Airline experiences

[MotherBear]

I think I know where your mum is coming from, Alison. I remember my first solo flight and it wasn't the idea of the flight at all that scared me, it was negotiating strange and unfamiliar airports on my own. I have a terrible sense of direction and a tendency to get myself lost, so it was a big worry. I'd break out in a cold sweat whenever I saw footage of an airport on the TV and wonder how on earth I was going to find my way and know what to do. I had to realise flying was a means to an end, so if I needed to go somewhere by myself, I had to get on and do it. After all, there was always someone around to ask if I got lost and being on my own often attracted other solo travellers to chat, which was good. Since the first time, I've been on many flights by myself and wouldn't say that it gets any easier when faced with yet another strange airport. but it has to be done or I'd just have to stay home. I hope your mum can face her fears and find the strength to take the bull by the horns. She would be so proud of herself getting off the plane at the other end (as long as she doesn't think about having to turn round and do it all again back the other way ).

Originally Posted by Welshgirl

It's all in the mind-preparation before you leave - if you watch the clock every 5 mins, it will take forever, but if you come prepared with a few books and things to keep you occupied, and treat the plane trip as part of your holiday (I mean who wouldn't like to be waited on hand and foot for over 24 hours, no cleaning, meals brought to you, all the TV you can watch, complete relaxation.... ),

I would heartily agree with this. I get on the plane knowing full well that it's going to take a long time to get where I'm going, so I just switch off time-watching and do what I want when I want, like sleeping, reading and watching the movies (which is a novelty in itself as we don't have TV and haven't visited a cinema in about 10 years). It's nice to be released from the normal routine of the day and you don't have to fit in with anyone else's schedule. As long as you're awake for meals, you can please yourself what you do the rest of the time. I never try to put myself in the time zone of the country I've left so I don't have to battle with the concept of 'I would be sleeping now if I was home'. It's like free-floating in timelessness (is that a word? ). I've never suffered from jetlag going or returning from NZ so maybe deliberately losing track of time is a good thing psychologically.

[ebianca]

Talking about flying on your own.......

I am very likely going to have to do the UK to NZ flight on my own with two kids aged 3 (she may be 4 when we go) and 1.

I have never set foot in an airport before never mind on a plane so not really looking forward to a 26hr flight. We will also only have two seats for the three of us as the youngest will not have made up two. We will be looking at using Air NZ due to the extra luggage alowencies.

My husband will already be in NZ as he will go out ahead of us to find work and once he has a job offer and sorted a rental house out we will join him on our VV until our residency is through.

Just one question if anyone knows... as we will be travelling on our VV and submitting our EOI once in NZ will we have to purchase return tickets or just have funds to buy a return? Also does anyone know if you can cashi in your return ticket if you are not going to use it (i.e we get our residency so don't need to leave).

Beth

[MotherBear]

Originally Posted by ebianca

Just one question if anyone knows... as we will be travelling on our VV and submitting our EOI once in NZ will we have to purchase return tickets or just have funds to buy a return? Also does anyone know if you can cashi in your return ticket if you are not going to use it (i.e we get our residency so don't need to leave).

Hi Ebianca,

Bermy Girl was asking a similar question the other day and this was how I answered her. I think you can only cash in your return ticket if you buy something like a business class ticket or pay a lot of extra money, anyway. The cheapest way to get round the situation is to buy a cheapo ticket on to Oz. Then you can either bin it or use it if you fancy a bit of roo spotting .

If it's your first flight you're in good company, as Taffy made his 'maiden' flight to NZ. He hadn't been on a plane since he was about 2, so it was a big learning curve for him. I'm sure he'll be happy to tell you it was a great experience, but then he didn't have 2 little 'uns to cope with.

[Glenda]

Originally Posted by ebianca

Just one question if anyone knows... as we will be travelling on our VV and submitting our EOI once in NZ will we have to purchase return tickets or just have funds to buy a return? Also does anyone know if you can cashi in your return ticket if you are not going to use it (i.e we get our residency so don't need to leave).

I think getting a return ticket to the UK is more common with immigrants than getting one for Oz - you should check with your travel agent re refunds, or the small print if booking yourself online. If you are getting a forwarding ticket to Oz, best to do this on their NZ or Oz websites and they will offer three grades of ticket. For AirNZ these are:- Smart Saver (the cheapest at around $295, but with no airpoints or refund), Flexi Saver (air points but no refund), and Flexi (gives refunds but is the most expensive ticket at around $665).

We got the Flexi and was refunded. There were a few dollars not refunded though - can't remember what they were for, tax or administration fees, I think.

[MotherBear]

Emirates flies highest with Kiwis
Page 1 of 2 5:00AM Saturday June 02, 2007
By Stuart Dye


Emirates was voted best in value for money, comfort, food and drink, and entertainment. Photo / Richard Robinson

Emirates is the country's preferred airline for international travel, a Herald survey of air travellers shows.

The Dubai-based airline, which began operating from Auckland less than four years ago, was given the top rating for its service, including value for money, comfort, food and drink, and entertainment.

Singapore scooped second place in the satisfaction survey, followed by Malaysia Airlines.

But it was not such a good showing for the country's national carrier, which came eighth out of 14 the airlines ranked.

"Air New Zealand's service is awful. They are clearly flying to make money and customer satisfaction is a low priority," wrote one person.

Another said that, given the choice, she would never fly Air New Zealand. "However, as a Government employee, I have to fly it and do not welcome the experience."

More than 3000 Herald readers gave scores out of 10 across a range of categories to determine the top international airline. The result does not distinguish between flights in economy and business, or transtasman and long-haul.

Chris Lethbridge, Emirates' manager for New Zealand, said he believed the airline's success was down to its "full service and competitive prices".

"We have 600 channels of entertainment, full meals and beverage service and a chauffeur service for first-class passengers to and from the airport."

The highest single score in any category was for Emirates' in-flight entertainment. The airline only slipped up in the "convenience of flights" category, where it came second to Singapore Airlines.

Mr Lethbridge said Emirates' four flights a day from New Zealand were all evening flights which might not suit "businessmen travelling to Australia and back in a day".

More here .

[RedAlligator]

I would have to totally agree. I think Emirates are great too. We used Emirates flying over to the UK and I hate flying now and have to say Emirates was just the nicest airline I have been on. The food was good, the entertainment was brilliant and dont know how they managed this one, but for the first time ever I managed to sleep on a plane! I know it wasnt them really, but hey they were so good I would like to attribute it to them.

[selchie]

Of the airlines mentioned, I've only used AirNZ, and found them to be fine. Nothing fancy, but relatively comfortable even in steerage. The attendants have always been very nice to us. If you do have a stop in the US, try San Francisco (SFO) rather than LAX. Much of the teminal is new and well equipped for time-killing. If you venture beyond the terminal, SF is much nicer than LA, and the air isn't as brown.

Security checks in US airports are a pain in the neck, but really not horrendous. You pass through a metal detector while your belongings (including shoes) pass through an X-ray machine. Be sure to empty your water bottle before going through the check, then refill at a water fountain on the other side. They may have you go through customs, but I'm not certain.