London Heathrow has rapidly become one of my least favourite travel experiences in recent years but on this occasion it was a world of difference.

Presumably the traveling public were still away for Christmas - when I arrived into T1 (from where all Star Alliance carriers will operate) you could literally count how many people there were. I don't think I've ever seen it so quiet. From there I proceeded to the new Star Alliance lounge which was the only disappointment in this otherwise perfect trip: no PCs, and no confirmation when they might arrive!

Three aspects of the flight really stood out: the magnificent crew, the food/wine, and the flatbed. Air New Zealand's London-based crew offer a very friendly, charming and unfussy service and most importantly they use their personalities - something that the likes of CX and SQ don't do. Both the flight supervisor and crew member looking after me, introduced themselves and made time for small talk. Others were very proactive in helping passengers. The fact that I remember their names says a lot about the impression they made.

For dinner I had a ricotta and beetroot salad which might not have tasted so bland if goat's cheese had been used instead. Main courses included an Asian chicken dish, something with prawn but I went for the beautifully-presented roast loin of lamb with truffle mash, green beans carrots and pinot noir reduction - divine and way above the mediocre offering served by SWISS two weeks earlier from Tokyo to Zurich. Air New Zealand also invest a lot of effort into their wine selection and quite rightly promote many fabulous home-produced wines.

The business cabin is in the fish-bone formation with each seat extending into a full-flat bed complete with bed linen and duvet. I slept comfortably for six hours before breakfast was served shortly before landing. Not being a movie-watcher I didn't use the PTV other than for a little-known Cantonese film and a few music videos. A pleasant surprise was the nice draw-string amenity kit. I can't remember the last time I'd taken one home from the flight as most airlines' kits usually look a bit cheap and tacky.

Landing was 40 minutes ahead of schedule and, just like London, HKG was eerily empty meaning I passed thru immigration and collected my bag within about 20 minutes. A truly spectacular trip and very highly recommended over the likes of CX and BA if you're contemplating a change.