Booking a long-haul flight to New Zealand often means weighing up comfort, route options, and value. Air New Zealand is a name that comes up frequently, and for good reason: it holds a 4-Star Skytrax rating and serves 48 destinations across the globe.

4 related posts

Skytrax Rating: 4-Star ·
Destinations: 48 (20 domestic, 28 international) ·
Headquarters: Auckland, New Zealand ·
Loyalty Program: Airpoints

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • No direct flights to Ireland – connecting itineraries are available (Air New Zealand official documentation)
  • Whether Air New Zealand will add direct flights to Ireland in the future (Air New Zealand official documentation)
3Timeline signal
  • Premium Economy cabin is currently offered on long-haul routes with extra legroom and wider seats (Air New Zealand official documentation)
  • Priority boarding and enhanced dining available (Air New Zealand official documentation)
4What’s next
  • Online check-in available via website or mobile app (Air New Zealand official documentation)
  • Baggage allowances vary by fare class (Air New Zealand official documentation)

Six key facts about Air New Zealand, one pattern: the airline is built around a single hub in Auckland and a fleet of 102 aircraft, all operating under a single IATA code. Here’s the breakdown.

Fact Value
IATA Code NZ
CEO Greg Foran
Hub Auckland Airport
Destinations 48
Fleet size 102
Founded 1940

Is Air New Zealand a good airline?

Air New Zealand consistently earns a 4-Star rating from Skytrax (Skytrax independent airline rating agency), placing it among the top carriers globally. The airline serves 48 destinations across 18 countries, with a strong domestic network of 20 destinations and 28 international routes. Its frequent flyer program, Airpoints, allows members to earn points on flights and redeem them for upgrades and awards (Air New Zealand official documentation).

The implication: a 4-Star rating is a reliable indicator of consistent quality, but the real test is how the airline performs on the specific routes you fly.

The upshot

Air New Zealand’s consistent 4-Star rating across multiple review cycles signals reliability, but route-specific performance ultimately determines the passenger experience.

Does Air New Zealand fly to Ireland?

Air New Zealand does not operate direct flights to Ireland. However, connecting itineraries are available through partner airlines, such as Aer Lingus from some US cities (Air New Zealand official documentation). The lack of a direct route means travelers from Ireland must connect through hubs like London or New York.

The catch: if you’re flying from Ireland, expect a longer total travel time and one additional stop compared to flying on a carrier that offers direct service.

What does premium economy get you on Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy cabin is marketed as a dedicated long-haul product (Air New Zealand official documentation). According to a 2025 review on a Boeing 777-300, the cabin features a 2x4x2 layout with a seat pitch of roughly 41 to 42 inches (Pat’s Travel Reviews independent travel blog). A 2026 review on the Auckland to Denpasar route reported 41 inches of legroom and 20-inch-wide seats (Forward of the Wing travel review site). A 2024 review noted wider seating and about 8 to 9 inches more legroom than Economy (Travel Nation specialist travel agency).

Passengers also receive a pillow, blanket, water bottle, over-ear headset, and a small amenity kit (Blogger at Large travel blog). The meal experience is described as better than Economy but not equivalent to Business Class (Blogger at Large travel blog).

The upshot

Air New Zealand Premium Economy offers a clear step up in comfort over Economy, especially on long-haul flights. For travelers flying from Auckland to destinations like Hong Kong or Denpasar, the extra legroom and dedicated service make the upgrade worth considering.

Is it worth upgrading to Premium Economy on Air New Zealand?

  • For long-haul flights (12+ hours), the upgrade is often recommended for increased comfort (Air New Zealand official documentation).
  • For shorter flights (under 5 hours), the value is less clear, as the premium over Economy may not justify the cost.

Upsides

  • Extra legroom (41-42 inches pitch) significantly improves comfort on long flights.
  • Priority boarding and enhanced dining add a premium feel.
  • Includes amenity kit and quality headset.

Downsides

  • Not all routes offer Premium Economy; it’s a long-haul product only.
  • Meal service is not on par with Business Class, which may disappoint some.
  • Price difference can be steep on popular routes.
Bottom line: What this means: the upgrade is a solid investment for travelers who value space on long hauls, but budget-conscious flyers on shorter segments may find standard Economy sufficient.

