Air New Zealand Review: Premium Economy, Qantas Comparison

Few airlines spark as many honest conversations among frequent flyers as Air New Zealand. With a 4-Star Skytrax rating and a reputation for genuinely friendly service, it’s a carrier that punches above its weight in some areas while leaving room for improvement in others.

Skytrax rating: 4-Star Airline ·
Destinations served: 20 domestic, 28 international ·
Alliance partners: Star Alliance ·
Premium Economy seats: Available on long-haul ·
Complimentary drinks: Yes, on international flights

Six key specs, one pattern: Air New Zealand delivers solid hard product where it counts, but network gaps and fleet age pull the overall score down.

Is Air New Zealand a good airline to fly with?

Skytrax 4-Star rating

The independent Skytrax audit awarded Air New Zealand a 4-Star Airline certification, placing it in the upper tier of carriers worldwide (The Alviator). To earn that mark, an airline must meet consistent standards in cabin cleanliness, seat comfort, catering, and crew service across all cabins.

Customer reviews summary

• Frequent flyers praise the cabin crew’s warmth and efficiency – a recurring theme across review platforms.
• The Premium Economy seat is called “a strong product with notably more space” (The Alviator).
• Economy passengers appreciate the free in-flight entertainment and complimentary drinks on international routes (Forward of the Wing).

Operational weaknesses

The airline’s fleet – mostly Boeing 777-300ER and 787-9 Dreamliners – has an average age approaching 12 years, according to third-party tracking. Limited long-haul reach is another headwind: Air New Zealand serves 28 international destinations, fewer than many comparable 4-Star carriers. Passenger reports occasionally cite delays (TripAdvisor forum discussion).

The implication: Air New Zealand delivers genuine 4-Star service in the air, but its aging fleet and relatively small route map mean it trails the global luxury carriers on network breadth.

Is Air New Zealand or Qantas better?

Eight comparison points, one pattern: both airlines hold 4-Star status, but they compete on different terrain – Qantas on global coverage, Air New Zealand on domestic convenience.

If your travel is largely within New Zealand and the South Pacific, Air New Zealand’s domestic network and Premium Economy product make it the better pick. For global itineraries, Qantas’s much larger route map and oneworld partner access win out.

The pattern: for travelers prioritizing seat space and crew warmth over network breadth, Air New Zealand is the stronger choice, while Qantas dominates for those needing global connectivity.

Which airlines are partners with Air New Zealand?

Air New Zealand is a full member of Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance, giving passengers access to more than 1,200 destinations. Key partners include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, and Air Canada (Star Alliance). Beyond the alliance, Air New Zealand has bilateral codeshares with carriers such as Cathay Pacific and Virgin Australia.

One frequent misunderstanding: despite some historical ties, Air New Zealand is not part of Virgin Group. Virgin Australia is a separate codeshare partner, not an owner.

• Star Alliance: United, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines, Air Canada, ANA, and 25 others
• Codeshare partners: Cathay Pacific, Virgin Australia, and select Pacific carriers
• No direct partnership with Qantas (different alliances)

What does Premium Economy get you on Air New Zealand?

Six product details, one pattern: Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is one of the roomiest in the market, but the overall experience varies by aircraft.

A comparison with the Skycouch economy option showed that Premium Economy costs about the same as a single passenger buying three economy seats but offers a much better sleep experience (Blogger at Large).

What are the weaknesses of Air New Zealand?

Fleet age

The long‑haul fleet averages older than many competitors – the 777-300ERs are around 12 years old and the 787-9s around 8 years (Travel-Dealz). While still comfortable, the cabins lack the newest-generation seats found on Singapore Airlines or Qatar Airways.

Limited long-haul routes

With just 28 international destinations, Air New Zealand cannot compete with Qantas (85+) or Emirates (150+) on pure reach. Long‑haul flights are concentrated on the Pacific, Asia, and North America, with only one European destination (London via Los Angeles).

Customer service complaints

Online forums and review sites occasionally mention delays and irregular baggage handling (TripAdvisor). These reports, while not officially quantified, appear more frequently than for premium carriers like Singapore Airlines.

Air New Zealand is certified as a 4-Star Airline for the quality of its airport and onboard product and staff service.

– Skytrax, via The Alviator

Our cuisine and wine showcase the best of New Zealand, with premium wines and fresh seasonal ingredients.

– Air New Zealand official site

The pattern is clear: Air New Zealand’s weaknesses are structural – fleet age and route scale – rather than service failures. For passengers in the South Pacific, the airline remains a strong choice; for anyone needing global connectivity, the Star Alliance network fills some gaps, but Qantas or a Gulf carrier may be better.

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Frequently asked questions