Knowing your tallness I can understand why business class Air New Zealand would be appealing.

I recently travelled Auckland - London via Hong Kong on Air New Zealand, first leg premier economy and second leg business class. As I’m of the shorter stature the premier seat offered me the leg room required, The only hassle is stepping over people when the consent flow of drinks is too much to hold.

A good tip is to get a window seat in premier economy as it offers extra storage for your shoes, pillows and laptop.

Premier offered similar food and service for a fraction of the cost of business class. Next time I’m not flying business - keeping the extra money and buying a smaller laptop (If someone else is paying then its business class all the way baby).

Recent experiences:

- Domestic Air New Zealand: quick and gets the job done without too much fuss. Really a bus in the sky though the seats are sooo tiny.

- Business Qantas (Syd-Akl): Old 767s…you get a DVD player now with some discs and the breakfast was average. I used some airmiles but wouldn’t pay for it even though the extra space is very welcome if you are preparing for meetings or just like your personal bubble. I should add its the first time i’ve used my airmiles on Qantas..i have so many but never ever find flights i can use them on. ANZ is way ahead on this.

- Business Air New Zealand (AKL-SFR, LAX-AKL): Great check in Auckland. Lounge was ok (bit 70s) but service was good. The flight was great apart from the fact that the movie system failed and only the old films worked. So i watched Top Gun for the nth time and went to sleep early. Beds were comfy and service/food was really good with Kiwi relaxed approach.

Going through security at SFR-LAX was a nightmare. I got stuck in some chamber and hosed down with some gas. Took about 20 minutes to get through and I had holes in my socks which wasn’t a good look.

- Economy Emirates (Chc-Syd): Pretty good all round though we had a plane change 777 instead of the A340-500. Meant the config was 3-4-3 instead of 2-4-2. I like the 2 on the side in economy as feels a bit less restrictive (i get a bit claustrophobic on planes). the 3-4-3 lessened the fun somewhat but i always just get my film going before takeoff.

- Business United (SFR-LAX): Makes ANZ’s 767s look good. How can the US have businesses like Microsfot, Google, GE etc and have such awful airplanes. Beats me.

- Economy Alitalia (MIL-Mal): Nice looking staff but don’t bother unless you like old planes.

- Economy British Airways (Mal-LGW): Efficient and calm. Home counties approach and planes look like they will get there on time.

- Business Singapore Airlines (Chc-Mil/Lhr-Chc): I saved the best for last. The Chc-Sin leg was the best service i’ve ever had on an airline (including concorde which was pretty flash). Singapore Airlines is just hard to beat though the new 777-300s on the European route already looked a bit worn though the 34″ wide !! seats were great. Food, service and comfort are all tops. However the lounge at Changi was average unlike ANZs new lounge in ChCh which is very Canterbury Chic.

I generally try to avoid flying if possible but do appreciate space and comfort when trapped at 38000ft for 10 hours or more. I’m a bit of a control freak on the type of place i fly on. I don;t like propellor thingys which is a problem in NZ. I prefer my planes to be big and with lots of engines. I can live without the food but do like a big seat with built in films to keep my mind off the flying.

But there’s no place like home.

How about a post on hotels….:-)