I’m in an aisle seat in the centre of the cabin with 2-3-2 configuration,and have an entire overhead locker to myself. The cushy leather seats are surprisingly spacious with a 41-inch (104-centimetre) pitch and 19.3-inch (49-centimetre) width,and come with an adjustable headrest and cushioned leg rest. The impressive recline is nine inches (22.9cm) and structured not to disturb extended tray tables on the seat behind. I’m able to drift asleep for about six hours,waking just before breakfast is served two hours before landing. The seat comes with a small amenity kit – stripey socks,bamboo toothbrush and toothpaste,Aotea body lotion,earplugs and a handy recyclable pen made of paper.
Baggage
Two pieces of checked luggage up to 23 kilograms each,and two pieces of carry on,up to 14 kilograms in total.
Entertainment
What’s screening on your flight changes regularly,and passengers can check ahead on the airline’s website to plan their viewing. Live sport had just been added to the entertainment roster and there’s low bandwidth Wi-Fi suitable for messaging,emails and scrolling socials. All premium economy seats come with noise-cancelling headphones.
Service
Two efficient crew service the premium economy cabin,and both are professional and courteous,if less chatty with passengers than those in business.
Food
Premium economy passengers receive a menu,and while the choices are scaled down considerably from business class,it’s a far cry from economy.
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Your choice of three breads,soft butter and olive oil is the same as business;there is one light appetiser and I choose a hearty Alaskan cod with green olive tapenade crust,chickpea smash,roasted fennel and smoked tomatoes as my main. The cod is cooked in a casserole dish thus impressively retaining its moisture compared to other fish dishes I’ve been served in the air. For dessert,a praline cheesecake with two plump blackberries defeats me.
I am asleep for the mid-flight toasted sandwiches,but the breakfast is good – pancakes with a thick blueberry compote,fresh fruit,warm croissants,and yoghurt.
Carbon emissions
4.2 tonnes for premium economy passengers. The airline aims to reach net zero carbon emissions by the year 2050 and offers passengers a carbon offset program.
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One more thing
All cabins on board the 787-9 Dreamliners will be refit in late 2024,with a promise of greater personal space,more privacy and improved technology.
The price
From about $2300,premium economy,one way.*
The verdict
This is truly one of the most comfortable sky-cradles I’ve had the pleasure of sitting in.
Our rating out of five
★★★★½
The writer travelled as a guest of Air New Zealand.
*Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.