Trans Tasman, I fly mainly between Brisbane and Auckland/Christchurch and even know some of the Air NZ Christchurch-based crew. Maybe it's slightly because that but I'd recommend Air NZ over Qantas trans-Tasman (but also flight times from Brisbane aren't so great to/from Christchurch, so that plays a part in it).
In terms of the Soft Product, long Haul with Air NZ I found the service in Business to be poor compared to the flights across the Tasman (also in Business). That being said in both economy I've had great experiences with both airlines. I also find the Air NZ food a little subpar (I'd even rate Fiji Airways above them) whereas Qantas is quite consistent with the added perk of being able to preorder on long haul flights.
Seat - well, which aircraft? QF A330 and soon to be 787 beat ANZ 787 and 777 but on narrow-body across the Tasman, take your pick. My pick is EK on that leg!
Safety - on par
The one big benefit to ANZ is travel to non-east cost America where transitting in AKL is a real plus compared to LAX!
I'm Perth based. I've travelled Air NZ and Qantas to Auckland several times. Air NZ is far Superior IMHO. PS, I'm a Pom so don't have a "National" interest in your question.
Qantas is more polished and generally a bit more "high end" in terms of soft product/service. That said, Air NZ is still very good, friendly and personable. Air NZ feels a bit more 'friendly and warm' whereas Qantas is more professional/buttoned down.
Of course, seat-wise things get a little more complicated. If we compare QF Business Suite to Air NZ's Virgin-Atlantic-style flatbeds, QF wins. But Skybed 2 vs. the NZ product arguably comes out in favor of NZ if you're a solo passenger.
Both airlines are very competent in the premium cabins though, so you really can't make a "bad" choice here.
I fly AirNZ to North America as the business seats are 1-2-1 (like VA). This is my primary reason to fly airlines like CX, AirNZ or VA instead of 2-2-2. If Qantas starts offering 1-2-1 on business, i will easily swap to QF any given day.
I only travel economy :( but as a default across the Tasman, I'd choose Air NZ over Qantas. Great lounges, and generally more comfortable in flight. I do agree that their food isn't as good as QF though. QFs 737s are looking tired compared to the Air NZs A320s, and I'd take the 777/787 over the A330 - but I'd be happy with either over the narrow body. But, really, EKs A380s win them all! Noting the LAX comment earlier, I've travelled through LAX twice this year and it's been fine. Gone are the bad days.
I recently flew my Dad over economy, QF one way, one stop, VA Air NZ combo back, one stop, he is in his 80,s and raved about AirNZ and how they looked after him.
Overall NZ is slight ahead of QF in cabin service in all classes.
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
Overall NZ is slight ahead of QF in cabin service in all classes.
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
I agree, Air NZ needs to upgrade their Business Class seats. All other aspects of their Business Class product are excellent, but with EK and soon to be QF's new business class seats making the Trans-Tasman routes they will be under some pressure to make some change. Being Air NZ however, I'm sure they are thinking of upgrading their BC and it will be innovative in some aspects.
Last editedby Jedinak K at Jun 24, 2017, 10:57 AM.
I fly regularly Adelaide-Auckland-Adelaide. Air NZ offers a no-stop service. To fly Qantas means changing planes at any of the Eastern seaboard cities. So Air NZ wins on convenience. But dropping lounge access from the Works Deluxe option was a terrible decision. Curiously, in Adelaide, the lounge option is Qantas Club, not Star Alliance (or Virgin). There is no Qantas Business lounge in Adelaide. Koru members, regardless of what class you're flying,however, are entitled to use the Qantas lounge in Adelaide. Air NZ has now started flying its Dreamliner a few times a week Adelaide-Auckland direct and I'll be trying that in a couple of months time. Air NZ's A320s are looking tired, but are always preferable to the 737s. Air NZ in-cabin service is excellent, food on a par, but check-in (at least in Adelaide) very much under par.
Overall NZ is slight ahead of QF in cabin service in all classes.
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
I agree, Air NZ needs to upgrade their Business Class seats. All other aspects of their Business Class product are excellent, but with EK and soon to be QF's new business class seats making the Trans-Tasman routes they will be under some pressure to make some change. Being Air NZ however, I'm sure they are thinking of upgrading their BC and it will be innovative in some aspects.
Last edited
by Jedinak K at Jun 24, 2017, 10.57 AM.
NZ is refurbishing the B773's but still retaining the the herringbone configuration for Business Premier, so the 'coffins' will around for a while.
If will be interesting to see what NZ will do with the Business Premier product when the remaining 4 B789's are delivered from 2018. Will they stick with the current herringbone configuration or will they use the Business Class seats that other B788/B789 operators are using.
