Pretty certain this will not come as a surprise, but I am on a never ending search for cheap airfares. Below are those that I have found over the past few days and re-confined them this morning. I hope that these will help you out in your quest for miles, enjoyment of air travel or even maybe a “normal” vacation. These are all Economy fares. I created a separate site for the sole purpose of discussing and posting First & Business Class fares, sorted by airline: FandJfares.com
I hope you will join me there and add your expertise. Thanks and good flying!

• LGA-PVG (Shanghai)-JFK $789; American; round-trip 2/18-2/25 –Kayak
• EWR-PVG $850; United; round-trip same dates as above –Kayak
• JFK-DXB-PVG $878; Emirates; round-trip 2/2-2/9 –Kayak
• LGA-ATL-JNB $850; Delta; round-trip 3/6-3/12 3/6-3/12 –Kayak
• ROR (Palau)-NRT-SFO $1531; Delta “Y” fare ONE-WAY 3/23 –IATA.com
• GUM (Guam)-NRT-SFO $1238; Delta “Y” fare ONE-WAY 3/23 –IATA.com

There are already a few outfits that rank airline performance so why are yours different?

I use a proprietary model that assigns numbers to 20 different factors of airline experience. These numbers make up a total score.

Planereality’s rankings compare apples to apples by using categories: i.e. comparing international business class to international business class. Comparing Delta domestic coach class to Singapore Airlines International Business class will tell you very little.

The person ranking the airlines, me, has experienced the airlines first-hand. These rankings are not a combination of tens of thousands traveler opinions

Only airlines I have flown are included in these rankings.

TOTAL SCORES: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS CLASS
total possible score: 100
name of each airline links to its location on Planereality.com

1. Qatar Airways 92
2. Singapore Airlines 87
2. Emirates 87
3. All Nippon Airways 84
4. Cathay Pacific 83
4. Asiana 83
5. Malaysia Airlines 81
6. Swiss Airlines 78
6. Lufthansa 78
6. Delta Airlines 78
7. Korean Air 77
8. Virgin Atlantic 76
9. Thai 75
10. Air France 72
11. American 71
12. United 69

20 factors that make up score (last 3 are purely quantitative)
leg room
food quality
food quantity
service
schedule
value
frequent flyer program
reservation ease
check-in ease
entertainment
seat comfort
privacy
lounge
clean aircraft
beverage selection
boarding
amenity kit
average age of fleet
load- lighter the loads, better the score. based on 2009 & 2010 average
safety- based on number of fatal accidents

In the past, the “good” fares I came across were posted on Planereality under “Where the Good Fares Are”

While I have received positive feedback on that section of the site, I’ve always thought that there had to be a better way to allow readers to share their wisdom. In addition, it was evident that First and Business Class Fares generate the most demand.
Enter FandJFares.com.

This is a simple forum I created to allow all readers to share their experiences, findings and insights as they pertain to First and Business Class airfares. I am confident that each reader possesses unique knowledge when it comes to Business and First class airfares.

Ask questions, post fares, link to your trip reports, blogs and booking engines… nearly anything goes, as long as the subject pertains to Business & First Class airfares. Last thing: the forum is categorized by airline. Feel free to post or email me feedback.
Here’s to sitting up front.

Last month I took a ride out to Seattle to check out the Aircraft Interiors Expo. Everything from coffee pots to carpets were on display. Naturally, I was focused on the seats. There were a few newer models on display including Zodiac Aerospace’s Cirrus Premium Class Seat, Sogerma’s Equinox and Sogerma’s Solstys. The Equinox was designed for a 2-2-2 configuration while the Solstys for a 1-2-1 configuration.
There are also some pictures at the bottom of the post that show a 767 crew rest and a Bucher/Thales front row entertainment system.
Sorry, no coffee pot, carpet or wire casing pictures, but hope you enjoy these.

Zodiac Aerospace’s Cirrus Premium Class Seat

Sogerma’s Equinox (note the stacked foot rests)

Sogerma’s Solstys

Bucher/Thales 12.1″ front row economy display

smart phone integration also at Bucher booth

crew rest

geven

geven

Or did they ever? Which magazines you ask? You know, the ones on the top shelf wrapped in plastic that you see in nearly every airport newsstand in the United States. Who exactly are marketers targeting by selling pornographic magazines in an airport? They have been there as long as I can remember. Perhaps it dates back to when one could walk their spouse all the way through the airport to the actual gate? On the way back they could pick up a little somethin’ somethin’?

