- AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS FULL
- AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS PLUS
- AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS SERIES
As I was there around lunch time, there were several sections of the buffet that were well stocked, with both hot and cold food options. That said, the buffet space was sprawling. Unlike the part of the lounge with mass amounts of seating, the dining area didn’t get much natural light. (Photo by Emily McNutt/The Points Guy) (Photo by Emily McNutt/The Points Guy) (Photo by Emily McNutt/The Points Guy) (Photo by Emily McNutt/The Points Guy)
AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS FULL
Notably, most seats had full power ports close by. There were the dedicated eating areas, and then there were the lounging areas and, my favorite, the pod-style seats, which were the perfect private spot to get work done. I mostly enjoyed the wide array of seating options in the lounge. There was also loads of natural light in the lounging area. The lounge looked relatively modern and updated, with wood finishings and a fresh, clean feeling to it. Just like the check-in and security processes, the lounge was also extremely quiet when I entered. I walked at a brisk pace and it took me about 15 minutes from security.
AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS SERIES
I mean, a real trek through multiple series of tunnels and walking platforms. (Photo by Emily McNutt/The Points Guy)ĭo be warned, however, that if you’re planning to get to the Singapore Lounge (or the Air Canada Lounge, for that matter), it is a walk. The lounge was opposite Gate B44 and labeled as lounges B2 and B3 alongside the Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge. Dan told me it was the best option - especially if I liked beer (I do), because of the self-service beer tap. Content Producer Dan Ross and headed to the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge in T2. Again, I was one of only a couple of people in line, so I was through within two minutes and on my way to the lounge.Īs a business-class passenger with the Star Alliance carrier, I was entitled to choose from the Lufthansa Business Lounge, United Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge and the Singapore Airlines SilverKris Lounge.Īfter having reviewed every single lounge at Heathrow, I took the advice of TPG U.K. In Terminal 2, premium passengers are entitled to an expedited security lane. The agent who tagged my bag was, well, unenthusiastic, and I was quickly on my way through security. There were just a few passengers in the regular check-in line. I was the only person using the business-class check-in line, with the exception of one couple. I arrived at LHR early -maybe even a little too early - at 12:45 p.m. As a member of Star Alliance, Air New Zealand utilizes Terminal 2 at Heathrow. local time, then departs again at 9:40 p.m., arriving in Auckland at 5:30 a.m. NZ1 departs London at 4:15 p.m., arrives at LAX at 7:40 p.m. The program also often runs buy-miles promotions where you can rack up miles on the cheap. Based on TPG’s most recent valuations, the 63,000 miles spent were worth $1,071, which made this redemption a great value compared to the cash prices.Īvianca LifeMiles is a transfer partner of Citi ThankYou and American Express Membership Rewards, as well as Marriott Bonvoy.
AIR NEW ZEALAND VBAG FARE BASIS PLUS
The program, which is known for its award sweet spots, was charging 63,000 LifeMiles plus $327 in taxes and fees for the one-way ticket. Meanwhile, Avianca’s LifeMiles program was offering a better option. Though United is a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards and an obvious option for U.S.-based flyers, the airline was charging 70,000 miles for the one-way ticket from LHR to LAX when I looked. I needed this flight to position for another flight, so I only needed a one-way ticket, which is where my miles came in handy.īecause Air New Zealand is a member of Star Alliance, there are great opportunities for redeeming your points and miles for a Business Premier experience. However, for just the LHR-LAX leg I elected to fly, round-trip prices hover around the $3,500 mark. Round-trip flights in business class - or Business Premier, as the airline calls it - usually hover around the $5,400 mark for a full NZ1 itinerary. for two hours to refuel, as well as letting passengers off and taking on new passengers. and then continues on to Auckland (AKL) - all with the same flight number. The airline operates Air New Zealand Flight 1 on a Boeing 777-300ER, which originates in London, flies to L.A. And, for those who aren’t in the know, seeing an Air New Zealand aircraft on the ground at Heathrow has to raise eyebrows. When it comes to strange fifth-freedom routes around the world, Air New Zealand’s nonstop from London (LHR) to Los Angeles (LAX) has to top the list.