I fly regularly Adelaide-Auckland-Adelaide. Air NZ offers a no-stop service. To fly Qantas means changing planes at any of the Eastern seaboard cities. So Air NZ wins on convenience. But dropping lounge access from the Works Deluxe option was a terrible decision. Curiously, in Adelaide, the lounge option is Qantas Club, not Star Alliance (or Virgin). There is no Qantas Business lounge in Adelaide. Koru members, regardless of what class you're flying,however, are entitled to use the Qantas lounge in Adelaide. Air NZ has now started flying its Dreamliner a few times a week Adelaide-Auckland direct and I'll be trying that in a couple of months time. Air NZ's A320s are looking tired, but are always preferable to the 737s. Air NZ in-cabin service is excellent, food on a par, but check-in (at least in Adelaide) very much under par.
I agree with you about dropping lounge access of Works Deluxe product. At the time, NZ consider that Works Deluxe product was more suited to the leisure market and the New Zealand business market, as most New Zealand based business passengers had Koru membership. Also at the time, Works Deluxe passengers with seated in the Premium Economy of the B777's.
With the introduction for the B789's and the refurbishment of the B772's, NZ decide they could make money be selling Premium Economy of Trans Tasman routes and Work Deluxe with restricted to the A320's. NZ has been under pressure for a while from its partners like SQ, etc plus VA adding Business Class product for its Trans Tasman and Pacific services, has forced NZ to look upgrading the Works Deluxe product for the A320/A321neo Trans Tasman and Pacific services.
Given I am NZ Elite and have OneWorld Emerald status my experiences on the Tasman are mixed, but in summary:
Ground service - Each is best at home hubs, NZ at AKL, QF at SYD/MEL, elsewhere is a mix, depends on who you get, usually good for both, sometimes each has a grumpy/unhelpful/finger wagging type.
Lounges - QF 1st lounges win for SYD/MEL obviously, otherwise NZ at SYD/MEL/AKL beats the QF business lounges (and AKL "1st" lounge), but I prefer QF at WLG. Prefer QF over NZ at BNE.
Seating - In Y, NZ Space + seating on A320 easily beats QF 737s unless on QF you get Row 4 or the exit rows (and if I can't I wont fly QF 737 T-T). I'd pick NZ Y in 777s, 787s over QF in 737s, but only marginally. NZ PE rivals QF C class on 737s for value (especially if you have lounge access). In C, NZ wins hands down, but prefer QF A330 in C to NZ.
Catering - QF in Y has more choice and I think is marginally better, but I'll take NZ food in PE/C over QF in C on the Tasman anytime.
On Board Service - In Y I can't really pick because I've tended to find crew on both to be pretty good, and in C (and for NZ PE as well), rather excellent.
Luggage allowance - QF is 30kg in Y, NZ is 23kg. NZ (and *G) status gives you another item, but QF goes by weight, this might matter to some.
Other? NZ A320s being all economy have 3 toilets for Y, QF 737s have 2, so I find the QF toilet queues longer. In my experience, NZ and its agents handle luggage more carefully. In 10 years, NZ damaged a suitcase once, QF has damaged suitcases 4x in the past 2 years (this includes domestic travel with both airline). Is it because containerisation reduces damage (737s aren't containerised)?
On long haul, I'm a fan of existing QF PE over NZ's new one (will miss Spaceseats though), and QF A330 in C over NZ BP, but NZ BP over the Skybed MkII on A380s. Don't do long haul Y often enough to compare.
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Air NZ vs Qantas
RPS
RPS
Member since 21 Jun 2017
Total posts 2
Who do you prefer to fly? Who has better customer service?
henrus
henrus
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 23 Oct 2013
Total posts 765
It's all subjective...
ajstubbs
ajstubbs
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 15 Mar 2016
Total posts 117
Customer service - generally on par
drgmarshall
drgmarshall
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 10 May 2012
Total posts 106
I'm Perth based. I've travelled Air NZ and Qantas to Auckland several times. Air NZ is far Superior IMHO. PS, I'm a Pom so don't have a "National" interest in your question.
StudiodeKadent
StudiodeKadent
Member since 20 May 2015
Total posts 109
Qantas is more polished and generally a bit more "high end" in terms of soft product/service. That said, Air NZ is still very good, friendly and personable. Air NZ feels a bit more 'friendly and warm' whereas Qantas is more professional/buttoned down.
Of course, seat-wise things get a little more complicated. If we compare QF Business Suite to Air NZ's Virgin-Atlantic-style flatbeds, QF wins. But Skybed 2 vs. the NZ product arguably comes out in favor of NZ if you're a solo passenger.
Both airlines are very competent in the premium cabins though, so you really can't make a "bad" choice here.
mspcooper
mspcooper
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 May 2013
Total posts 457
I fly AirNZ to North America as the business seats are 1-2-1 (like VA). This is my primary reason to fly airlines like CX, AirNZ or VA instead of 2-2-2. If Qantas starts offering 1-2-1 on business, i will easily swap to QF any given day.
victort
victort
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 14 Feb 2017
Total posts 77
Longhaul business class definitely AirNZ for the hard product 1-2-1 seating on all their long haul configs. Service i find to be on par.