Are business travelers and airline crew being targeted because they are away from home and can get away with “it”? Really. It makes no sense to me. It isn’t sissy stuff either, it’s harder core than what’s in your local mega-warehouse bookstore.

Maybe it’s a package deal, like cable. If you want Sports Illustrated, People and Southern Living, you have to carry Hustler and Penthouse too… (?)
Peculiar indeed…

When I make short jaunts around the US, I typically try to fly Delta Economy Class and hope for an upgrade. When I sit in coach, I continue to be surprised by the selection and quality of food for purchase in the back of the bus. Some of the offerings are better than what is served in First Class.(Delta’s roast beef sliders were fantastic). Alaska clearly states on their menu that the items are available for purchase in First Class as well as Economy. I have heard of mixed availability of food for purchase in Delta’s First Class.

On my last Domestic trip, one segment was on Alaska Airlines and while I did not eat, I was also pleasantly surprised by the food for purchase selection; both in creativity and in presentation (the menu, anyway)
Things on each menu that stood out to me:

A) Who eats egg salad for breakfast? (Delta)
B) Heavy Hawaiian theme on Alaska’s menu; why the focus? You’re based in Seattle. Because of the heavy West Coast traffic?
C) Alaska also has arrows to denote which way is East/West for those passengers who… well, you know…

As for prices on each, they seem reasonable considering I am sitting 5 miles above the earth. I’ve paid much more for much worse food at sea level.

I posted both menus below for your perusal. Anybody tried Alaska’s offerings?

ALASKA AIRLINES MENU

A few years back, someone dragged me to see Louis CK’s stand up show in Atlanta. At the time I had never heard of him, but it turned out to be the funniest stand-up I have ever been privy to. This video is a few years old, but never really gets old. I have been meaning to post it for a while.

I think Louis provides a very fair characterization of society in general. Meaning, when we get all worked up and frustrated, just take a step back and put things into perspective. He starts talking about airlines at the 2 minute mark, but it is worth listening to the whole segment to get the gist of what he is talking about. Have you seen this before? Enjoy.

The contrast between flying a few foreign airlines and then returning to the United States to take 1 more flight to get home is always amusing. In this case, I bestowed the “last flight” honor on United Airlines. I received a complimentary upgrade which I was quite appreciative of. Was it a terrible experience? Absolutely not, but (no news here) not in the same league as many foreign airlines.

I knew where I was as soon as I was seated. The lead FA was shouting through the PA system telling boarding passengers to hurry up and sit down so we could leave on time. All the while UA deliberately delayed boarding because 1 crew member was M.I.A.

The meal was decent, but have had better on United. The sausage had the consistency of steak, but tasted like dinner sausage (?)
The indecipherable over-head monitor and bat phone are not disappointing, more comical than anything. The pilot was in the First Class cabin during boarding. I asked him if he would be broadcasting Channel 9. He replied that he would be happy to. To be fair, I took these pictures with my blackberry as opposed to my “good” camera.

the blue dot is our location at LAX; courtesy of the ipad

pre-departure beverage

breakfast

CHECK-IN
Air New Zealand provides a separate check-in area for premium passengers at the Auckland Airport. A friendly gal named Robyn checked me in for the 11hr 40min flight to LAX. Robyn asked if I enjoyed my stay in New Zealand. I replied that I indeed had… all 8 hours of it. Once you check in, there is no need to go back into the main check-in area as there is a dedicated elevator that takes premium class passengers to a dedicated customs and security screening area. I waited less than 1 minute to complete this process. The customs official also asked me how I had enjoyed my stay. Air New Zealand does have a 7 kilogram maximum weight for carryon luggage.

SEATS
Shortly after I arrived in the Air New Zealand Lounge, I was surprised to hear an announcement made by our in flight concierge. He had come into the lounge to greet passengers and answer any possible questions or concerns those passengers on flight #2 may have. This was a first for me.
As mentioned in the previous post, the Spaceseat is very unique looking and noticeably better than other Premium Economy offerings. The seat provides plenty of privacy and features a fixed back shell so nobody reclines into your space. A beanbag foot rest, oversized pillow, fleece blanket and bottle of water were at each Premium Economy seat. Full seat report here.

