Inflight Review Posted on

Air New Zealand Economy Class Review: Trans-Tasman

Flying across the Tasman with Air New Zealand? Here’s what to expect!

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INTRODUCTION

A quick hop over the Tasman Sea with Air New Zealand proved to be a lovely inflight experience, even in economy.

It had been at least 20 years since I last flew with the airline, and I was curious to see what they had to offer onboard.

Three empty airplane seats with black upholstery and seatbelts in place, positioned beside circular windows.

If you’re flying trans-Tasman economy class with Air NZ, you’ll have three fare choices:

  • Seat: Carry-on only, complimentary tea/coffee/water, inflight entertainment. No checked baggage or meal included (though snacks are provided!).
  • The Works: Includes one checked bag, meals and drinks, inflight entertainment, and seat selection.
  • Works Flexi: Same as The Works, but with flexibility to change flights.

But before I get into the onboard experience, let’s explore the airport. If you don’t want to read, you can always just watch the Instagram reel.

PREMIUM CHECK IN

Air New Zealand premium check-in area with illuminated signage.

Air New Zealand’s premium check-in is all about blending efficiency with Kiwi charm.

The space incorporates timber curves inspired by bird wings, a living wall bringing the Waitākere Ranges indoors, and a digital wall showcasing bespoke New Zealand art and music.

There are concierge desks for a more personalised check-in experience, self-service kiosks for speed, and upgraded bag-drop tech for faster check in.

People with luggage gather in an airport lounge area near check-in counters, with directional signage and seating visible.

Having access to the premium check-in and expedited security line saved me a lot of time.

There were no queues, and I had my boarding pass in seconds before heading to the lounge.

A row of airport self-service kiosks with a nearby banner from Air New Zealand, thanking passengers for kindness and respect.

THE LOUNGE

The Air New Zealand lounge at Auckland Airport was busy during my visit, making it a little difficult to find seating as it was quite crowded.

The lounge opens daily at 4:30 AM and remains open until the last departure, spanning approximately 2,100 square metres and accommodating up to 437 people.

A modern airport lounge with a beverage station, seating area, and passengers relaxing near large windows.

The modern design offers various seating zones tailored for working, dining, or relaxing, and floor-to-ceiling windows provide ample natural light with stunning runway views.

A modern drink station with wine bottles, glasses, a coffee machine, soda dispensers, and beverage refrigerators in an airport lounge setting.
A modern lounge with several armchairs and tables facing a large wall-mounted TV. A cup is on one table, and a backpack is on a chair. A person sits on the far right.

A self-serve buffet offered an array of hot and cold dishes, along with light refreshments.

Stainless steel buffet chafing dishes with various foods, including a bowl of stew and a serving spoon on a countertop.
Round fried foods in a serving dish with a few crumbs on the bottom. The lid is open.
A buffet table with plates of croissants, apple danishes, pears, and assorted pastries. Serving tongs rest on an empty plate in the foreground.
Buffet with various finger sandwiches and desserts on display, labeled with signs, and metal tongs placed nearby.
A breakfast cereal station with three dispensers labeled "Cornflakes," "Chocolate Granola," and "Almond Granola," surrounded by utensils and bowls in a modern dining area.

The bar featured a range of beverages, and a barista station served freshly made coffee to order (though expect a wait during busy periods).

A digital kiosk displaying coffee options, including flat white, latte, and cappuccino, with images of each drink.
Touchscreen displaying a notification for a coffee order, ready in six minutes. People sit in the background of a busy, well-lit café.

If you’re in a rush, coffee machines in the food area are a quick option.

A coffee machine with a touchscreen, a cup underneath, and jars of coffee beans on top. Nearby are metal jugs, packets of sugar, and a selection of tea bags.

The food was plentiful and tasty. I sampled some breakfast options upon arrival, and about 20 minutes later, the staff began transitioning to the lunch offerings.

Dessert counter with lemon-flavored mousse cups and a sliced lemon cake on display.
A buffet with vegan Snickers slices, miso dressed slaw with coriander and mint, and assorted sandwiches.
Buffet table with assorted cheeses and crackers, people serving themselves.
Buffet with various finger sandwiches and desserts on display, labeled with signs, and metal tongs placed nearby.

Here’s a glimpse of my experienced during a previous visit to their Melbourne lounge earlier this year.

A buffet with a lot of food on it.
A buffet with a variety of food on it.
A buffet of desserts on a table.
A bar with a variety of drinks and glasses.
A group of people sitting in an airport waiting area.
A lounge area with several chairs and tables.
A lounge area with black leather chairs and a white curtain.

