Air NZ 787-9 Dreamliner to HNL from AKL

[Foreigner]

Beginning May 2016:

Air New Zealand to Start Dreamliner Service to Hawaii from May 2016 | Airline Route

 

[AviationNZ]

Good news with the re-timing as it now connects with East Coast AU flights, so another option to get to HNL. The 789 will be a welcome change too!

 

[TomVexille]

Good news with the re-timing as it now connects with East Coast AU flights, so another option to get to HNL. The 789 will be a welcome change too!

I did notice that. Might be an option in the future.

 

[zainman]

What about award availability on the 787? I couldn't find anything for business class in May using United.com or ANA

 

[NZflygirl]

Brilliant!!

 

[clifford]

What about award availability on the 787? I couldn't find anything for business class in May using United.com or ANA

NZ award availability in business is quite difficult to find. I tried for it to NRT earlier this year and it was virtually non-existent. So I opted for TG via BKK, rather than fly Y in a squashy 787 3-3-3 configuration.

 

[kyanar]

Mystery of the day has to be why HNL fares are "seats to suit" (short haul/domestic) rather than full fledged Y/PE/J fares. Who wants to go to Hawaii with no meal or checked baggage?!?

 

[AviationNZ]

Mystery of the day has to be why HNL fares are "seats to suit" (short haul/domestic) rather than full fledged Y/PE/J fares. Who wants to go to Hawaii with no meal or checked baggage?!?

Good question. I'm guessing the main reason is because they roll Seats to Suit under all routes in the Pacific Islands and Tasman, so it's an easiesr message to keep HNL included. Or maybe as a major leisure only market there might be people happy to save by not having to pay for meals/alcohol etc but just get a snack on board (especially for night flights).

I personally believe we're moving towards an era when everything is customisable and see airlines having the ability for you to choose exactly what you want.

 

[cambriamarsh]

Good question. I'm guessing the main reason is because they roll Seats to Suit under all routes in the Pacific Islands and Tasman, so it's an easiesr message to keep HNL included. Or maybe as a major leisure only market there might be people happy to save by not having to pay for meals/alcohol etc but just get a snack on board (especially for night flights).

I personally believe we're moving towards an era when everything is customisable and see airlines having the ability for you to choose exactly what you want.

It also keeps the headline price down. NZ also tend to advertise one way fares rather than returns for the same reason.

 

[NZflygirl]

I personally believe we're moving towards an era when everything is customisable and see airlines having the ability for you to choose exactly what you want.

i actually enjoy this feature as you get to save a few bob on seat + bag fare. Especially if you're able to eat in the lounge prior. If you're particularly bored you can buy access to all the IFE for $10 onboard or change your mind and want a wine or snack you just order from the screen which can work out a bit cheaper than the whole package. As does taking your own entertainment. If you fly TT a lot it does add up over time. Which means you can justify it when you splurge

The other thing is you could buy the seat fare while you're waiting for your upgrade to clear so the base amount you pay is minimal for PE. Just add on the other bits like bag, or food etc as above if it doesn't clear or looks less likely a couple days out.

 

[kyanar]

The other thing is you could buy the seat fare while you're waiting for your upgrade to clear so the base amount you pay is minimal for PE. Just add on the other bits like bag, or food etc as above if it doesn't clear or looks less likely a couple days out.

I actually hadn't thought of that. With Oneup/RUs, I suppose it really doesn't matter since Seat/Seat+Bag/Works are all the same booking class so upgrade one class to PE or two to J, so if you're relatively assured of getting one then you get the flight on the super cheap.

I actually do fly TT quite a fair whack, so I get what you mean about the occasional splurge (only $501 for PE? Sign me up!) and just flying seat/bag most of the time. Admittedly it's less helpful when I'm trying to get enough status to go from "only just started flying" to PS at least.

 

[blackcat20]

Mystery of the day has to be why HNL fares are "seats to suit" (short haul/domestic) rather than full fledged Y/PE/J fares. Who wants to go to Hawaii with no meal or checked baggage?!?

JQ also sell fares to HNL without bags or food; they are all extra costs. Makes it look cheaper than it actually is.

 

[TheBOSman]

NZ award availability in business is quite difficult to find. I tried for it to NRT earlier this year and it was virtually non-existent. So I opted for TG via BKK, rather than fly Y in a squashy 787 3-3-3 configuration.

It might as well be nonexistent. AKL-NRT rarely shows up anymore. AKL-PVG is about the only route that seems to show up at all now, and even it has gotten harder to get. And while NZ business is good, it isn't truly at some sort of level where the cabin must be protected from award flyers...

JQ also sell fares to HNL without bags or food; they are all extra costs. Makes it look cheaper than it actually is.

I would think that is quite expected of JQ, but NZ generally portrays itself as more full service than JQ.

 

[blackcat20]

I would think that is quite expected of JQ, but NZ generally portrays itself as more full service than JQ.

They've been going more LCC for a while though with seat only fares...

 

[TheBOSman]

They've been going more LCC for a while though with seat only fares...

That they have done...had to buy up to the seat+1 bag fare even as a then Star Alliance Gold...

 

[blackcat20]

That they have done...had to buy up to the seat+1 bag fare even as a then Star Alliance Gold...

Yeah I find that irritating, that the free bag doesnt apply if you havent paid with one to start with.

 

[NZflygirl]

LCC are taking a bite out of other airlines profits because there's a market for them. We have JQ flying around in our back yard, price is the only way to compete. Apart from FFP preferences I can't see why anyone would fly JQ domestically in NZ.

AA is also going to offer no frills fares to compete with LCC. See google.

i don't think this means air nz and AA are in the same league as the likes of JQ, easy jet or Ryan air etc. It also makes sense to just use the planes you have rather than buy another fleet. Lest costly. You just need a seat to put a fare paying bum on.