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  4. I flew on Air New Zealand from New York to Auckland in business class and the premium product made the over 17-hour journey easily bearable

I flew on Air New Zealand from New York to Auckland in business class and the premium product made the over 17-hour journey easily bearable

Taylor Rains   

I flew on Air New Zealand from New York to Auckland in business class and the premium product made the over 17-hour journey easily bearable
Taylor Rains/Insider
  • Air New Zealand has launched its highly-anticipated 17-and-a-half-hour flight from New York to Auckland.
  • The Boeing 787-9 treks about 8,850 miles between the two nations, becoming the world's new fourth-longest flight.

It's official: What's now the world's fourth-longest flight has landed in Auckland, New Zealand.

It
Taylor Rains/Insider

On Saturday, September 17, an Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew nearly 18 hours from New York-JFK airport to Auckland. The total distance was 8,843 miles, according to FlightAware.

On Saturday, September 17, an Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flew nearly 18 hours from New York-JFK airport to Auckland. The total distance was 8,843 miles, according to FlightAware.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: FlightAware

The new nonstop beats out Singapore Airlines' 8,576-mile flight between Los Angeles and Singapore, which now drops to the world's fifth-longest flight.

The new nonstop beats out Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines A350-900.      KITTIKUN YOKSAP/Shutterstock

To get to Auckland, Air New Zealand — or ANZ — flew southbound across the US and Mexico before trekking across the Pacific Ocean. The inbound journey from New Zealand, which was the official route launch, took a similar path.

To get to Auckland, Air New Zealand — or ANZ — flew southbound across the US and Mexico before trekking across the Pacific Ocean. The inbound journey from New Zealand, which was the official route launch, took a similar path.
ANZ route from NY to Auckland      FlightAware

Source: FlightAware

While ANZ was the first to launch the route, rival Qantas has also announced nonstop service between Auckland and New York to start in June 2023 using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

While ANZ was the first to launch the route, rival Qantas has also announced nonstop service between Auckland and New York to start in June 2023 using Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
Qantas Boeing 787-9.      Toshi K/Shutterstock

Source: Qantas

The new service, which originates in Sydney before the stop in Auckland, makes the Australian flag carrier a direct competitor to ANZ

The new service, which originates in Sydney before the stop in Auckland, makes the Australian flag carrier a direct competitor to ANZ
First Qantas Boeing 787-9.      Qantas

Source: Qantas

Despite the competition, I have high expectations for the Auckland-based carrier.

Despite the competition, I have high expectations for the Auckland-based carrier.
Air New Zealand 787.      Shutterstock

The company has been investing heavily in improving its cabin product, like the new Skynest bunk beds that took the internet by storm in June…

The company has been investing heavily in improving its cabin product, like the new Skynest bunk beds that took the internet by storm in June…
The Skynest at Hangar 22 in Auckland, New Zealand.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…and business premier luxe, which will have a privacy door and extra space to work or meet with another passenger.

…and business premier luxe, which will have a privacy door and extra space to work or meet with another passenger.
ANZ business premiere luxe mockup.      Taylor Rains/Insider

The new offerings, along with its unique Skycouch in economy, should make the carrier a favorable option for customers flying long-haul routes.

The new offerings, along with its unique Skycouch in economy, should make the carrier a favorable option for customers flying long-haul routes.
Air New Zealand

To see what travelers can expect, I flew on ANZ's inaugural journey from New York to Auckland in business class. Here's what it was like.

To see what travelers can expect, I flew on ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insider

My adventure started at New York-JFK airport at 6:30 p.m. — three-and-a-half hours ahead of my 9:55 p.m. flight.

My adventure started at New York-JFK airport at 6:30 p.m. — three-and-a-half hours ahead of my 9:55 p.m. flight.
Taylor Rains/Insider

ANZ will fly out of Terminal 1 along with most other long-haul international airlines. The carrier's check-in counter is at the far right end of the facility.

ANZ will fly out of Terminal 1 along with most other long-haul international airlines. The carrier
Taylor Rains/Insider

Because I was flying in business, I skipped the long economy line and checked in at the premium counter.

Because I was flying in business, I skipped the long economy line and checked in at the premium counter.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I was flying to New Zealand on a US passport, so I needed to present a traveler form and the NZeTA at the counter. The NZeTA is an NZD $52 ($31 USD) visa to be paid online or via the mobile app in advance.

I was flying to New Zealand on a US passport, so I needed to present a traveler form and the NZeTA at the counter. The NZeTA is an NZD $52 ($31 USD) visa to be paid online or via the mobile app in advance.
Taylor Rains/Insider

After check-in, I faced a treacherous security line, which snaked through a chunk of the departures hall. There was no TSA Pre-Check available for ANZ, but my premium ticket let me skip the queue.