BOARDING

Boarding was welcoming and friendly, with smiling cabin crew stationed throughout the cabin to greet passengers.

Airplane interior with rows of empty black seats and seatback screens, lit by overhead lighting.

The crew’s warmth and professionalism stood out—they exuded experience and a genuine care for the passengers.

Sure, many US-based airlines have lots of senior crew, but it’s how crew treat you that really matters.

The Air NZ crew on this flight just made you feel at home, made you feel welcome, and during the service, they were proactive in ensuring that all passengers were happy and their needs met.

Wide-angle view of a full airplane cabin with passengers seated. In-flight entertainment screens are visible on the back of seats. The flight crew is seen working in the aisle.

It’s hard to find crew like this on low-cost airlines or other airlines that are constantly recruiting cabin crew. It’s quite refreshing to see.

The 787’s interior was pristine and pleasant, with comfortable seats, great inflight entertainment, and cute little headphones waiting at each seat.

Purple earbuds placed on an airplane tray table, accompanied by a paper bag from Air New Zealand offering complimentary earbuds for passengers.

INFLIGHT

After takeoff, Cabin Manager Tom announced the meal choices for economy passengers.

We had three options:

  • Chicken Teriyaki Salad
  • Beef Kofta
  • Macaroni and Cheese

Three choices in economy is a big win, especially when they go beyond the usual “chicken or beef” options.

I opted for the chicken, served with rice and edamame. It was fresh, light, and filling.

The beef and mac & cheese options came with a small side salad on the tray.

Airplane tray with a bun, ice cream, a boxed meal, and a snack bar.

Also included were bread with butter and a gorgeous white chocolate and raspberry ice cream for dessert.

A cup of Kapiti white chocolate and raspberry ice cream with a wooden spoon, placed on a tray table.
A partially eaten ice cream cup with a wooden spoon inside, on a blue surface.

I loved the sustainable packaging and cutlery.

Cardboard food box on an airplane tray table with recycling and composting instructions. Background includes a butter packet and cup.
A box with icons and text: Recyclable, Compostable, Leak proof 24 hours, Microwave, Oven, Food safe. Text below says, "Zero plastic. Sustainably sourced.
An airplane meal with grilled chicken, vegetables, and a pack of wooden utensils on a tray table.
Airplane meal with a salad topped with shredded chicken, a bread roll, butter, Kapiti ice cream, and utensils on a tray table.
A takeout box filled with grilled chicken, shredded cabbage, edamame, and rice.

Justin Koen, Head of Culinary at Air NZ, has done a stellar job ensuring the airline stays true to its roots, featuring local snacks, butter, and Kiwi-inspired food concepts.

One standout initiative is the Great Kiwi Snack Off, a nationwide competition that invited 400 snack suppliers to showcase their best treats in 2023.

Fourteen were selected to be served inflight, including tangy lemon meringue popcorn, freeze-dried cheese, and chocolate-dipped almonds.

Speaking of snacks, even passengers without a meal-inclusive fare still receive a snack.

Two snack packs on a tray table: one bag of BBQ rice discs with roasted almonds and another pack labeled "Primal bar.
Open snack bag with rice crackers and peanuts inside, placed on a tray table.

I also got a glimpse of the premium economy meals and took some photos, thanks to Cabin Manager Tom, who kindly emailed them to me during the flight.

Airplane meal tray with cheese, bread roll, butter, crackers, a packet of mustard, and a dish with smoked salmon, orange slices, olives, and parsley garnish.
The starter which is normally served first.
Airplane meal tray with a main dish of chicken, potatoes, and green beans, a side of smoked salmon salad, cheese and rice wafers, and a roll with butter on a purple placemat.
The entire concept including the hot meal which is normally served after the entree is finished.

The crew continued to offer drinks, including alcohol, throughout the flight, and just before landing, everyone received a lolly.

A wrapped, amber-colored candy labeled "New Zealand" on a white surface.

CONCLUSION

Flying Air New Zealand economy on this trans-Tasman route was an enjoyable experience.

From the friendly, professional crew to the thoughtfully curated meal service, every aspect of the journey felt elevated for an economy class experience.

The airline’s commitment to sustainability, showcasing local flavours, and supporting Kiwi suppliers adds a nice touch.

Whether you’re travelling with a Works fare for a complete meal experience or just opting for the Seat fare, the crew ensures every passenger feels looked after. Whatever you paid for your fare.

Would I fly them again? Absolutely!