Let’s rip the band-aid off immediately: if you are flying Air New Zealand’s 787-9 right now, you are likely entering the “Herringbone Zone.” Unlike the modern suites with closing doors you see on Instagram, the current workhorse fleet features a 1-1-1 configuration where you face the aisle, not the window. For introverts, this can feel like being on display.
However, for sleepers, the “flip-over” mattress surface remains one of the most comfortable beds in the sky. If you are booking, you might hit the jackpot with the new “Business Premier Luxe” retrofit, but for now, assume you are getting the classic Kiwi hospitality in a slightly dated, yet incredibly functional, seat.
The “Coffin” vs. The Couch: The Seat Explained
The Current Reality (The Herringbone)
This is the layout you will find on the majority of long-haul routes (Auckland to LAX, Houston, Singapore) until the retrofit is complete in late 2026.
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The Angle: You sit at a 45-degree angle facing the aisle. This means during takeoff and taxi, you are staring directly at the passengers across from you unless you stare intently at your feet.
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The “Flip” Mechanism: This is the most polarizing feature. You cannot recline this seat 180 degrees into a bed while sitting in it. You have to stand up, fold the seatback forward, and reveal a dedicated memory foam mattress on the flip side.
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Pro: The sleeping surface is seamless and soft, unlike other airlines where you sleep on lumpy seat cushions.
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Con: Once it’s in bed mode, it’s a bed. You can’t prop it up slightly to watch TV while eating breakfast; it’s all or nothing.
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Tip: If you are flying the classic layout, choose an ‘A’ seat (Left Side). Because of the staggered layout, the ‘A’ seats face the solid back of the middle row, offering significantly more privacy than the ‘J’ or ‘K’ seats, which look directly at other humans.
The “Luxe” Retrofit (Arriving 2026)
If your seat map shows a 1-2-1 layout with rows of solo window seats and center honeymoon pairs, you’ve struck gold. This is the new cabin.
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Business Premier: Now features a standard facing-forward suite with privacy shells.
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Business Premier Luxe (Row 1 Only): The “First Class-lite” product with closing doors and dining space for two.
Sleep Quality: Why We Forgive the Layout
Despite the awkward angle, I sleep better on Air NZ than on many “superior” hard products. Why? The bedding.
When the crew flips that seat over, they lay down a thick mattress topper, a duvet that actually feels like a duvet (not a static-charged blanket), and full-sized pillows.
Because your feet don’t go into a tiny “cubby hole” under the TV (a common flaw in modern business class), your legs have unrestricted vertical space. If you are a side sleeper who tosses and turns, this is a massive win.
The “Taste of Aotearoa”: Food & Wine
Air New Zealand doesn’t do caviar service or 10-course degustations. They do “honest, high-quality Kiwi food.” The menu heavily features local ingredients like lamb, salmon, and kumara (sweet potato).
The Wine List is the Real Star:
Forget the Champagne (usually Laurent-Perrier, which is solid); you are here for the New Zealand cellar.
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Sauvignon Blanc: Usually a high-end Marlborough label (like Greywacke or Dog Point) that actually tastes good at 35,000 feet.
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Pinot Noir: Central Otago Pinots are fruit-forward and low-tannin, making them perfect for altitude.
Real Experience: Don’t skip the olive oil. They often source it from Hawke’s Bay, and it has a grassy, peppery kick that beats the generic oil served on US carriers by a mile.