After check-in, I faced a treacherous security line, which snaked through a chunk of the departures hall. There was no TSA Pre-Check available for ANZ, but my premium ticket let me skip the queue.
Taylor Rains/Insider

We flew out of Gate 2.

We flew out of Gate 2.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The boarding process was quick for business class, and I was onboard and settled in my seat in less than five minutes.

The boarding process was quick for business class, and I was onboard and settled in my seat in less than five minutes.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Unfortunately, we were delayed about two hours because of air-traffic control issues. We also had to detour around a large typhoon in Mexico, eating into travel time, but we still landed at 8:30 a.m. local time, which was only 50 minutes late.

Unfortunately, we were delayed about two hours because of air-traffic control issues. We also had to detour around a large typhoon in Mexico, eating into travel time, but we still landed at 8:30 a.m. local time, which was only 50 minutes late.
Taylor Rains/Insider

ANZ's Boeing 787 is split into three classes, including 27 business premiere flat bed seats in a 1x1x1 layout with all seats facing the aisle…

ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insider

Source: SeatGuru

…33 premium economy recliners in a 2x3x2 configuration…

…33 premium economy recliners in a 2x3x2 configuration…
TAylor

Source: SeatGuru

…and 215 regular economy seats in a 3x3x3 layout. Of the 275 total seats available, 65 were blocked off on my flight.

…and 215 regular economy seats in a 3x3x3 layout. Of the 275 total seats available, 65 were blocked off on my flight.
Taylor Rains/

Source: SeatGuru

According to a company spokesperson, the time of year impacts how many passengers the plane can take, with northern winter accommodating fewer than in northern summer. However, that will change once ANZ gets its new ultra-long-range Boeing 787-9s in 2024.

According to a company spokesperson, the time of year impacts how many passengers the plane can take, with northern winter accommodating fewer than in northern summer. However, that will change once ANZ gets its new ultra-long-range Boeing 787-9s in 2024.
Inaugural flight from Auckland to NY.      Air New Zealand

For this flight, I was seated in 8K, which is a window seat.

For this flight, I was seated in 8K, which is a window seat.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat's orientation meant I had to crane my neck to see out the window, which was a little disappointing. However, the comfort made up for the view.

The seat
Taylor Rains/Insider

Waiting for me at my seat was a large amenities kit, which was specially made for the inaugural flight. It featured things like hand cream and a bird-inspired eye mask.

Waiting for me at my seat was a large amenities kit, which was specially made for the inaugural flight. It featured things like hand cream and a bird-inspired eye mask.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I was also given soft pajamas to lounge in. However, these were just a treat for the inaugural flight, though a spokesperson told Insider they are working on a set of PJs to hopefully offer in the future.

I was also given soft pajamas to lounge in. However, these were just a treat for the inaugural flight, though a spokesperson told Insider they are working on a set of PJs to hopefully offer in the future.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The seat itself was extremely spacious and comfortable with plenty of legroom and padding.

The seat itself was extremely spacious and comfortable with plenty of legroom and padding.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I was particularly happy with the stationary ottoman that I could rest my legs on while we waited for takeoff. This seat is also good for talking with friends and family or having work discussions.

I was particularly happy with the stationary ottoman that I could rest my legs on while we waited for takeoff. This seat is also good for talking with friends and family or having work discussions.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Other amenities included at the premium lounger included storage space, which housed a power outlet…

Other amenities included at the premium lounger included storage space, which housed a power outlet…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…a retractable shelf…

…a retractable shelf…
We were served champagne during boarding.      Taylor Rains/Insider

…a reading light…

…a reading light…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…an adjustable window…

…an adjustable window…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…buttons to adjust the seat's recline…

…buttons to adjust the seat
Taylor Rains/Insider

…wired headphones…

…wired headphones…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…large overhead bins…

…large overhead bins…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a TV loaded with movies, TV shows, music, and games.

…and a TV loaded with movies, TV shows, music, and games.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The TV folds out of the seat wall to face directly in front of each passenger.

The TV folds out of the seat wall to face directly in front of each passenger.
Taylor Rains/Insider

When in use, the TV leaves a small ledge available that I found it to be a perfect placeholder for things like my wine and AirPods.

When in use, the TV leaves a small ledge available that I found it to be a perfect placeholder for things like my wine and AirPods.
Taylor Rains/Insider

There is also a remote that can be used to control the TV, which was handy because I could not reach the touchscreen when I was laying down.

There is also a remote that can be used to control the TV, which was handy because I could not reach the touchscreen when I was laying down.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Before departure, the flight attendants came through the cabin asking for our drink and food orders. There was a menu at each seat, which had things like lamb, pasta, spiced pumpkin, tomato, and lentil soup.

