Letters to the Travel Editor

A First Class suggestion Dear Sir, I note with appreciation that recently airlines have been quite active in discounting Economy, Premier Economy and in some cases even Business Class fares for long-haul flights.

Why, I ask, don’t First Class fares ever seem to be sold at a discount? I would imagine that airlines that offer First Class do not fly with a full cabin in First Class, so would it not make sense to tempt Business Class payers to stump up a little more and travel in real style and comfort.

Fares to say London are about $14,000 in First and at a non-discount about $10,000 in Business. A reduction of $2000-$3000 would attract interest and open up seats in Business which can be sold at a discount and attract travellers from Premier Economy and so on.

Also I would hope that the introduction of Qatar into New Zealand with their very smart new Business Class will make Air New Zealand rethink their awful Business Premier, which is not a patch on other airline offerings, especially at the high fares they ask.

The service is okay, but the seats and cabin are not worth the money you pay.

The 777s and 787s are very hot and claustrophobic and the bed does not allow meaningful sleep — it needs to be softer and wider and the cabin needs to be a lot cooler. Regards, Andrew Gill Waipu The Travel Editor replies: I think they like to keep the sense of a “premium” product around First Class, having said that, I suspect most passengers in there are on loyalty programme upgrades. Great for the Bay Dear Sir, Jetstar get a bad rap but I couldn’t fault my experience flying with my 4-year-old to Hawke’s Bay to stay with his grandparents. I paid $114 dollars for six flights! In fact my $38 return fare was the same amount I paid for airport parking.

Both flights were on time and there’s plenty of leg room on the Dash-8 aircraft. Before Jetstar flew regional routes, the cheapest fares I could ever get on Air New Zealand were Grabaseat $69 specials.

Now I can fly Dominic down to Hastings, Mum can bring him back and head home again all for under $120! Matt Brown The Travel Editor replies: Competition has been great for consumers. And great for the Bay! Jetstar’s regional services have given Hawke’s Bay locals something to sing about. Send your Letter to the Travel Editor to travel@ nzherald.co.nz The cheapest deal Dear Sir, I find it very difficult to understand in nearly all travel advertising, including the Herald, the use of special prices and one-way prices. How many travellers go one way? Very few, I would think. Regards, Ian Robertson The Travel Editor replies: They’ll always quote you their lowest price — same with car dealers, real estate agents and newspaper circulation departments. But whatever price you’re paying for your plane ticket (top dollar, mid-market or bargain basement), it’ll be heaps better than the equivalent price 20 years ago. SFO — oh no! Dear Sir, In your Flight Check [March 14], you praise San Francisco Airport. You must be joking! I went through San Francisco two years ago — I was a transit passenger to the UK with a change of airline. It took me four hours to get to the gate for my new airline. Never again. I go to the UK every two years but will never go via the US again. I now go via Dubai which is so easy. Earl Trass The Travel Editor replies: Sorry to hear that SFO didn’t work for you. Kiwi travellers are spoiled for choice at the moment with so many options for getting to Europe — and next March’s launch of the Qantas direct flight from Perth to London will be fantastic.