From February 27, economy travelers on Air New Zealand’s popular Auckland International Airport (AKL) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) are about to get an ‘upgrade.’
Air New Zealand has just launched and announced pricing for its new ‘economy stretch’ offering, the latest innovation out of Hangar 22, the airline ‘innovation lab,’ located in Auckland.
Available to book now
For eager travelers, the new offering is available for purchase now and promises up to 39% more legroom than standard economy. With a ‘dedicated stretch zone,’ passengers will experience an 89% increased seat pitch, with seats also coming with premium entertainment headsets and an upgrade on pillows. Available on the airlines Boeing 777 only at present, the upgrade cost will be NZ $175 ($109).
42 available
Located at the front of the economy cabin, the 777 will have 42 ‘economy stretch’ seats available, which is still in addition to the economy ‘sky couch’ and standard economy class. As published by New Zealand online newspaper Stuff.co.nz, Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty commented that, ”customers had been wanting more room to relax, at a competitive price.” Geraghty further noted:
“The introduction of Economy Stretch means we are providing more choice for customers at an Economy price point that will meet the needs of families, solo travelers, as well as those just looking for that little bit extra of extra comfort.”
Only to Los Angeles, for now
Air New Zealand’s latest offering is only available on its daily flights to Los Angeles. However, it has been noted that Houston George Bush Intercontinental Airport could be up next, where the carrier already operates a direct service.
Find Air New Zealand flights to Los Angeles here.The carrier operates some of the world’s longest long-haul routes, with its North American offering heading from Auckland to Chicago (14 hr 45 mins), Houston (13 hr 30 mins), Los Angeles (12 hr 5 mins), New York (15 hr 55 mins), San Francisco (12 hr 10 mins) and Vancouver (13 hr 5 mins), it would not be surprising to see the offering rolled out onto these routes. However, as noted above, the new stretch product is only available on its 777, with most of the above routes operated by Air NZ’s 787s.
Innovations for a diverse cabin of customers
Geraghty has noted that economy passengers are the most diverse range of people in flight, with different needs and expectations. The airline has been hard at work in ‘Hangar 22’, working to evolve the way we travel. It has produced such innovations as the Economy Sky Couch, and soon to launch ‘Economy Skynest,’ with Geraghty commenting,
“Through innovations such as the Economy Skycouch and with Economy Skynest launching later next year, Air New Zealand continues to push boundaries in Economy travel.
“The Economy cabin welcomes the most diverse group of travellers. The introduction of Economy Stretch means we are providing more choice for customers at an Economy price point that will meet the needs of families, solo travellers, as well as those just looking for that little bit extra of extra comfort.”