Before departure, the flight attendants came through the cabin asking for our drink and food orders. There was a menu at each seat, which had things like lamb, pasta, spiced pumpkin, tomato, and lentil soup.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The multi-course meal was served about an hour into the flight. The tray table was located in the side of the seat and retracted by pressing a button. It was huge and perfect for working or eating.

The multi-course meal was served about an hour into the flight. The tray table was located in the side of the seat and retracted by pressing a button. It was huge and perfect for working or eating.
Taylor Rains/Insider

First, I was treated to a New Zealand beer and caviar...

First, I was treated to a New Zealand beer and caviar...
Taylor Rains/Insider

...and seared tuna.

...and seared tuna.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Next was bread, which came with olive oil and butter. I tried all three options, including a beetroot and onion roll, black olive bread, and garlic flatbread. Each was delicious.

Next was bread, which came with olive oil and butter. I tried all three options, including a beetroot and onion roll, black olive bread, and garlic flatbread. Each was delicious.
Taylor Rains/Insider

After the appetizers, I was served lamb with potatoes and green vegetables on the side…

After the appetizers, I was served lamb with potatoes and green vegetables on the side…
Taylor Rains/Insider

…and a cannoli for dessert. The dish also came with a glazed sweet and fruit.

…and a cannoli for dessert. The dish also came with a glazed sweet and fruit.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I am someone who actually likes airline food, for the most part, so I was very excited to try ANZ's meals, and I was blown away. The food was extremely tasty and the flavors were strong and diverse.

I am someone who actually likes airline food, for the most part, so I was very excited to try ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insider

My favorite was definitely the lamb, which is something I wouldn't normally order at a regular restaurant as they are typically pricey, so it was a treat.

My favorite was definitely the lamb, which is something I wouldn
Taylor Rains/Insider

While I ate, I watched the new Bob's Burger movie — which was actually pretty good — before getting ready to sleep.

While I ate, I watched the new Bob
Taylor Rains/Insider

Some business classes I've flown in have a button that flattens the seat with the passenger already seated, like Delta One or United Polaris.

Some business classes I
EQRoy/Shutterstock

But, ANZ's lounger folds over into a bed, which is accompanied by a mattress pad, a blanket, and two pillows.

But, ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insider

I had to get out of my seat and ask a flight attendant to set it up.

I had to get out of my seat and ask a flight attendant to set it up.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Though there is a button on side of the seat making it possible for passengers to convert the bed themselves, I just found it easier to ask for help. However, I'll admit was a little inconvenient.

Though there is a button on side of the seat making it possible for passengers to convert the bed themselves, I just found it easier to ask for help. However, I
Taylor Rains/Insider

I realized quickly that it would be a whole process to put the bed back into lounger form when I wanted to work, so I ended up just sitting on the bed and leaning against the fuselage when I woke up.

I realized quickly that it would be a whole process to put the bed back into lounger form when I wanted to work, so I ended up just sitting on the bed and leaning against the fuselage when I woke up.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, ANZ is creating a new business premiere product that will eliminate the folding mechanism and allow passengers to lay flat without getting up.

Fortunately, ANZ is creating a new business premiere product that will eliminate the folding mechanism and allow passengers to lay flat without getting up.
ANZ business premiere 2.0 mockup at Hangar 22.      Taylor Rains/Insider

While passengers wait on the new product, the current seat is still impressively comfortable. When converted into bed form, it connects to the ottoman, offering plenty of room to even taller passengers.

While passengers wait on the new product, the current seat is still impressively comfortable. When converted into bed form, it connects to the ottoman, offering plenty of room to even taller passengers.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I slept for eight hours easily. I was worried at first because I sleep on my side or my stomach, and many business class seats can be like coffins that force me to sleep on my back.

I slept for eight hours easily. I was worried at first because I sleep on my side or my stomach, and many business class seats can be like coffins that force me to sleep on my back.
Taylor Rains/Insider

However, ANZ's single bed was the perfect width that let me sleep how I wanted. Moreover, I'm someone who regularly sleeps with two pillows, so having two was a nice surprise.

However, ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insider

Before bed, ANZ offers passengers a "bliss sleep ritual" that helps them wind down. The kit comes with sleepy tea, sleep balm, and a light snack.

Before bed, ANZ offers passengers a "bliss sleep ritual" that helps them wind down. The kit comes with sleepy tea, sleep balm, and a light snack.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Between sleeping and working, I explored other areas of the jet, including the lavatory. While not very spacious, I liked the creative cloud pattern on the wall. There was also a baby changing table available.

Between sleeping and working, I explored other areas of the jet, including the lavatory. While not very spacious, I liked the creative cloud pattern on the wall. There was also a baby changing table available.
Taylor Rains/Insider

What I really loved about the business class service was the option to order food and drinks directly from my seat instead of calling a flight attendant and ordering verbally.