Jazzop
Jazzop
Member since 02 Dec 2016
Total posts 123
I only travel economy :( but as a default across the Tasman, I'd choose Air NZ over Qantas. Great lounges, and generally more comfortable in flight. I do agree that their food isn't as good as QF though.
QFs 737s are looking tired compared to the Air NZs A320s, and I'd take the 777/787 over the A330 - but I'd be happy with either over the narrow body. But, really, EKs A380s win them all!
Noting the LAX comment earlier, I've travelled through LAX twice this year and it's been fine. Gone are the bad days.
GBRGB
GBRGB
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 21 Jan 2014
Total posts 295
I recently flew my Dad over economy, QF one way, one stop, VA Air NZ combo back, one stop, he is in his 80,s and raved about AirNZ and how they looked after him.
krisdude
krisdude
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 21 Jan 2016
Total posts 28
Overall NZ is slight ahead of QF in cabin service in all classes.
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
Jedinak K
Jedinak K
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
Member since 06 Sep 2012
Total posts 106
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
I agree, Air NZ needs to upgrade their Business Class seats. All other aspects of their Business Class product are excellent, but with EK and soon to be QF's new business class seats making the Trans-Tasman routes they will be under some pressure to make some change. Being Air NZ however, I'm sure they are thinking of upgrading their BC and it will be innovative in some aspects.
Hirizer
Hirizer
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 09 Jan 2017
Total posts 4
I fly regularly Adelaide-Auckland-Adelaide. Air NZ offers a no-stop service. To fly Qantas means changing planes at any of the Eastern seaboard cities. So Air NZ wins on convenience. But dropping lounge access from the Works Deluxe option was a terrible decision. Curiously, in Adelaide, the lounge option is Qantas Club, not Star Alliance (or Virgin). There is no Qantas Business lounge in Adelaide. Koru members, regardless of what class you're flying,however, are entitled to use the Qantas lounge in Adelaide. Air NZ has now started flying its Dreamliner a few times a week Adelaide-Auckland direct and I'll be trying that in a couple of months time. Air NZ's A320s are looking tired, but are always preferable to the 737s. Air NZ in-cabin service is excellent, food on a par, but check-in (at least in Adelaide) very much under par.
krisdude
krisdude
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 21 Jan 2016
Total posts 28
With regards to Premium product, NZ is slipping in the Business Class product with those damn 'coffin ' seats, which will put more pressure on NZ, especially with the introduction of the QF A330's services SYD/AKL/SYD, to do some thing about them. At this stage, NZ is sticking to the current herringbone design which is some what outdated, due to NZ investment in these seats.
NZ's Premium Economy product on the B787/B777's is better than most of the other competitors on Trans Tasman routes.
NZ's current A320's that are used on Trans Tasman services are going to be replaced with the A320/A321 NEO aircraft that will have the new slimline wider seats. NZ is going for 214 passengers for the A321 NEO's which means the Zone A (between doors 1 and 2) will be 9 rows of 3+3 seats with 83-86cm pitch as oppose to Airbus standard configuration of 10 rows of 3+3 in that zone.
The talk is that NZ, is planning to upgrade the current Works Deluxe product for the new A320/A321 services, with a new menu, status rewards and re-introducing NZ lounge access. In essence, this new Works Deluxe product will be the A320/A321 version on Premium Economy, which is will is very popular for NZ's business and regular leisure clients on NZ's short haul international flights.
I agree, Air NZ needs to upgrade their Business Class seats. All other aspects of their Business Class product are excellent, but with EK and soon to be QF's new business class seats making the Trans-Tasman routes they will be under some pressure to make some change. Being Air NZ however, I'm sure they are thinking of upgrading their BC and it will be innovative in some aspects.
NZ is refurbishing the B773's but still retaining the the herringbone configuration for Business Premier, so the 'coffins' will around for a while.
If will be interesting to see what NZ will do with the Business Premier product when the remaining 4 B789's are delivered from 2018. Will they stick with the current herringbone configuration or will they use the Business Class seats that other B788/B789 operators are using.
krisdude
krisdude
Air New Zealand - Airpoints
Member since 21 Jan 2016
Total posts 28
I agree with you about dropping lounge access of Works Deluxe product. At the time, NZ consider that Works Deluxe product was more suited to the leisure market and the New Zealand business market, as most New Zealand based business passengers had Koru membership. Also at the time, Works Deluxe passengers with seated in the Premium Economy of the B777's.
With the introduction for the B789's and the refurbishment of the B772's, NZ decide they could make money be selling Premium Economy of Trans Tasman routes and Work Deluxe with restricted to the A320's. NZ has been under pressure for a while from its partners like SQ, etc plus VA adding Business Class product for its Trans Tasman and Pacific services, has forced NZ to look upgrading the Works Deluxe product for the A320/A321neo Trans Tasman and Pacific services.
Libertyscott
Libertyscott
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
Member since 19 Aug 2011
Total posts 19
Given I am NZ Elite and have OneWorld Emerald status my experiences on the Tasman are mixed, but in summary: