by Chrissy Iley
It is not glamorous commuting from Los Angeles to London every two, three or four weeks. It is gruelling. The only thing that makes it possible is Air New Zealand. Hate flying, love Air New Zealand.
Recently they celebrated their 30th birthday of flying London-LA. I happened to fly on the actual day. Everyone got birthday cake. Some people sang. Cupcakes and M&Ms festooned the lounge. Some Gold Elite flyers got a special gift, a rather fantastic vintage Polaroid camera and Sony Walkman complete with mix tape of the hits of 1982, such as Don’t You Want Me by The Human League and Physical by Olivia Newton-John.
The thing about Air New Zealand is they are splendidly thoughtful and their staff seem to train on Planet Courtesy.
I am an insecure and demanding passenger. They are better than therapists. I’ve never met a flight attendant on Air NZ who wasn’t kind.
On my latest flight once again nothing disappointed; wonderful wines, delicious food in all classes (I know because I’ve tasted it) which is in itself a miracle.
More than that, they give you empathy, kindness and comfort in the air.
They are kind enough to let guide dogs and hearing dogs travel as emotional companions. This time on Air New Zealand the in service video showed the flight attendants as characters from Middle Earth – they were Hobbits.
New Zealand is of course home of Lord of the Rings/Hobbit director Peter Jackson. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings is integral to the New Zealand culture as the All Blacks. They have an All Blacks plane as well. It’s literally that, all black on the outside, looking very dramatic. But on the inside it’s cosy as ever.