Aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Posted (1 year 12 months 10 hours ago) and read 12932 times:
Surprise Trip to Japan Part 1, AKL-NRT on NZ 767
Background
The background of our trip starts exactly 5 days before we left for Japan. I was just checking the grabaseat website (a place where NZ sells some very low fares) when I discovered a 699 NZD return fare to Tokyo (usually about 1700 NZD, so definitely a fantastic deal). Now I know most people in this forum would probably be asking why I would want to visit Japan in these troubled times but the simple answer is that I really wanted to see some of my family who live in Japan. After all it’s been a couple of years since I last visited them and it’s pretty hard to resist the lure of such a cheap fare. So after getting the OK from the family on the other end, I booked the flight and hoped for no more major earthquakes/tsunamis/radiation threats etc .
25 April 2011
A very early wake-up for me, 5.00am to be exact, but it doesn’t take me too long to get very energetic and excited. Anyway at about 5.45am I made my way through the wet weather to the airport and 15 minutes later we were there.
Once I was there, I made my way to check-in, which was pretty empty at this early hour so after about 5-10 minutes I got my boarding pass with Seat 38A (last row, I wonder whose idea that was) from our courteous & friendly agent.
Check-in
After check-in I decided to visit the Observation deck on the top floor.
DJ 738 & 2 NZ 77E’s
NZ 744 & 77E
Top Floor
Looks like they’re doing some renovations.
Once my excursion to the Observation deck was over, I got a quick brekkie and than made my way through security & immigration.
Food court
Landside
Once airside I was finally able to see the final product of a 2 year renovation to Auckland’s departures experience. Since I last went through here in September they have added the ‘Pou Manawa’ which is supposed to symbolize the New Zealand bush and also Auckland’s volcanic landscape.
Overall I think that they’ve done a good job with this and it adds something distinct & unique to Auckland Airport. What do you think?
Here’s the “Pou Manawa”, Note the moving imagery.
‘Pou Manawa’ again.
I had a bit of time in my hands so I walked around a bit but I eventually decided to retreat to reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee.
Two main Trans-Tasman rivals at the new pier, QF (Jetconnect) B738 & NZ A320
Air Pacific B73G to SUV
Boarding Pass
This is the plane that’ll be taking me to NRT, ZK-NCG, an NZ B767-300ER equipped with winglets!
After drinking my coffee I made my way to the relatively empty boarding gate and waited for boarding. The announcement came 5 minutes later from somebody with illegible English (not sure how that happens in an English speaking country) and shortly after I was in the jetway and ready to embark on this long-haul journey.
As mentioned above this flight would be operated by ZK-NCG, which is an NZ B767-300ER. Usually this flight is operated by a 77E but due to the earthquake and the subsequent demand drop-off it is operated by the B763 for the time being. NZ only have 5 B763’s in the fleet and they are planned to be replaced by the B787-9 from about 2014 onwards (delays permitting). ZK-NCG is NZ’s oldest B763 at 17.8 years old and was equipped with winglets in 2009.
Now that’s enough with the info, let’s get on with the flight!
Once in the plane we got a friendly welcome from the FA’s who directed us to the near aisle and I made my way to Row 38.
Air New Zealand 763’s are equipped with greenish cloth seats which were very comfortable.
Legroom was fine…
and the IFE box didn’t pose a problem.
Due to the light load, boarding didn’t take too long but we still ended up waiting for 20 minutes until we finally push backed.
After that we had a relatively short taxi to Runway 05R and took of into the skies.
FJ 73G (DQ-FJF) pushing back. (sorry about the water droplets)
The ‘Fit to Fly’ safety video which has caused a stir on the web.
Beautiful Winglet.
LA A343, must be delayed as it’s supposed to fly to SYD at 0530
A look at the A343’s hairdryer’s
Taxiing
Lined up and …
Rotating into the skies
Note the 2 NZ 744s on the left at the maintenance area
Auckland suburbia
Banking to the north
Unfortunately that would be the end of the views due to the bad weather so it was time to have a look around the IFE.
The IFE equipped on the B763’s is a relatively modern touch screen system. There is also a USB slot which is also not available on the 77E’s & 744’s. A snapshot of what’s included is
35 Movies 80 TV Shows 3D Airshow 15 Games
Overall the system is very good and kept me entertained during the flight. One thing that must be praised about NZ is their IFE which is found across all of it’s international fleet and is also of a very good quality.
Welcome Screen
Pretty decent (for Y) headphones
Controller
Some of the movies available, note the eat & drink option at the bottom, this is only available on Tasman + Pacific flights.
