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Original poster

Who would you fly with to Auckland?

31 replies

Susiesue61 · 13/06/2019 23:11

Just decided to go to NZ in November, just me and DH for the cricket 😆
Any suggestions who are best to fly with? We've been with Cathay pacific to Australia before, DH has a good quote from Emirates. Are they ok? I am quite a nervous flier so need to be happy! We've used Air NZ to go from Sydney to Auckland before and I really liked them

OP posts:
SnowsInWater · 14/06/2019 07:06

Air NZ are great, where is the transit point? I personally don't like transiting through Dubai or Abu Dhabi but that's just me!

Homebird8 · 14/06/2019 07:28

Emirates are the best we’ve been with. I like do Cathay Pacific and Korean Air were good but I wasn’t keen on some of the food. A long time ago we went Virgin Australia who were fine but I’ve been short haul with them recently (I live in Auckland) and wouldn’t again.

Emirates if I was choosing.

Homebird8 · 14/06/2019 07:28

We went with Etihad once and would fly with them again too.

Frazzled2207 · 14/06/2019 07:39

Not air nz If transit is via LA as you have to go through us immigration which is a nightmare and not a relaxing stopover at all.

Cathay would be fine as would Emirates/Etihad K guess.

Personally I'd go Singapore airlines.

mmmhazelnutchocolate · 14/06/2019 08:09

Emirates are the best we've flown to NZ and Australia. Air NZ were nice but Emirates still better.

mmmhazelnutchocolate · 14/06/2019 08:10

I flew long haul with Virgin recently, never again.

Nononononono33 · 14/06/2019 08:15

I’m flying with Singapore Airlines to Auckland in August. Haven’t tried them before but others have and recommended them. I have a few hours in SG on the way out and looking at the Changi airport website I can go on a free city bus tour which is quite good. One of my sectors on the way home is operated by Air NZ and again I haven’t flown with them before but have heard good things about them. Fares for Singapore Airlines were very reasonable, I found when booking my tickets.

user1488622199 · 14/06/2019 08:18

We flew Malaysia Airlines to Auckland last year, couldn’t fault them

barefootcook · 14/06/2019 08:19

Emirates or Singapore Airlines for me. Emirates have very good in flight entertainment which makes a difference when on such a long flight.

DrDiva · 14/06/2019 08:22

I’d say Emirates or Singapore Airlines too. I’ve done thenflight many times and they were def the nicest (as a pp said, Air NZ is good but LA is a nightmare for transit.)

FiveShelties · 14/06/2019 08:25

I do this trip 3 times a year and normally use Emirates, last time I used Qatar and found them just as good. Only downside is the Auckland Dubai leg is 17 hours, which is a bit of a killer. Upside with Cathay or Singapore is the legs are both around 12 hours. Singapore fabulous for stopover.

ShanghaiDiva · 14/06/2019 08:26

We usually go with Cathay - entertainment system is vg and food decent as airlines meals go. Transit through HK is straightforward, although as I live in China this is my regular transit point and I know the airport really well.

Littleteacup1 · 14/06/2019 08:27

Look at seat and leg room size all airline service is just as good in my opinion but legroom size can differ

bellinisurge · 14/06/2019 08:28

Do Air NZ still pump essential oils through the cabin to wake you up on an overnighter?

user1483387154 · 14/06/2019 08:29

I use Emirates or air nz

NightmareOnElmoStreet · 14/06/2019 08:33

I usually go with Singapore airlines and use the transit hotel at Changi for a break if I’ve got the kids with me. I’d fly Air NZ but I hate transiting through LAX and they don’t go via Hong Kong any more. I’ve also gone with Cathay, but prefer the food on Singapore.

ImpracticalCape · 14/06/2019 08:37

Brit in NZ here. Emirates every time. Single transit in Dubai is very easy. Second would be Singapore Air.

Air NZ is great but the LAX transit is abysmal. You have to collect your bags as it's bloody USA and get ESTA and it's too much of an arse ache. If you can swing a stopover for a few days in SFO instead (virgin to SFO then ANZ) or a few days inLAX that might make it more palatable.

AnchorDownDeepBreath · 14/06/2019 08:42

I have no suggestions on carriers but I'm very jealous of your trip! I'd love to go to NZ to see the cricket. Have an amazing time!

NaturalBornWoman · 14/06/2019 08:46

I went with Cathay Pacific in February and it was awful, never again. My family all recommend either air NZ or Singapore.

bigTillyMint · 14/06/2019 08:48

We flew half and half Singapore/air NZ last time. Economy. Singapore was deffo better!

macdhui · 14/06/2019 08:51

Cathay Pacific every time. Great customer service, delicious food and great wine selection.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 14/06/2019 09:23

I would consider using Singapore Airlines and giving Air NZ a swerve because of their transit through LAX.

BubblesBuddy · 14/06/2019 09:25

If you can spare the time, I know New Zealander’s who actually spend a few days in the LA area before flying on again. They split the journey. That’s what I would do if I had time.

bruffin · 14/06/2019 09:28

We flew Singapore Airlines, they were great but we paid economy but chose seats with extra leg room at extra cost

PrivateIsles · 14/06/2019 09:33

Air NZ are my favourite - used them many times flying over to see family in Auckland and I really rate them. Friendliest staff and great entertainment, plus "cuddle class" seats!

We've flown Qantas and Singapore as well, and both were good - especially Singapore (the uniforms!) but still prefer the kiwi way Smile

With Air NZ if you change in LA I agree with PP about having to go through customs/immigration etc, it's bloody awful. If you can break the journey with a stopover I would try and do that - we usually stop in California and have a few nights in LA or SF (though SF to Heathrow is with Virgin). Or you can go the other way and stop in Hong Kong, although going straight through there is fairly painless compared to LA, as you don't have to go through immigration (as such).