[apteryx]

Dunedin New Zealand to Rarotonga Cook Islands
Air NZ 45 Economy 25 October 2015

Domestic flights typical Air NZ: no entertainment, expensive cattle class.

AKL-RAR flights: tired, old 767 both ways. Entertainment system very poor, dated offerings. Seats worn and uncomfortable. No air vents, warm and stuffy the whole way.

Bought “the Works” to get a meal. Told curried chicken was only meal available. Hate curry, allergic to it. When I asked for something else was rudely asked if I would like a bread roll. How kind.

Getting a drink was near impossible. Asked for second drink, steward told me I no because we were landing in 25 minutes and “the bar is now closed.” The seat back monitor indicated the flight would land in 54 minutes, but still no go.

No beverage, so I went to use the toilet. Saw the entire cabin crew in galley feasting on a number of dishes, but no curried chicken. The crew were dining off the “premium economy” menu with a selection of gourmet meals. A shame I had to pay for a meal and got nothing but a lolly.


Air NZ is now just another no-frills budget airline. Unless you’re flying 1st or biz class, you won’t get anything that even resembles customer service.

One of the worst flying experiences ever. Look into other offerings before flying on Air NZs tired old planes with grumpy cabin crews.