I flew United from San Francisco to Auckland. My connecting flight from Auckland to Christchurch was canceled with no explanation. I was finally told the cancellation was due to fog. Even though it was clear when we landed. I am from San Francisco, I know what fog is! And I didn't see any fog. I was told the next available flight was 7 hours later. Unacceptable, they should have had a flight ready to go as soon as it was deemed safe to take off.
Our original flight was cancelled from SFO to AKL on 6/16/25. So we had to stay overnight at a hotel after a 12-hour layover plus 3-hour delay before the cancellation. Then had to fly to LA and then to AKL the following day losing an entire day of our vacation in NZ, that we can never get back.
Two hours was not enough time to transition from the international to domestic terminal. You have to go through customs, a biological hazard check, gather your luggage, take a bus to the domestic terminal and recheck your luggage. The bus was slow and crowded and the lines to recheck your bags were very long. We missed our connecting flight. Initially, the Air New Zealand officials were not helpful at all in helping to get us on another flight. Told us we would have to buy another ticket for a flight 11 hours later. Found another agent that was more helpful. He helped arrange to get us on standby for another flight three hours later. Had to ride in jump seats next to the flight attendants, but at least we eventually got to out destination.
Full flight. Flight attendants were harried. Otherwise, fine for the typical cramped seating conditions in coach.
The business class upgrade meant a good sleep on the way home after a long week away. Excellent service, great food, and comfortable seat/bed for the journey.
I love the “boarding from the back” idea - it’s so much better than the “Zones” idea that many others use. Also, the inflight wifi was a first for me! Very nice to have on a 13-hour flight!
Again, Air New Zealand was great. They kept bathrooms clean, food was actually very good, New Zealand wines a big hit
The issue was with getting our boarding pases. There were issues with our arrangements that were made through Kayak. I am sorry to say that we will not use you again because of this. The flight itself was good and the flight attendants excellent.
Arriving at Coolangatta, rows 20 forward, took the airbridge across to the terminal. It was suggested to those from rows 21 back, that we take the rear stairs and to be careful crossing the tarmac. That was all well and good. However, when we got across to the terminal we then had to climb three large flights of stairs to meet up with those coming across the airbridge. No elevator! There were people carrying babies and elderly carrying hand luggage that needed assistance from others.. There was no option to turn back.
It was good for a short domestic flight. As no food ar entertainment provided, there should be a n/a rating available for those.
Cabin crew is very helpful and nice, it is another level of service compared to Air Canada
Entertainment for kids was good. Good was terrible, needs lots of work.
As before, my only problem was not being able to download my boarding passes prior to arrival at the airport. Everything else was perfect.
The only problem I had was not being able to download my boarding passes prior to arriving at the airport. Everything else was perfect.
If I had blood clots, that window seat would've killed me for certain.
They ran out of food and were offering random food to passengers.
Short staffs, I ask stewardess to bring me cognac twice during dinner but they didn't bring it!
The food and service was great. You have to pay a lot for in flight Internet though which is lame.
very professional and very attentive to my Special Needs as I required a Wheel Chair and assistance to board
Crew was great. But a bit understaffed. The business class seat, etc were dated. But comfortable. Some legs had entertainment system from a decade ago. Selections were rather poor. Food was mediocre at best. Actually poor for business class standards. I liked the lounge in Hong Kong. Showers were great. Food was nice.