3D Airshow
Can’t get enough of that winglet.
While I was just about to start a movie a crew member came up to me & asked me if I wanted anything. I was dumbfounded for a second but found out that the call button was on without me knowing about it. Anyway the crew member tried to turn it off with the remote but it didn’t work, she said that she’ll try to turn it off but it still didn’t work. In the end it was on for the rest of the flight and about 6 crew members came to me during the flight which was quite annoying. Well on the bright side I could ask for a drink/snack anytime.
Shortly after the crew member left, breakfast service began. The choices were Eggs or Japanese style fish & I choose the egg. Beverage service was shortly after.
Here’s the meal
As you can see the hot part of the meal consists of scrambled eggs, baked beans, a sausage and a solitary tomato. The sides included were some stone cold fruit, a bread bun, yoghurt and orange juice. The hot part of the meal was simply sublime and everything tasted perfectly, especially the eggs which were simply spectacular.
After the meal trays were cleared I decided to have a quick walk-around.
Seats
Lavatory
Along the aisle
Cabin
Anyway after the cabin walk I just spent the next couple of hours resting and peering out into the great ocean expanse below us and once that got boring, I just watched a couple of TV shows on the PTV.
An island near the Ile de Pins in New Caledonia
Noumea, the capital of New Caledonia.
That looks like a nice place to live.
Airshow
The Solomon Islands
Honiara, the capital city of the Solomon Islands and the airport is HIR
Seat pocket contents, Note: NZ don’t supply the in-flight magazine in the seat pocket on long-haul flights. You have to ask the crew if you want one.
Fleet Info
About halfway through the flight the crew came by offering us a mid-flight snack. A choice of “New Zealand Natural” ice creams were offered out first
I chose cookies & cream.
Then vege chips and a choice of beverage were offered shortly after.
The cookies & cream ice cream was frozen solid so I had to let it thaw out for a few minutes but apart from that everything else was fine. Overall, the fact that they offer a decently sized mid-flight snack is impressive so a thumbs-up to NZ for that.
Here are some more mid-flight shots.
The divide between night & day
Saipan, one of the Northern Mariana Islands.
On the left, you can see the island’s airport, SPN
Controls on the airshow.
Cabin
About 2 hours before we were scheduled to land the second meal service began. The choices were Japanese chicken or lamb. I would’ve preferred the lamb but unfortunately that option had ran out so it would be the Japanese chicken for me.
The presentation of the meal looked good & the main meal consisting of chicken, rice rolls, beans, carrots and some sort of brown vegetable was fine though not earth-shattering. I enjoyed the sides which included soba noodles with soba sauce, sushi, some shortbread biscuits & cheese & crackers.
Shortly after the meal trays were cleared the FA’s came around with creme eggs because it was Easter
Anyway, once I had finished my crème egg descent was about to start.
Getting closer to Tokyo
Another angle
The NZ hard boiled lolly was handed out
Japan is in sight.
Those waves don’t look too big …
Lots of rice fields
Narita Airport
ANA at Terminal 1
JAL at Terminal 2
We continued our final approach and had a smooth touchdown on runway 34R
Taxiing
We had a relatively long taxi but we eventually docked at one of the gates at the satellite terminal.
Delta 744 landing
ANA 77W front-on
Nose shot
CX, VN & JL in new & old livery.
‘Japan, Endless Discovery’ jet
Next to a MU A333
Shot during disembarkation
Arrival
Once off the plane I arrived into a rather dark & dingy NRT (due to power-saving measures) & took the shuttle to the main terminal. After that immigration was painless and my bags were out in no time and I was soon able to see my family and take the train back to their apartment.
Conclusion
So, all I can really say about NZ is praise. The crew were fantastic, the food was tasty & the IFE is superb. Even the seat was really comfortable. All in all the combination of a light load, fantastic service and some nice views along the way made this one of my best flights of my life! I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again.
Thanks for reading and please feel free to drop in any comments
PlaneHunter From Germany, joined Mar 2006, 6182 posts, RR: 79 Reply 2, posted (1 year 12 months 9 hours ago) and read 12658 times:
Hi aflyingkiwi,
nice report about your journey to Japan. NZ's product looks good as usual. The carrier's 767 cabins definitely belong to the most advanced in the industry.
RvXKaz From Singapore, joined Apr 2011, 182 posts, RR: 3 Reply 3, posted (1 year 12 months 7 hours ago) and read 12450 times:
Hi Aflyingkiwi!
