Is Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy a Rip-off or a Hidden Gem?

• Airline: Air New Zealand
• Class: Premium Economy
• Route: Nadi (NAD) to Auckland (AKL)
• Aircraft: Boeing 777-300ER

It is one of the most controversial products in the sky. Some people love it; others think it’s a total waste of money or a complete rip-off. Today, we are tackling the big question: Is Premium Economy really worth your hard-earned cash?

To find out, I took a trip with Air New Zealand from the tropical paradise of Fiji to Auckland to see how the product holds up in 2025.

My journey began at Nadi International Airport. After a few days of island hopping, I was ready for some widebody action.

The check-in was smooth, but here is the first point of contention: No lounge access. If you fly Premium Economy on an airline like Philippine Airlines, you get through the lounge doors. With Air New Zealand? Not so much. It’s a bit of a letdown when you’re paying that mid-tier premium.

I was flying on one of Air New Zealand’s ten Boeing 777-300ERs. While the airline has 787-10s on order to replace these, there’s still something majestic about the “Trip 7.”

I’m personally keeping my eyes peeled for the 777X to finally enter the market. We need that new buzz in aviation! Are you guys as excited for the 777X as I am? Let me know in the comments.

Boarding was a breeze. To get to the Premium Economy cabin, you have to walk through their, let’s be honest—not-so-popular “old” business class.

• Configuration: 2-4-2
• Amenities: Waiting at my seat were decent headphones, a plush pillow, and a physical food menu.
• The Vibe: The cabin felt busy. I always hope for an empty seat next to me so I can talk into the mic without looking like a crazy person, but today was a full house!

If there is one thing that justifies the price of a ticket, it’s the human element. The crew on this flight were absolute professionals.

The cabin manager went around chatting with everyone, making sure we were looked after. When you see a crew like Kate and her colleagues who are truly passionate about their jobs, it puts a massive smile on my face. This is money well spent. 

Does the food match the service? In a word: Yes.

1. Main: A fantastic lamb pie.
2. Sides: A very promising fresh salad and some brie.
3. Dessert: Cheesecake followed by an ice cream handed out later.

And, of course, I couldn’t skip the first Loo Review of 2026! The lavatory was super clean, and I actually loved the unique wallpaper they have inside. It’s those little details that make a difference.

We landed in a freezing Auckland, and within 2 minutes and 47 seconds, I went from the plane to the luggage belt. That is world-class efficiency.

So, is it a rip-off?

For a day flight, I think Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy is a great product. While it lacks the lounge access of some competitors, the outstanding crew and top-notch catering make it a very strong contender. It’s certainly a massive step up from the economy.

If you’re searching for flights, you can use my Skyscanner link. It’s the same tool I use, and it supports my work at no extra cost to you.

For those asking where I stayed, I stayed at the Double Tree by Hilton Fiji. Booking through the link supports the site and doesn’t change the price you pay.

This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!