AirNZ Business Premier vs Premium Economy for couples (777-300)

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firefuze

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#189612 6-Jan-2016 11:12

Looking for some regular travellers such as @sbiddle to offer their experience's.

Ill be traveling across the ditch soon and both route segments will be on the 773. Im taking the significant other away for a combined birthday/anniversary and I was going to go all out with Business both ways (given the occasion) but now I'm considering the Premium Economy/Space Seats instead.

The Space Seats mean you will be seated together and if you take the centre aisle seats, they are advertised as been perfect couples because she can ever so conveniently place her legs over your lap while she sleeps and use all of your shared table. The business premier seating means you can't actually see each other, you would have to remove yourself from your seat to interact.

Question is, when travelling for only 3-4 hrs do you really want to talk and interact with your other half? Or would you actually prefer the luxury of having some 'me' time and privacy along with more premium facilities/seating & food?

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#1462222 6-Jan-2016 11:42

Couple of questions, whats the price diffrence, ( minimal, not bad, outrageous :)

Its only a short haul flight so you are unlikely to use the lie flat bed you are paying for with PB,

Also do you have lounge access (Koru/Gold/Elite)?? You will get access with a PB ticket, but not PE, and having access will make the whole experiance a lot better, and you would probably not even notice a huge difference between the seating on such a short flight...

trig42

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#1462233 6-Jan-2016 11:57

Yeah, the lounge access would be the biggest difference I think - that couple of hours before the flight (at both ends) can make a huge difference to the experience if you have lounge access.
It would depend on difference in price though - PE to PB can be a huge jump.

jmh

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#1462250 6-Jan-2016 12:28

Probably depends on how well you get on I would think.

timmmay

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#1462276 6-Jan-2016 13:02

3/4 hours you could do standing up. That kind of luxury great for longer distance I bet, but seems like a waste just to aus. I'd go with the cheapest option.

firefuze

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#1462277 6-Jan-2016 13:04

wellygary: Couple of questions, whats the price diffrence, ( minimal, not bad, outrageous :)

Its only a short haul flight so you are unlikely to use the lie flat bed you are paying for with PB,

Also do you have lounge access (Koru/Gold/Elite)?? You will get access with a PB ticket, but not PE, and having access will make the whole experiance a lot better, and you would probably not even notice a huge difference between the seating on such a short flight...

The price difference isn't too bad but would likely do a One-up bid since the business seating is very empty on both flights - likely to get a good price and I have the Airpoints to spend.

I do have a Koru membership so lounge access etc isn't an issue.

I have flown business short haul by myself and quite enjoyed it - but wouldn't pay the ticket price for it (I used One-up upgrade).

firefuze

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#1462286 6-Jan-2016 13:18

jmh: Probably depends on how well you get on I would think.

Ha, yes almost worth setting that as the thread answer. But we get along just fine. Its a special occasion so do want to spoil her a bit.

I have two outcomes
- (Business) Did you not want to spend time with me?? I can't see you, Why are we in different seats? Do you think I'm annoying? Are you trying to say you want time apart?

- (Prem Econo) Since we are seated together can we watch Twilight, These seats are nice but those business pods look amazing, I always wanted to fly business, could you not afford it? Am I not worth it? Can I have your ice cream?

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Andib

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#1462291 6-Jan-2016 13:23

Go for Business, you're planing the trip to spoil her and so it's not just another commute to AU so it will be worth the upgrade IMO.
Maybe only opt to BP on the way there and PE on return? Best of both worlds?

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mentalinc

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#1462310 6-Jan-2016 13:24

Use the money on a better hotel or flash dinner out.

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timmmay

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#1462311 6-Jan-2016 13:32

For reference, a random date in March, per person:
- Economy around $400 return
- Premium economy from $1000 return
-Business from $1400 return

networkn

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#1462312 6-Jan-2016 13:34

mentalinc: Use the money on a better hotel or flash dinner out.

So SO much this. I am a frequent business class traveller, and I don't (Usually) upgrade going to Australia. She won't remember business class in a years time, but almost certainly a good meal out will be the business. If you are going to Melbourne, then I recommend this place for something really amazing.

Vue de Monde. It has SPECTACULAR views, and very nice food. Expensive, but worth it for a special occasion.

Also a nice hotel is a memorable experience. I can recommend a few depending on where you want to be or are travelling to.

sbiddle

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#1462316 6-Jan-2016 13:43

I'll offer my 2c worth - I'd never pay full price for business to Aussie for a 3hr flight. I would pay the elite standby rate if it was for a special occasion.

If you want to spend time and talk the PE middle seats are the best option.

Air NZ's cost cutting is getting pretty bad now, I blew BP to Houston on NYE and apart from the constant refills of champagne the service and catering was pretty average.

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firefuze

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#1462320 6-Jan-2016 13:46

Thanks for the advice, I'm going to do Premium Economy and put in a one-up upgrade to Business for the flight back since the Airpoints I have would cover this so no extra money to spend, plus after 10 days we probably want some time to ourselves so makes sense to try a bid for business on the way back!

jtan

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#1462327 6-Jan-2016 13:54

If you're only going to be on a Trans-Tasman flight then I'd say you'll probably want to enjoy the full experience of being in BP if you do decide to upgrade, seeing as it is a relatively short flight. There is an ottoman which you are able to use as a seat if you would like to chat while having a drink etc together, but I don't think that it would be suitable for sharing a full fledged meal.

A thought - Are you both on the same PNR? As far as I was last aware, as a Koru member you should be able to book preferred seating for that flight, provided there is availability, which will allow you to be seated in PE (16 seats are reserved for frequent flyers). If you are on the same PNR you should have access to this seating along with your partner. 6 seats are assigned as $20 seat upgrades to anyone, then the remainder of the seats for works deluxe. Note that if you pay for a standard economy seat and select premium seating to be seated in PE I believe you are not entitled to meal service, just the perk of being in a better seat. I'm not sure (but I don't see why not) if you can then BP from there (providing it goes through).

networkn

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#1462328 6-Jan-2016 13:56

firefuze: Thanks for the advice, I'm going to do Premium Economy and put in a one-up upgrade to Business for the flight back since the Airpoints I have would cover this so no extra money to spend, plus after 10 days we probably want some time to ourselves so makes sense to try a bid for business on the way back!

Just remember:

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#1462335 6-Jan-2016 14:08

sbiddle: I'll offer my 2c worth - I'd never pay full price for business to Aussie for a 3hr flight. I would pay the elite standby rate if it was for a special occasion.

If you want to spend time and talk the PE middle seats are the best option.

Air NZ's cost cutting is getting pretty bad now, I blew BP to Houston on NYE and apart from the constant refills of champagne the service and catering was pretty average.

Air NZ under Rob Fyfe (One of NZ's greatest CEO) was one of the best companies, let alone airlines I've flown with. So awesome. We flew them exclusively from when the Govt Bailed them out till now.

Our recent experiences with asking for flexibility on fees for changes and some of the responses in relation to general questions, and the pricing and stupidity of it's one up system have us very seriously considering other airlines.
We fly a bit to Hawaii, and will probably fly Hawaiin next time. (This time they are changing one direction to the 787-9.

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