Wow, its nice to see a report on a longhaul international with NZ B767! Dont recall I've read one for ages!
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): was just checking the grabaseat website (a place where NZ sells some very low fares) when I discovered a 699 NZD return fare to Tokyo (usually about 1700 NZD, so definitely a fantastic deal).
This is a real steal indeed! What a bargain for an 11 hour return flight!
I kinda like the unique design of NZ's boarding pass. It has this simple feel and is so easy to read.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): Since I last went through here in September they have added the ‘Pou Manawa’ which is supposed to symbolize the New Zealand bush and also Auckland’s volcanic landscape.
Now, this is a really interesting architecture. Nice to see that it changes colours as well.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): The ‘Fit to Fly’ safety video which has caused a stir on the web.
I just had to go check it out after reading your TR. Its was a really fun video! Hilarious!
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): I was dumbfounded for a second but found out that the call button was on without me knowing about it. Anyway the crew member tried to turn it off with the remote but it didn’t work, she said that she’ll try to turn it off but it still didn’t work. In the end it was on for the rest of the flight and about 6 crew members came to me during the flight which was quite annoying. Well on the bright side I could ask for a drink/snack anytime.
Sorry to hear that your flight attendant call button malfunctioned but I'm really glad you've looked at the positive side of things. And hey, it shows the NZ flight attendants are really attentive throughout the flight indeed.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): The hot part of the meal was simply sublime and everything tasted perfectly, especially the eggs which were simply spectacular.
mmmm.. awesome! What a nice start to the series of meals and snacks onboard!
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): Seat pocket contents, Note: NZ don’t supply the in-flight magazine in the seat pocket on long-haul flights. You have to ask the crew if you want one.
Wow, this is really interesting. Any idea why do they do that? Thanks so much for informing!
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): The presentation of the meal looked good & the main meal consisting of chicken, rice rolls, beans, carrots and some sort of brown vegetable was fine though not earth-shattering.
It looks good indeed. Good to see what NZ offers for Japanese-style meals.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): Shortly after the meal trays were cleared the FA’s came around with creme eggs because it was Easter
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): So, all I can really say about NZ is praise. The crew were fantastic, the food was tasty & the IFE is superb. Even the seat was really comfortable. All in all the combination of a light load, fantastic service and some nice views along the way made this one of my best flights of my life!
Its nice to hear that you've a wonderful flight with Air NZ. It looks like you've had a very comfortable ride indeed and the views during descent into NRT is just spectacular!
Wonderful read indeed! Thanks so much for sharing.
Cheers,
RvXKaz
They say that I'm a dreamer. But I'd only Dreamt Skyward.
Hey, we've had so little rain in Perth this year that it's nice to see a few drops.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): One thing that must be praised about NZ is their IFE which is found across all of it’s international fleet and is also of a very good quality.
Looks clear and simple to operate, which is the best way.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): the FA’s came around with creme eggs because it was Easter
Nice touch.
Thanks for sharing what was a pleasant flight.
Quokka
akhmad From Netherlands, joined Sep 2005, 2322 posts, RR: 53 Reply 5, posted (1 year 12 months 2 hours ago) and read 11586 times:
Hi aflyingkiwi,
Thanks for sharing this lovely insight report of NZ. I was curious about what NZ’s Japan bound flights have on offer. Caring crew members, great inflight entertainment and tasty meal!
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): but the simple answer is that I really wanted to see some of my family who live in Japan.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): The ‘Fit to Fly’ safety video which has caused a stir on the web.
I can imagine that.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): In the end it was on for the rest of the flight and about 6 crew members came to me during the flight which was quite annoying. Well on the bright side I could ask for a drink/snack anytime.
I would get acquainted with the crew members as well.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): Note: NZ don’t supply the in-flight magazine in the seat pocket on long-haul flights. You have to ask the crew if you want one
NZdsgnr From New Zealand, joined Jul 2008, 259 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (1 year 12 months ago) and read 11287 times:
FlyingKiwi great report. thanks...
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1):
Seat pocket contents, Note: NZ don’t supply the in-flight magazine in the seat pocket on long-haul flights. You have to ask the crew if you want one.
Wow, this is really interesting. Any idea why do they do that? Thanks so much for informing!
that is to limit extra weight onboard since they now have the IFE
AlwaysOnAPlane From United Kingdom, joined Sep 2010, 299 posts, RR: 3 Reply 7, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 10867 times:
Thanks for your story aflyingkiwi.