Data Breakdown: The Hard Numbers
Seat Specifications & Baggage (Current Fleet)
| Feature | Metric / Detail | Note |
| Seat Pitch | 79-80 inches (Bed Mode) | One of the longest beds in the sky |
| Seat Width | 22 inches | Shoulders can feel tight in upright mode |
| Wifi | FREE | Yes, free for the whole flight on international 787s |
| Checked Bags | 3x Bags (23kg / 50lbs each) | Total 69kg allowance |
| Carry-On | 2x Bags (up to 14kg total) | Strict on weight, lenient on size |
Route Matrix: Where does the 787-9 Fly?
| Origin | Destination | Flight Time (Approx) |
| Auckland (AKL) | New York (JFK) | ~16h 15m (Ultra-Long Haul) |
| Auckland (AKL) | Houston (IAH) | ~13h 30m |
| Auckland (AKL) | Singapore (SIN) | ~10h 40m |
| Auckland (AKL) | Tokyo (NRT) | ~11h 00m |
The Soft Product: Service & Amenities
Service:
If you are used to the subservient, bow-heavy service of Asian carriers or the robotic service of US carriers, Kiwi hospitality sits in the middle. It’s casual. The crew will chat with you about your trip, joke about the rugby, and call you “mate.” It’s genuine warmth, not scripted politeness.
Amenities:
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The Kit: Expect skincare from Aotea, a Māori-owned brand using native flora like Kawakawa. It’s distinct and herbal.
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Entertainment: The “Kia Ora” system is loaded with Lord of the Rings (obviously) and a surprisingly deep catalog of NZ cinema.
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Wifi: It works. It’s free. It handles emails and scrolling Instagram, but don’t try to 4K stream a live game.
Verdict: Who is this for?
Book Air NZ Business Premier if:
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Sleep is your #1 Priority: The flip-bed mattress is unbeatable for flat-surface sleeping.
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You Bring Heavy Gear: 3 checked bags is a generous allowance for skiers or filmmakers.
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You Value Connectivity: Free Wifi on a 15-hour flight saves you ~$30 USD compared to competitors.
Look Elsewhere (or wait for the Retrofit) if:
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You are a Solo Traveler who needs visual privacy: The current aisle-facing seats expose you to the cabin traffic.
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You have Mobility Issues: Getting out of the seat while the bed is deployed requires a bit of gymnastics.
Expert FAQ: You Asked, We Answered
Q: Can you sit together as a couple in the middle?
A: In the current herringbone layout, no. The middle seats stand alone. You cannot hold hands or clink glasses easily. You are better off sitting across the aisle from each other (Seat A and Seat B). In the new retrofit (arriving late 2025), there are center pairs with a lowering divider.
Q: Is the bed actually fully flat?
A: Yes, 100% flat. Because the seat back flips over to become the mattress, there are no lumps or angled bumps. It is arguably flatter than seats that just slide down.
Q: What is the “Business Premier Luxe” difference?
A: “Luxe” is strictly the front row (Row 1) of the new cabins. It offers a closing door and enough space for a companion to sit on the ottoman and dine with you (Buddy Dining). Standard Business Premier in the new cabin does not have a door.
Q: How do I know if I have the new or old plane?
A: Check the seat map. If it is 1-1-1 (3 seats across), it is the old herringbone. If it is 1-2-1 (4 seats across), it is the new retrofit. As of early 2026, the vast majority are still 1-1-1.
Q: Does the 787-9 have a bar onboard?
A: No. There is no stand-up bar like on the Emirates A380. There is a small galley snack area where you can grab chips and water, but it’s not a social space.
Q: Is the Wifi fast enough for Zoom calls?
A: Technically, Air NZ blocks VOIP (Voice over IP) services like Skype and Zoom to keep the cabin quiet. The speed is good enough for Slack/Teams chat, but video calls are a no-go.
Q: Can I upgrade from Premium Economy to Business?
A: Yes, Air NZ uses the “OneUp” bid system. Your chances are decent on mid-week flights to Asia, but very low on the ultra-long hauls to New York or Chicago due to high demand.
Q: What power outlets are available?
A: Universal AC socket and USB-A. The new retrofitted planes also feature USB-C fast charging and wireless charging pads.
Actionable Next Step
Check Your Seat Map Now: Before you pay, log into the Air New Zealand booking flow and preview the seat selection. If you see Row 1 separated with a “Luxe” label or a 1-2-1 configuration, book immediately—that is the new product. If you see 1-1-1, grab an ‘A’ seat immediately to save your privacy.
