Business class review: Air New Zealand

This international airline is known for it’s cheeky approach but is its business class any good? We test it out.

Air New Zealand Business Premier

Flight Number: NZ6
Route: Auckland to Los Angeles. Departs Auckland one hour and 20 minutes late at 9.35pm, arrives in Los Angeles 45 minutes late at 2.05pm.
Aircraft: B777-300
Seat: 4J (centre aisle)
Flight Time: 11 hours 25 minutes

On the ground

I’ve flown to Auckland from the Sunshine Coast on Air New Zealand’s seasonal service and the transfer through security is swift. My upgrade to Business Premier comes with a caveat: my seat won’t convert to a lie-flat bed at the push of a button and will require the assistance of the cabin crew. Am I willing to “endure” it? You betcha.

Take a seat

Business Premier occupies the first 12 rows, with a 1-2-1 configuration and the 44 seats angled towards the aisles, which means passengers face their neighbours. It becomes more private when reclining or lying flat as the shoulder-high curve of the seat obscures the view. The cream leather upholstery is soft and comfortable, with the 22 inch (55.9cm) wide seat converting into a 2m-long bed. There’s space under the footrest and in a small nook beside the seat for storing personal items. I miss the drinks tray on the way to my seat but order a glass of Laurent-Perrier Brut Champagne while dinner orders are taken. At lights out, flight attendant Fiona makes up my bed, which requires some muscle to fold down manually due to a fault (see On the Ground); it has a mattress topper, quilted blanket and second pillow. There is a Bliss Sleep Ritual on the menu comprising sleepy tea, “Bliss mix” and a sleep balm, but I opt for melatonin. An amenity case made from recycled paper contains quality socks, earplugs, a bamboo toothbrush, toothpaste and pen.

>This review first appeared in Travel + Luxury (The Weekend Australian) 7 December 2025. Continue reading on the PDF or online here.