Is Air New Zealand or Qantas better?

Both airlines hold 4-Star Skytrax ratings and have strong safety records. Qantas Premium Economy is available on selected routes, including QF3/4 Sydney-Auckland-New York and QF5/6 Sydney-Perth-Rome (seasonal) (Australian Frequent Flyer Australian frequent flyer community). A 2026 review suggested that Qantas Premium Economy can be marginally better than Air New Zealand’s on the specific routes compared (The Alviator travel review site). However, Qantas does not provide lounge access to Premium Economy passengers as standard (YouTube travel review video).

Four differences, one pattern: Air New Zealand focuses on a consistent Premium Economy product across its long-haul network, while Qantas offers Premium Economy on a more limited set of routes.

Feature Air New Zealand Qantas
Skytrax Rating 4-Star 4-Star
Premium Economy availability All long-haul routes (Air New Zealand official documentation) Selected routes only (Qantas official documentation)
Frequent flyer program Airpoints Qantas Frequent Flyer
Seat pitch (Premium Economy) 41-42 inches (Pat’s Travel Reviews independent travel blog) Varies by route, typically 38-40 inches
Lounge access for Premium Economy Not included Not included as standard (YouTube travel review video)
Hub Auckland Sydney

The trade-off: Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy product is more consistent across its network, making it a reliable choice for flights to/from New Zealand. Qantas offers more route options from Australian cities but with less cabin uniformity.

What we know and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Air New Zealand holds a 4-Star Skytrax rating (Skytrax independent airline rating agency).
  • Air New Zealand serves 48 destinations (Air New Zealand official documentation).
  • The CEO is Greg Foran (Air New Zealand official documentation).
  • Premium Economy offers 41-42 inches of legroom (Pat’s Travel Reviews independent travel blog).

What’s unclear

  • Whether Air New Zealand will add direct flights to Ireland in the future.
  • How consistent Premium Economy seat dimensions are across different aircraft types (Boeing 777 vs 787).

Air New Zealand is certified as a 4-Star Airline by Skytrax, indicating high-quality service.

Skytrax independent airline rating agency

Airpoints™ is the airline’s loyalty program, allowing members to earn points on flights.

Air New Zealand official documentation

For travelers flying to New Zealand, the choice between Air New Zealand and Qantas often comes down to specific route and cabin preferences: Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy offers consistent comfort on its long-haul network, while Qantas provides more route options from Australia, but the trade-off is cabin consistency and lounge access. For the New Zealand-based traveler, the implication is clear: stick with Air New Zealand for a reliable product, or consider Qantas if your itinerary includes multiple Australian stopovers.

Additional sources

qantas.com, flashpackerfamily.com, upgradedpoints.com, thealviator.com

For travelers weighing their options, a detailed Air NZ vs Qantas Premium Economy helps clarify the differences in cabin experience and value.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the cheapest month to fly to New Zealand?

Generally, the cheapest months to fly to New Zealand are during the southern hemisphere winter (May to August), excluding peak holiday periods. Prices can vary significantly, so it’s best to compare fares across multiple booking platforms.

What are Air New Zealand’s baggage allowance rules?

Baggage allowances depend on the fare class and route. Economy fares typically include one checked bag on international flights, while Premium Economy and Business Class allow more. Always check your specific booking for details.

How do I check in for an Air New Zealand flight?

Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. You can also check in at the airport kiosk or counter. Mobile boarding passes are available via the Air New Zealand app.

What aircraft are in Air New Zealand’s fleet?

Air New Zealand operates a fleet of 102 aircraft, including Boeing 777s, 787 Dreamliners, and Airbus A320s for domestic and short-haul routes.

What is the Air New Zealand CEO’s name?

Greg Foran is the Chief Executive Officer of Air New Zealand.

Does Air New Zealand have a loyalty program?

Yes, Airpoints is the airline’s frequent flyer program. Members earn points on flights and can redeem them for upgrades, awards, and partner benefits.

How can I manage my Air New Zealand booking?

You can manage your booking online via the Air New Zealand website or mobile app. Options include seat selection, meal preferences, and adding baggage.

Can you fly directly to Ireland on Air New Zealand?

No, Air New Zealand does not operate direct flights to Ireland. Connecting itineraries are available through partner airlines such as Aer Lingus.