I am currently looking at options for business class travel between Sydney and LAX. For the dates I'm looking at, both Air NZ and Asiana have very reasonable fares. They're basically the same price, and the difference in total duration is within 30 minutes (as the NZ flight has a 6 or so hour layover in Auckland).
Work requires I book the cheapest possible ticket provided its not super illogical, so I'm wondering which carrier would have a better product in business class (all things being equal, convenience wise).
The NZ flights are on a 789 and 777-3, and the Asiana flights are on a 777-2 and A380 (both of which show a 1 - 2- 1 layout).
I can't say what I think about the seat cause I've never flown OZ (I've flown Air NZ Business to LAX) but having just been through Seoul if someone gave me the choice of stopping via Seoul or Auckland I'd pick Auckland any day.
The airport was crazy busy and apparently I was there in the low season, flying out at a quite time. It took Korean Airlines over 1 hour just to get the plane to the gate and there were queues for everything.
The Air NZ lounges are better in my opinion (and I have been to both). That being said the Air NZ layout is a bit cramped and I preferred Fiji Airways (may be an option, but I wouldn't stop for over 3 hours) as they have less Business Class seats in the cabin. Even though FJ is not a flat bed, I slept fine and enjoyed the service more than NZ.
Are you willing to post the dates or even the rough month so everyone has a better idea of the prices?
I can't say what I think about the seat cause I've never flown OZ (I've flown Air NZ Business to LAX) but having just been through Seoul if someone gave me the choice of stopping via Seoul or Auckland I'd pick Auckland any day.
The airport was crazy busy and apparently I was there in the low season, flying out at a quite time. It took Korean Airlines over 1 hour just to get the plane to the gate and there were queues for everything.
The Air NZ lounges are better in my opinion (and I have been to both). That being said the Air NZ layout is a bit cramped and I preferred Fiji Airways (may be an option, but I wouldn't stop for over 3 hours) as they have less Business Class seats in the cabin. Even though FJ is not a flat bed, I slept fine and enjoyed the service more than NZ.
Are you willing to post the dates or even the rough month so everyone has a better idea of the prices?
It's for June, the prices are through an our corporate travel rep who has some agreement to use Star Alliance airlines, so it's usually NZ, Air Canada, or United when I go to NA. Both options are around 4k return.
If you have the choice, fly Asiana, a ★★★★★ airline via Incheon, a ★★★★★ airport according to Skytrax. Because 6-hour in AKL is pretty boring.
Asiana Lounge? Just pass on that, since that lounge is a Priority Pass lounge which is accessible via particular credit/charge cards and duty free shops in ICN is massive.
My decision would be based purely on the seat. Air NZ is out of contention with their coffin seats. Clearly the worst Business seat ever. You pay for space and privacy and Air NZ Business offer neither. So, Asiana it is.
If you have the choice, fly Asiana, a ★★★★★ airline via Incheon, a ★★★★★ airport according to Skytrax. Because 6-hour in AKL is pretty boring.
Asiana Lounge? Just pass on that, since that lounge is a Priority Pass lounge which is accessible via particular credit/charge cards and duty free shops in ICN is massive.
I don't know if you've been to Incheon lately but they are running at capacity. The priority pass lounge you're talking about had a waiting list (this was last Saturday) and there were queues for almost shop just to buy a small item.
Yup, I agree - AKL airport and lounges probably better, but six hours there in between a sub-par product, no thanks. I'd take OZ, better hard and soft product.
I have not flown Korean, but i flew BNE-SFO and LAX-BNE on J. The service and standard on ANZ is really good, i liked the seat, they make the bed for you, very comfortable to sleep and great food/wine. It does feel congested on their 777's, possibly their shells a little lower than Cathay and Etihad, but it is just a personal experience. Transit is very simple. The lounge in AKL is big and crowded, but great choice of showers. If you have got 6 hrs, you could even get out and spend some time outside the airport? I think Seoul would be a great place to get out compared to AKL?
You've also mentioned about queues in duty free shops and roughly ~90% of people queueing are Mainland Chinese (most of them don't know inside voice as well, from my friend's visit lately).
Anyway, OZ is great choice with excellent service and short layovers, however, ICN not worth ★★★★★.
Hi All, Thanks for the input. I ended up booking with Asiana as the layover in Seoul is only an hour on the way out. The return was booked with Air Canada via Vancouver.
Good choice I flew OZ SYD-SFO a couple of years ago and found the overall product they provide to be great. In particular the food was great a full western and Korean menu both of which were awesome, still rate them as the best J class food I've had.
You've also mentioned about queues in duty free shops and roughly ~90% of people queueing are Mainland Chinese (most of them don't know inside voice as well, from my friend's visit lately).
