Travel test

WHAT: Air New Zealand Premium Economy

WHERE: Flight NZ1 from Heathrow to Auckland via LA. From £2,149 return. airnewzealand.co.nz

EXPERIENCE: New Zealand is very, very far away. At least 26 hours away. So upgrading to Premium Economy on the Boeing 777 jet definitely eases the pain.

It comes with Premium check-in and two 23kg bags per person. You get a leg-stretching 42in of pitch, and the revolutionary Spaceseats (arranged in pairs) are basically huge armchairs you can sink into. There’s plenty of space to stow your stuff, with power points and USB ports. And a very nice goody bag.

Air NZ in-flight safety videos are always a good laugh. When I flew with them three years ago, hobbits told me what would happen “in the unlikely event of...” This year, it shows Shortland Street’s Jayden Daniels, supermodel Rachel Hunter and Game of Thrones Dothraki warrior Joe Naufahu on a road trip through New Zealand.

Basically, famous Kiwis in beautiful locations show you how to fasten your seat belt.

There’s a cracking selection of films shown on your personal 10.6in hi-res screen. I watched most of this year’s Oscar contenders and a fair few classics.

The food is amazing. You get a menu of tasty choices for your three courses and it all tasted freshly cooked. I was particularly taken with the selection of fresh bread, served with a little bottle of olive oil or butter. Or both.

My (super lovely) flight attendant remembered which wine I was enjoying and kept topping up my glass. Did I mention it was a long flight?!

QUIBBLES: Having to get off in LA and go through customs and immigration, only to get back on to the same plane, in the same seat, is a major pain. Although in fairness, this is US law, not Air New Zealand’s fault.

VERDICT: A great way to start your epic journey to Middle Earth. 9/10