This economy class is better than most and deserves support

Anthony DennisSeptember 1, 2026 — 5:00amThe airline: Air New ZealandRoute Sydney to Auckland, flight NZ110Frequency Three to four flights a day, 26 flights a weekAircraft Airbus A321neo, all-economy class cabinClass “The Works”, Air New Zealand’s long-standing and transparent all-inclusive economy fare, which includes a checked bag, a full meal with drinks, seat selection, and complete access to the seatback inflight entertainment system.Flight time Three hours and 10 minutesAn Air New Zealand Airbus A321neo on approach to Auckland International Airport.Russell HendryChecking inThe check-in process for this routine Trans-Tasman service is a queue-free cinch thanks to the small forest of automated self-service kiosks along with the companion bag-drop facility. If only the immigration authorities on both sides more determinedly found a solution to making this route a domestic, or even quasi-domestic, affair, rather than a glorified international one. It would make travelling across the ditch for both nations so much simpler and would stimulate more visitation between Australia and New Zealand. Following the deep diplomatic and economic rift between the Americans and the Canadians, the relationship between Australia and New Zealand is probably the closest of any two countries on the planet.Loyalty schemeSign up for the Traveller newsletterThe latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.Airpoints. Eligible passengers can earn “Airpoints dollars” on Air New Zealand flights, as well as partner airlines and Star Alliance flights. Airpoints dollars can be spent on flights, upgrades, rental cars, hotels and other benefits.Baggage“Works” economy-class packages allow 23 kilograms of checked luggage and seven kilograms of cabin baggage.The seatAir New Zealand’s leather upholstered seats make for a comfortable flight.Fittingly for the home of the All Blacks, Air New Zealand features near-luxurious, all-black leather seats in economy (which are white on the back). They’re even on this Airbus A321neo, a workhorse of the airline’s fleet since 2018. I’m in the windowless seat 27E, having upgraded to an exit row next to the toilets with seating in a 3-3 single aisle configuration across 37 rows. However, my seat is in a row of two next to the single flight attendant’s jump seat, which makes it a slightly tight squeeze for outstretched legs when she needs to pass to and from her allocated space. Standard economy seats have 30 inches (73 centimetres) of pitch (legroom) and are 18 inches (46 centimetres) wide.Entertainment + techThe back-seat in-flight entertainment system offers the usual blockbuster fare. The “Works fare” package includes full gate-to-gate access to the airline’s inflight entertainment system, which includes the usual choice of blockbuster films, TV, music and games. In-flight Wi-Fi is free and easy to use.ServiceThe crew are every bit as polite and friendly as you’d expect from aircraft attended to by Kiwis, but they countenance no nonsense. A flight attendant, after all, chastises a passenger for sneakily snapping a photo of a crew member, making clear that such an act is verboten. What’s more, she insists that the passenger delete the image.FoodWith this flight departing Sydney at 7.10am, breakfast is the order of this hour of the day. Works fare passengers receive a hot breakfast along with complimentary hot drinks (tea and coffee), water, juices, soft drinks, and if you really must, a selection of New Zealand beer and wine.SustainabilityAir New Zealand, the national airline of the country that famously marketed itself as “100% Pure New Zealand” maintains a policy of “working towards net zero carbon emissions by 2050, and helping address the impact of our operations”.*One more thingStriking traditional Maori motifs and decorations greet passengers at Auckland Airport. GettyAuckland Airport is undergoing a massive and much-needed multibillion-dollar makeover. The objective is to integrate the domestic and international terminals under one roof, among other improvements, by 2029. It’ll mean passengers will no longer have to traipse the dreaded painted blue line walkway that guides passengers on the 10- to 15-minute mainly outdoor walk between the airport’s separate international and domestic terminals.The priceFrom about $600 return for a basic economy class fare. “The Works” costs $40 more, one way.**The verdictNot unlike the Land of the Long White Cloud itself, the innovative Air New Zealand boxes well and truly above its in-flight weight, even under the tough financial and competition conditions it’s been enduring. Difficult as it is for airlines to render economy class special (or maybe they’re just unwilling), this Kiwi flag carrier’s version is better than most and deserving of support. If only it was domestic.Our rating out of five★★★★The writer travelled as a guest of Air New Zealand. See airnewzealand.com.au*For more information about air travel and sustainability, see iata.org**Fares are based on those available for travel three months from the time of publication and subject to change.More:Airline reviewsAir New ZealandFor subscribersAir travelAviationNew ZealandFrom our partners