Good to see more positive feelings around the NZ product. Food looks good and the creme egg, well thats definitely a nice little touch.
No doubt about the 767. Still a workhorse of the sky and looking very modern with the blended winglets. My personal feeling is that the 767 is the best looking of the possible winglet equipped aircraft. Just seems a good match up somehow.
gabrielchew From United Kingdom, joined Aug 2005, 2512 posts, RR: 14 Reply 8, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 21 hours ago) and read 10754 times:
Nice report from NZ - they're clearly still a great quality airline, with very attentive staff. How empty was the flight? Looks like there was plenty of room to move about.
I'm off to Tokyo next month (flying HKG-HND on CX in J B744), back 2 days later (NRT-PVG on NH in J B763), and so your TR has whetted my appetitie for Japan - I can't wait to get back there! Are things back to normal now in Tokyo? Are the electricity shortages very noticable?
767747 From United States of America, joined Jan 2005, 1748 posts, RR: 26 Reply 9, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 17 hours ago) and read 10444 times:
Good report! Looks like you had a nice flight with Air NZ! I love their livery; it also looks really good on those winglets!
The food on NZ always looks to be very good in Economy ... Those meals look tasty!
RAGAZZO777 From Peru, joined Jul 2010, 553 posts, RR: 1 Reply 10, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 10262 times:
Excellent trip report as usual, FlyingKiwi ! And let me tell you, your TR was really helpful to me as I plan to take NZ's flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga, which is operated by a Boeing 767-300ER, later this year. Can't wait to fly Air New Zealand !
Aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 11, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 10123 times:
Hi PH,
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): nice report about your journey to Japan. NZ's product looks good as usual. The carrier's 767 cabins definitely belong to the most advanced in the industry.
Thanks for dropping by. NZ's product definitely was fantastic and IMO NZ's 767 cabin is probably the best in their fleet.
Hi RvXKaz,
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): Wow, its nice to see a report on a longhaul international with NZ B767! Dont recall I've read one for ages!
Thanks
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): This is a real steal indeed! What a bargain for an 11 hour return flight!
Definitely a superb bargain
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): Now, this is a really interesting architecture. Nice to see that it changes colours as well.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): Sorry to hear that your flight attendant call button malfunctioned but I'm really glad you've looked at the positive side of things.
Well it was quite annoying but I could think of worse problems to have during a flight...
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): mmmm.. awesome! What a nice start to the series of meals and snacks onboard!
The meals definitely were a highlight!
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): Wow, this is really interesting. Any idea why do they do that? Thanks so much for informing!
As NZdsgnr said below, it is done to save weight.
Quoting RvXKaz (Reply 3): And they didn't miss out the lollies! Awesome!
Great job done by NZ there.
Hi Quokka,
Quoting Quokka (Reply 4): A good trip report with some nice photos of all the different airlines.
Thanks!
Quoting Quokka (Reply 4): Hey, we've had so little rain in Perth this year that it's nice to see a few drops
Well, I could do with some sunshine now...
Hi Suryo,
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): Thanks for sharing this lovely insight report of NZ.
Thanks for dropping by.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): . I was curious about what NZ’s Japan bound flights have on offer. Caring crew members, great inflight entertainment and tasty meal!
Well, you summed up the flight well, definitely shows why NZ is one of a.nets favourite carriers.
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): don’t know. Can you tell me?
hmmm, let me think
Quoting akhmad (Reply 5): I would get acquainted with the crew members as well.
Yes, in many ways it was positive.
Hi NZdsgnr,
Quoting NZdsgnr (Reply 6):
FlyingKiwi great report. thanks...
Thanks.
Quoting NZdsgnr (Reply 6): that is to limit extra weight onboard since they now have the IFE
I wonder if it's in NZ plan to put the in-flight magazine on the IFE. That would be a bit more handy than having to ask a crew-member.
Hi Lee,
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 7): Good to see more positive feelings around the NZ product. Food looks good and the creme egg, well thats definitely a nice little touch.
I've always known NZ's product to be very good, especially the food which is generally fantastic.
Quoting AlwaysOnAPlane (Reply 7): No doubt about the 767. Still a workhorse of the sky and looking very modern with the blended winglets. My personal feeling is that the 767 is the best looking of the possible winglet equipped aircraft.
The 767 & winglets do go well togethet.
Hi gabrielchew
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): Nice report from NZ - they're clearly still a great quality airline, with very attentive staff. How empty was the flight? Looks like there was plenty of room to move about.
