Hello all, I've been offered a status match by AirNZ and will take my first international business class flight with them on Sunday.

Hello all, I've been offered a status match by AirNZ and will take my first international business class flight with them on Sunday. Perth-Auckland-Houston. Just a general question, anyone out there have any tips for new flyers with Air NZ? I'll be doing 4 returns to USA in J in 2016.

Their service is laid back and very genuine. Enjoy it. I think you may be on the dreamliner, but if not check this out

http://www.ausbt.com.au/air-new-zealand-business-class-auckland-to-perth

Which airline was on the other side of the status match? Would like to think it was QF, but suspect being over optimistic?

I've been a Qantas Platinum for 10+ years. But I'm jumping ship to AirNZ for my travel now. AirNZ gave me a status match to win my business whereas Qantas didn't want my business anymore.

Richard not over optimistic, I had to go through a few hoops but managed to convince Air NZ to status match my Platinum 12 months ago.  Whilst they weren't prepared to match with Elite (gave me Gold), I was happy because I was after Koru Club access for NZ domestic travel.  Flying J internationally gets me the lounge benefits etc. anyway.  There is an article somewhere in ABT on how to line all your ducks and present a strong case which is what I followed.

10+ years at Platinum and Qantas doesn't want your business? 

Maybe you'd care to expand on that?

Given you're based in Perth and could do PER-SYD on a refurb A330, then SYD-DFW on A380, then a short hop to Houston on AA? You'd get access to the Qantas First lounge in Sydney, the A380 to the US - all hard/soft product better or equivalent to Air NZ...

I've been doing Perth - Dallas on QF A380 x4 times per year since 2009 (LAX at the start of the decade). Out in First and back in Business. Plus other travel to Europe and Oz domestics each year.  All with Qantas.  I made a complaint about QF111 and QF112 (Perth-Auckland-Perth) which Qantas did not satisfactorily resolve.  I indicated they would lose my business if they didn't address my concern. They were unwilling to do so - ergo - they didn't wish to retain my business. No big deal and I reckon Perth - Auckland-Houston is probably a better routing for me.  We'll see on Sunday.

drgmarshall my tip would be "enjoy it" and, if travelling alone, take an aisle seat where you have no one next to you (which you cannot expect on QF except on the 747 in 5B & 5J!!).  The crew is very friendly but I would say the same of QF crew.

Enjoy the Auckland Flagship lounge. It's wonderful.

I'm sure you will enjoy flying with NZ. Some pointers to be shared:

1) Avoid their 767 if possible as it is quite old and the J seats are recliner-style. However the crew and food/wine will still be good.

2) Avoid flying trans-tasman on the A320 fleet as it is staffed by the ex Zeal320 crew who are rather hit- and-miss when it comes to service.

3) If you are after retaining/earning higher status; book flights through the call centre. There you can request them to book under 'C' or 'D' (Business) booking classes. They earn status credits at a MUCH higher rate for a VERY minimal increase in fare. And this service is free as you can't request a specific booking class through the website.

4) If travelling through USA, choose Virgin America partner flights. I realise they don't earn any SC's, but I'd rather be comfortable than earn miniscule points and have to endure UA.

Also, NZ domestic service runs like a (good) LCC. Although, the flights are only 1-2 hours long so it should be fine, and you will have access to Space+ on the A320's.

Flew Air NZ trans tasman to the Gold Coast in Dec on an A320, which was my first Intenational flight down the back (Economy Works) on Air NZ. Actually there was no front! Service, Entertainment and ability to order drinks etc from seat were all excellent, though I clearly learnt that one advantage of becoming a Koru memeber was the ability to get seats in the A-C rows in the front of the plane, which had more leg room than other seats. This, the lounges and the extra baggage allowance will tempt me to become Koru, until such time I reach the required Air NZ FF Status.

Thanks Koru17 and others for comments. Some good tips amongst them. regards.