zealand’s business class scored 71 out of 100 (per Kara and Nate’s personal review). Here’s the breakdown:
Check-in: 7/10 (Efficient but slightly chaotic)
Lounge Experience: 8/10 (Multiple options, solid food, but crowded)
Seat Comfort: 4/10 (Awkward configuration, lack of privacy)
Bed Comfort: 7/10 (Good lie-flat design but impacted by seat layout)
Food: 6/10 (Good quality but limited variety)
Drinks: 9/10 (New Zealand wines are a highlight)
Amenity Kit: 8/10 (Sustainable but basic)
Staff Service: 9/10 (Friendly and professional)
Bathroom: 7/10 (Spacious, well-lit with windows)
Entertainment: 6/10 (Lacking some major options, but free Wi-Fi helps)
How to Book This Flight Using Miles and Points
Booking Air New Zealand business class at full price can be expensive—often around $4,000. However, using miles and points can significantly reduce the cost.
Air New Zealand business class can be booked using:
United MileagePlus miles
Air Canada Aeroplan points
Virgin Atlantic Flying Club miles
Capital One Miles (by using the Purchase Eraser feature)
Availability for business class redemptions on Air New Zealand can be limited, so booking far in advance or monitoring award space is recommended. Using transferable currencies like American Express Membership Rewards, Capital One Miles, or Chase Ultimate Rewards can increase flexibility in finding award seats.
Final Thoughts
According to Kara and Nate, Air New Zealand’s business class is a mixed experience. While the seat layout leaves much to be desired, the strong service, high-quality drinks, and solid food selection help balance the drawbacks. For those who prioritize lounge access, attentive staff, and a comfortable bed over privacy, it remains a decent option—especially when booked with miles and points.
Would this business class experience be worth full price? Probably not. But with points, it’s an efficient way to travel in comfort while experiencing a bit of New Zealand hospitality!