Thanks, The load was about 40-50% so there was plenty of room to move about.
Quoting gabrielchew (Reply 8): I'm off to Tokyo next month (flying HKG-HND on CX in J B744), back 2 days later (NRT-PVG on NH in J B763), and so your TR has whetted my appetitie for Japan - I can't wait to get back there! Are things back to normal now in Tokyo? Are the electricity shortages very noticable?
That sound's like a fun trip. Things are pretty much back to normal in Tokyo now and there weren't any electricity shortages during my stay. The only thing that's really noticeable is that it is a quite a lot dimmer at night because of the neon signs being turned off.
Hi Matthew,
Quoting 767747 (Reply 9):
Good report! Looks like you had a nice flight with Air NZ!
Thanks.
Quoting 767747 (Reply 9): The food on NZ always looks to be very good in Economy ... Those meals look tasty!
Quoting RAGAZZO777 (Reply 10): I plan to take NZ's flight from Los Angeles to Rarotonga, which is operated by a Boeing 767-300ER, later this year. Can't wait to fly Air New Zealand !
I'm glad that my report was helpful. That sounds like a fun trip and Rarotonga is a very beautiful island.
Sultanils From Belgium, joined Mar 2010, 1173 posts, RR: 29 Reply 12, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 8 hours ago) and read 9686 times:
Hi Aflyingkiwi,
Nice story on your Japan travels. Indeed a bit strange of you going there in the first place considering the situation the country finds itself in to, but then again a family visit and a bargain fare is 'not be missed'
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): about 6 crew members came to me during the flight which was quite annoying. Well on the bright side I could ask for a drink/snack anytime.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): The crew were fantastic, the food was tasty & the IFE is superb. Even the seat was really comfortable. All in all the combination of a light load, fantastic service and some nice views along the way made this one of my best flights of my life! I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again.
Well, that's a to-the-point conclusion, glad you had a good experience.
Overall the system is very good and kept me entertained during the flight. One thing that must be praised about NZ is their IFE which is found across all of it’s international fleet and is also of a very good quality.
I couldn't quite get the games to work when I was flying on NZ's 763s. I agree, though, that the new touch screen IFE is fantastic, and much, much easier to use than the old system with the remote control.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Reply 1): As you can see the hot part of the meal consists of scrambled eggs, baked beans, a sausage and a solitary tomato. The sides included were some stone cold fruit, a bread bun, yoghurt and orange juice. The hot part of the meal was simply sublime and everything tasted perfectly, especially the eggs which were simply spectacular.
Ah yes, that was my choice ex-AKL too. It was quite simply the best breakfast I've ever had.
I love NZ's airshow. I'm not sure if any other airlines use the same system, but I don't think too many airlines incoroprate true airspeed readings, wind direction and speed etc in their airshow package. I think it's a great addition for aviation enthusiasts ... although having the registration of the aircraft on the screen would be nice too
nethkt From Thailand, joined Apr 2001, 985 posts, RR: 3 Reply 14, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 1 day 2 hours ago) and read 9224 times:
The advanced entertainment system probably made up a good flight on this 17.8 years old 767-300ER.
Seats look very nice and I actually like the fact that it's 2-3-2 on 767s. 767 is actually a nice size aircraft.
Food presentation is very well done. The mid-flight snack is a plus. The Japanese meal looks delicious.
Air NZ did everything right. I'd like to them on my STAR Award ticket soon.
Many thanks for sharing the story and beautiful photos.
nethkt
Don't be annoyed knowing the passengers around you are non-revs and op-upgraders, be grateful for them. Life is beautifu
I don't know of any other airlines that do it, definitely add's something different & unique to the airshow.
Quoting CXB77L (Reply 13): Hi, Aflyingkiwi, thank you for the trip report.
Hi Sam and thanks for reading.
Quoting CXB77L (Reply 13): I couldn't quite get the games to work when I was flying on NZ's 763s. I agree, though, that the new touch screen IFE is fantastic
That's a shame, though the I agree that the IFE is fantastic.
Quoting CXB77L (Reply 13): Ah yes, that was my choice ex-AKL too. It was quite simply the best breakfast I've ever had.
Definitely one of the best.
Hi nethkt,
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14): Seats look very nice and I actually like the fact that it's 2-3-2 on 767s. 767 is actually a nice size aircraft.
One of my favourite things about the 767 is it's 2-3-2 configuration. It makes a hell of a lot of a difference that you only have to climb over one person when sitting in the window.