What I really loved about the business class service was the option to order food and drinks directly from my seat instead of calling a flight attendant and ordering verbally.
Taylor Rains/Insider

The menu is available on the TV screen, featuring things like soda, chips, chocolate, coffee, tea, water, and alcohol.

The menu is available on the TV screen, featuring things like soda, chips, chocolate, coffee, tea, water, and alcohol.
Taylor Rains/Insider

With about six hours left of the flight, I ordered a coffee, protein bar, and glass of water, which held me over until breakfast. The three easily fit on the small shelf next to me.

With about six hours left of the flight, I ordered a coffee, protein bar, and glass of water, which held me over until breakfast. The three easily fit on the small shelf next to me.
Taylor Rains/Insider

About two hours before landing, we gave our breakfast orders. The menu had options like fruit, cereal, and poached eggs.

About two hours before landing, we gave our breakfast orders. The menu had options like fruit, cereal, and poached eggs.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Like dinner, we were given bread as an appetizer, though there were also pastries available. I opted for regular toast with butter and jam.

Like dinner, we were given bread as an appetizer, though there were also pastries available. I opted for regular toast with butter and jam.
Taylor Rains/Insider

For breakfast, I chose creamy balsamic mushrooms with potato roost, grilled tomatoes, and bacon. Once again, the food was delicious and paired perfectly with a cup of coffee.

For breakfast, I chose creamy balsamic mushrooms with potato roost, grilled tomatoes, and bacon. Once again, the food was delicious and paired perfectly with a cup of coffee.
Taylor Rains/Insider

I actually ended up having "breakfast in bed" because I left the seat in lay-flat mode. I wasn't sure if I'd have some time to sleep again after eating, so I didn't want to convert the bed into a seat and then back again.

I actually ended up having "breakfast in bed" because I left the seat in lay-flat mode. I wasn
Taylor Rains/Insider

Overall, I was surprised about how quickly 17 hours passed. I slept for eight hours of the journey, which was made easy by the bed's cushioned mattress pad and two pillows.

Overall, I was surprised about how quickly 17 hours passed. I slept for eight hours of the journey, which was made easy by the bed
Taylor Rains/Insider

Captain David Wilson and flight attendants Mark Bazar and Mike Webster told Insider they get a lot of time before the flight to rest up, and suggest passengers drink a lot of water before the flight to help with jetlag.

Captain David Wilson and flight attendants Mark Bazar and Mike Webster told Insider they get a lot of time before the flight to rest up, and suggest passengers drink a lot of water before the flight to help with jetlag.
Taylor Rains/Insider

When not sleeping, I was working — made possible by the airline's free inflight WiFi — or watching movies. While the TV was smaller than some rival business class cabins, I liked how mobile it was in the seat.

When not sleeping, I was working — made possible by the airline
Working from the road.      Taylor Rains/Insider

I could sit in different positions on the bed and move the screen in front of me regardless of which way I was facing. It gave me more flexibility to move around to get comfortable while still watching a movie.

I could sit in different positions on the bed and move the screen in front of me regardless of which way I was facing. It gave me more flexibility to move around to get comfortable while still watching a movie.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Not to mention, the food was amazing. I felt full the entire route, and the flight attendants provided excellent service. The convenience of ordering meals straight to my seat was the cherry on top.

Not to mention, the food was amazing. I felt full the entire route, and the flight attendants provided excellent service. The convenience of ordering meals straight to my seat was the cherry on top.
My order on the seatback screen.      Taylor Rains/Insider

My only caveats are the angle of the seat and the lay-flat conversion. I wish the seats were more forward-facing so I could look out the window and I think the bed is a pain to convert.

My only caveats are the angle of the seat and the lay-flat conversion. I wish the seats were more forward-facing so I could look out the window and I think the bed is a pain to convert.
Taylor Rains/Insider

Fortunately, the airline is working out the kinks, as shown by its business premiere 2.0 and all-new business premiere luxe mockups at ANZ's innovations center in Auckland — Hangar 22.

Fortunately, the airline is working out the kinks, as shown by its business premiere 2.0 and all-new business premiere luxe mockups at ANZ
Business premiere 2.0 mockup.      Taylor Rains/Insider

Despite the length and seat flaws, I would recommend ANZ's business class on the ultra-long-haul journey. My return flight is in economy class, though I'm luckily booked in a Skycouch.

Despite the length and seat flaws, I would recommend ANZ
Taylor Rains/Insid

Hopefully, the unique Skycouch will make it easy to get the much-needed sleep on the 16-and-a-half-hour journey home.

Hopefully, the unique Skycouch will make it easy to get the much-needed sleep on the 16-and-a-half-hour journey home.
Working onboard.      Taylor Rains/Inisder

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