What to expect when you book Premium Economy with Air New Zealand

Premium Economy has hit the headlines in recent years, with Air New Zealand leading the way in offering an award-winning service that bridges the gap between economy and business class.

The airline’s philosophy is that flying long haul needn’t be a cramped, uncomfortable experience, designed simply to get you from A to B. Instead, it should be something to be looked forward to and enjoyed, not endured. It’s a way of thinking that has certainly resonated with passengers, who named it Best Premium Economy at this year’s TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Big on personal space

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is a service that offers many luxuries and touches more often associated with flying first or business class.

It begins at the gate, where you can enjoy a stress-free premium check-in service, as well as priority luggage handling, ensuring that on arrival your bags will be the first at the baggage reclaim.

Once you are comfortably seated in the dedicated Premium Economy cabin, you will be offered a chilled glass of bubbles before take-off. As well as offering one of the largest seat pitches (the distance between your seat and the one in front) in its class – a real boon for taller travellers – the soft leather armchairs have additional width and recline 50 percent more than standard economy seats, too.

There are also generously-sized arm and leg rests and an extendable foot support, while the supportive winged headrests are another of those touches designed to make your trip more comfortable – and ensure a good sleep.

Service with a smile

A lot is made about fine dining at 35,000ft and Air New Zealand’s sumptuous menu is included in your fare, unlike some carriers. Its fresh flavours and perfect food combinations, courtesy of consultant celebrity chef, Peter Gordon, offer a characteristic Kiwi twist. Expect dishes such as herb-crusted salmon with grilled courgettes, and slow-cooked beef daube with wild mushroom sauce. You can even enjoy fresh bread from the bakery with a Kiwi twist, such as Farmhouse marble rye bread with Hawke's Bay extra virgin olive oil.

Special meals and diets are catered for too, ranging from vegetarian to kosher. A wide selection of Kiwi wines, including some from New Zealand’s most famous winemakers, complement each meal.

The superb inflight entertainment system includes over 1,700 hours of content that is accessed on your own personal, touchscreen monitor. Choose from the latest movies – many available in multiple languages – TV box sets, video games and a whole section dedicated to children. You can listen through noise-reducing earphones and there’s a handy in-seat USB port too.

The Premium Economy cabin has its own bathrooms, dedicated crew with a great reputation for personal service, friendliness and attention to detail, and a specially-selected menu and premium New Zealand wines.

And so to sleep. As well as a good size pillow and blanket, there is one more little luxury to enjoy – an amenity kit which includes an eye mask, toothbrush and luxury moisturiser. It’s just another little touch that lifts Air New Zealand above the competition.