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14): Food presentation is very well done. The mid-flight snack is a plus. The Japanese meal looks delicious.
The catering was fantastic & delicious!
Quoting nethkt (Reply 14): Air NZ did everything right. I'd like to them on my STAR Award ticket soon.
I think that's a great idea, you don't have to come to NZ to fly with them as they fly LAX-LHR (with their new 77W's) and HKG-LHR though it would be great if you come down under to NZ.
timb777 From New Zealand, joined Dec 2009, 142 posts, RR: 0 Reply 16, posted (1 year 11 months 4 weeks 9 hours ago) and read 8486 times:
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): Even the seat was really comfortable. All in all the combination of a light load, fantastic service and some nice views along the way made this one of my best flights of my life! I definitely wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again.
Great report Aflyingkiwi,
I agree that this would have been a great flight with all the views etc on the way. I enjoy day flights much more than night ones, and also think they are safer, so I know that I would enjoy this flight and it is high on my to do list.
Unfortunately most of NZ's long hauls are night flights! I just wish they could shift the entire schedule 12 hours forward, but I guess that the general flying public prefers night flights...
Quoting timb777 (Reply 16): I agree that this would have been a great flight with all the views etc on the way. I enjoy day flights much more than night ones, and also think they are safer, so I know that I would enjoy this flight and it is high on my to do list.
I'm with you on this, I much prefer day flights to night flights and try to get on them as much as possible.
I think this is going to be the permanent way to get to the observation deck as I believe the Emirates lounge is being put there.
Quoting Aflyingkiwi (Thread starter): Once airside I was finally able to see the final product of a 2 year renovation to Auckland’s departures experience. Since I last went through here in September they have added the ‘Pou Manawa’ which is supposed to symbolize the New Zealand bush and also Auckland’s volcanic landscape.
It's a great looking airside area now - a huge change to even 2 years ago!
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 19, posted (1 year 10 months 3 weeks 6 days 12 hours ago) and read 5972 times:
Hi Nicholas,
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): Nice report on this journey to NRT! NZ is good as expected.
Thanks.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): Too bad I don't really have a reason to go to Japan..
Well I guess not at this time but I highly recommend that you do visit sometime.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): I think this is going to be the permanent way to get to the observation deck as I believe the Emirates lounge is being put there.
Well hopefully they can liven it up a bit, concrete & white walls, urghh... and the new EK lounge sounds cool. Maybe we can expect a report from a certain someone about it..
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): Very much so! I could easily cope on a flight to Japan in that seat. Even better when there's nobody next to you.
IMO I found it more comfortable than the 77E on the return leg.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): I personally don't like it
Agreed.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): Did you try it outside of meal times?
Yes and as you would expect it was unavailable.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): What happened to Kapiti Ice Cream?
Who knows but from my memory NZ Natural Ice Cream has always been served on flights to NRT.
Quoting NZ107 (Reply 18): looking forward to the next part!
ORDnHKG From United States of America, joined Jul 2009, 185 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (1 year 10 months 3 weeks 4 days 11 hours ago) and read 5369 times:
Thanks for your report, NZ definately did a good job with their catering !
Quoting PlaneHunter (Reply 2): The carrier's 767 cabins definitely belong to the most advanced in the industry.
You are kidding right ? Did you even look at the overhead bins ? It was using the one built 20 years ago ! NZ with nice seats and IFE, but they did nothing with the bins on top ! Many carriers have rebuilt their 767 interior with Boeing Signature Interior (777 style), or at least the modified version, whereas NZ choose to do nothing with it. The old bins is especially worse in the middle, you can't fit a standard 21" roller bag at all, it has to use the side bins instead !
aflyingkiwi From New Zealand, joined Nov 2010, 487 posts, RR: 7 Reply 21, posted (1 year 10 months 3 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 4903 times:
Hi ORDnHKG,
Quoting ORDnHKG (Reply 20): Thanks for your report, NZ definately did a good job with their catering !
I'm glad you liked it, the catering was very good.
Quoting ORDnHKG (Reply 20): You are kidding right ? Did you even look at the overhead bins ? It was using the one built 20 years ago !
I think to be fair PlaneHunter was talking about the product (IFE, seating etc.) not the overhead bins and other stuff to do with the 767 interior.
Quoting ORDnHKG (Reply 20): Many carriers have rebuilt their 767 interior with Boeing Signature Interior (777 style)
NZ are going to be replacing the 767's within the next few years so I don't think it will be necessary. If the 787 delays hadn't happened, than the first 767's would've been replaced by now.
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