SERVICE/CREW
The flight attendant who would be dedicated to my area came by and introduced herself. The flight service manager then introduced himself and gave me a customs card. For those keeping track, the Business Class cabin was full, there were 2 open seats in Premium Economy and 15 open seats in Economy Class. I found all of the crew members I interacted with extremely friendly with a refreshing sense of humor and none took themselves too seriously. Yet at the same time they were very professional. Air New Zealand takes a very unique, effective approach in their cabin service. In addition to flight attendants serving passengers, 2 other flight crew members simply roam around the cabin to ensure all passengers have what they need.

FOOD
As soon as were cursing over the Pacific, drinks and an appetizer of seared tuna were served. After several days of eating noodles, I chose to have the burger with beetroot & horopito chutney for dinner. There were 3 other choices: beef fillet with cabernet jus, madras chicken and potato curry and hot smoked salmon with salad greens. How good can a burger be? Would you expect to have one of the best on an airline? This was one of the best I have ever tasted, in the air or on the ground. The roll had a fresh out of the oven texture and the meat was moist, tender and perfectly seasoned. I have never heard of putting chutney on a hamburger but this purple tinted goodness was outstanding and a slight onion bite.

After dinner, I explored the entertainment system which I also felt was above average. Instead of having 1 or 2 episodes of a TV program, a whole season or 2 of a particular show was available. After flipping through some programming, I visited the galley where an FA was ready to serve snacks and drinks.

It seems that everything Air New Zealand did on this flight was a little different and enhanced the experience. From the service before and during the flight, to the wallpaper and music in the bathrooms.
This flight was so enjoyable I was hoping it wouldn’t end. Air New Zealand has re-invented the Premium Economy product.
Many thanks to Aaron N. and the rest of the flight crew for a very memorable experience!
**Disclaimer: This flight was provided to me by Air New Zealand.

premium economy cabin

safety video w/ richard simmons

foot space and bean bag for feet

armrest & storage

plenty of wine choices

flight “schedule”

bathroom

galley

approaching lax

business class after arrival

bar

ZK-OKN

This is the first part of a flight from Auckland to Los Angeles. This 777-300ER (ZK-DKN) featured Air New Zealand’s innovative Space Bed and Sky Couch Seats. I have heard people say that this Delta cabin resembles a spaceship, and maybe it does, however, compared to Air New Zealand’s interior, Delta’s looks very normal.

The Premium Economy Spaceseats look quite futuristic and combined with the mood lighting and overabundance of white/cream hues, they were unlike anything I had ever seen. When I first took my seat (24D), I thought: “where the hell are my legs going to go for 12 hours?”
Then I realized there is space under the seat in front of you to stretch your legs. No, not as much space a Business Class seat, but that is not what this is. Air New Zealand also provided a fluffy beanbag to rest your feet on.

The black divider between the two seats is actually two separate pieces that lift up several inches to become an armrest. The top also flips open and there is a storage area inside. If the seat next to you is vacant, as mine was, one can easily lay down flat on your side for a snooze. If the seat next to you is occupied, not to fear. The whole seat is in a large shell and you will be able to rest your head to the side (see photos)
Air New Zealand will be removing a row of Premium Economy Seats, giving passengers in this cabin an additional 6″ of pitch.

The seat has 2 levers, one to recline the seat and one to tilt the entire seat backward. I included a few pictures of the Sky Couch and Business Class seats below. In the next post I will share the actual flight experience where it will become evident that Air New Zealand has re-invented the Premium Economy Class concept.
**Disclaimer: This flight was provided to me by Air New Zealand

23 a&b

23 d&e

24 d&e

32 d&e

premium economy cabin

looking down into seat area

across the aisle 23 a&b

meal tray

seat guide

economy cabin

sky couch-all 3 seats feature extension

seats 34 a&b

business class

After 15,000+ miles of flying, I received my first passport stamp in New Zealand and headed for the airport exit. Despite no reservation and a mid-morning arrival, I was able to book a day room at the Novotel which is street crossing away from Auckland’s main terminal. The front desk attendant was very friendly and happy to see me. People being happy to see you is nice, especially when you have never met them before.

My flight to LAX left at roughly 9pm. This gave me about 6 hours to grab some food, nap and shower. My room was modern and spotless and featured a well stocked mini-bar and also plenty of complimentary beverages. There was plenty of space to work and ample power outlets and ports at the desk. I opted to walk back into the terminal to eat where I found numerous options. The bed was soft, the water pressure solid and I was happy when I checked out at 6pm.

While its location could qualify it as a transit hotel this Novotel, without question, is a full service hotel.

novotel auckland airport

i took this picture from in front of the hotel-that 2nd story bridge leads from terminal to hotel

entrance