Anyway, OZ is great choice with excellent service and short layovers, however, ICN not worth ★★★★★.
The waiting list was for the Sky Hub lounge, the Asiana or Korean lounges (both concourses) weren't accepting priority pass access due to capacity. I was able to access the Korean lounge with status.
I do agree about the airport not being worth 5 stars and I'm sure everyone on AUSBT would agree that access requirements for a lounge should be restricted (further) if a waiting list is necessary.
I've done oz and nz to/from lax in the last 2 months. There is no comparison. NZ is truly head and shoulders above OZ in every respect. The lounge in Seoul is like an old RSL club - crowded, threadbare carpet and soiled furniture. The biz seats on the 380 are cramped and the IFE has limited choices. Catering is good on both. NZ Is really a hidden gem.
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Air New Zealand vs Asiana on Sydney-Los Angeles
RealKid
RealKid
Member since 20 May 2014
Total posts 91
Hello all,
I am currently looking at options for business class travel between Sydney and LAX. For the dates I'm looking at, both Air NZ and Asiana have very reasonable fares. They're basically the same price, and the difference in total duration is within 30 minutes (as the NZ flight has a 6 or so hour layover in Auckland).
Work requires I book the cheapest possible ticket provided its not super illogical, so I'm wondering which carrier would have a better product in business class (all things being equal, convenience wise).
The NZ flights are on a 789 and 777-3, and the Asiana flights are on a 777-2 and A380 (both of which show a 1 - 2- 1 layout).
henrus
henrus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2013
Total posts 765
I can't say what I think about the seat cause I've never flown OZ (I've flown Air NZ Business to LAX) but having just been through Seoul if someone gave me the choice of stopping via Seoul or Auckland I'd pick Auckland any day.
ajstubbs
ajstubbs
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Mar 2016
Total posts 117
AKL and AirNZ any day!
RealKid
RealKid
Member since 20 May 2014
Total posts 91
It's for June, the prices are through an our corporate travel rep who has some agreement to use Star Alliance airlines, so it's usually NZ, Air Canada, or United when I go to NA. Both options are around 4k return.
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
If you have the choice, fly Asiana, a ★★★★★ airline via Incheon, a ★★★★★ airport according to Skytrax. Because 6-hour in AKL is pretty boring.
willvill
willvill
Member since 17 May 2012
Total posts 32
My decision would be based purely on the seat. Air NZ is out of contention with their coffin seats. Clearly the worst Business seat ever. You pay for space and privacy and Air NZ Business offer neither. So, Asiana it is.
henrus
henrus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2013
Total posts 765
thelongroad
thelongroad
Member since 14 Nov 2015
Total posts 54
Yup, I agree - AKL airport and lounges probably better, but six hours there in between a sub-par product, no thanks. I'd take OZ, better hard and soft product.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 457
I have not flown Korean, but i flew BNE-SFO and LAX-BNE on J. The service and standard on ANZ is really good, i liked the seat, they make the bed for you, very comfortable to sleep and great food/wine. It does feel congested on their 777's, possibly their shells a little lower than Cathay and Etihad, but it is just a personal experience. Transit is very simple. The lounge in AKL is big and crowded, but great choice of showers. If you have got 6 hrs, you could even get out and spend some time outside the airport? I think Seoul would be a great place to get out compared to AKL?
btaus
btaus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Dec 2016
Total posts 171
You've also mentioned about queues in duty free shops and roughly ~90% of people queueing are Mainland Chinese (most of them don't know inside voice as well, from my friend's visit lately).
Anyway, OZ is great choice with excellent service and short layovers, however, ICN not worth ★★★★★.
RealKid
RealKid
Member since 20 May 2014
Total posts 91
Hi All,
Thanks for the input. I ended up booking with Asiana as the layover in Seoul is only an hour on the way out. The return was booked with Air Canada via Vancouver.
Rach24
Rach24
Member since 30 Jan 2014
Total posts 84
Hi RealKid,
henrus
henrus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2013
Total posts 765
You've also mentioned about queues in duty free shops and roughly ~90% of people queueing are Mainland Chinese (most of them don't know inside voice as well, from my friend's visit lately).
Anyway, OZ is great choice with excellent service and short layovers, however, ICN not worth ★★★★★.
antkleve
antkleve
American Airlines - AAdvantage
Member since 15 Feb 2013
Total posts 18
I've done oz and nz to/from lax in the last 2 months. There is no comparison. NZ is truly head and shoulders above OZ in every respect. The lounge in Seoul is like an old RSL club - crowded, threadbare carpet and soiled furniture. The biz seats on the 380 are cramped and the IFE has limited choices. Catering is good on both. NZ Is really a hidden gem.