Home > Air New Zealand > 2007 > Review

Taken 14 April 2007 from Auckland (International) - AKL to Vancouver, BC (Vancouver International Airport) - YVR

We specifically chose this flight because of short layover times in San Fran. Without our knowledge or permission ticket was changed to a much longer layover in LAX - we were told we would have to pay to change it.

We specifically requested an exit row seat because I find it difficult to bend one leg due to an injury. I went in to Air NZ and personally requested it (not by phone) and was assured I had been allocated one. On checking a few days later found I had not and none were now available. A very helpful ticket agent gave me a bulkhead seat which has slightly better leg room than standard economy.

On checking in, I was abused by the very rude counter staff because I was not travelling with an infant - apparently the helpful agent used an infant code to secure this seat for me - not at my request, just to help me out because of a previous Air NZ employee's incompetence.

The bulkhead where we were seated was right beside the exit row seat I should have had. Seated there instead was a very loud-mouthed trio who convinced the flight attendant to serve them beer as soon as the seat-belt sign went off.

We watched these men ask - and receive - several alcoholic drinks at one time from several flight attendants. My request for a glass of water went unanswered for 45mins. The man behind us was told he was not allowed a second beer.

These men got very loud and very drunk, we counted at least 10 rounds of drinks served to them. Several passengers complained and nothing was done until one of the men slid his hand up the skirt of one of the women flight attendants, then they were told to shut up.

The seat entertainment unit did not work for the entire flight. The flight attendants tried to fix it five times and then said they couldn't.

When we complained to the head flight attendant he apologised, gave us $100 in vouchers as compensation and said he would pass on our concerns to the complaints department. he took our email address and told us we would hear from them within the week.

Of course we never heard, we know he was simply placating us.

If a anyone want $100 of useless Air New Zealand vouchers, they're yours. I wouldn't fly Air NZ again if you paid me - and I'm a loyal Kiwi!