Flight Review: NZ103 - Supermarket smoothies in business class

Today was a new low on trans-tasman business class on Air New Zealand NZ103 from Auckland to Sydney in December 2023. I fully admit this is reaching a #JayWorldProblem, but given the fare is upwards of $1,000 NZD, I think it does warrant a blog post. I have figured out the source of the breakfast smoothies and the cold-pressed pear and apple juice - they're actually just The Apple Press smoothies you find at PakNSave/Countdown, in the same bottles, but poured into glassware and served. Granted though The Apple Press is a decent brand.

Yes, that's right - no special fresh smoothies created for you on-board or loaded up especially for the flight like on most other airlines, you get 1/3 of the exact same $5.50 smoothie bottle you had for breakfast before catching your early morning flight. My friends almost didn't believe it, but I've got the photos!

Although there's nothing inherently wrong with offering locally made (from the Hawke's Bay) smoothies onboard, I would have hoped Air NZ go slightly above and beyond for premium cabins - e.g. offering a special smoothie, or freshly made to start the day.

The actual breakfast service also leaves a lot to be desired - burnt toast, average spreads, chilled and tasteless seasonal fruit, and a tasteless main of egg frittata. 

The service was also lacking consideration, with long delays between the first two courses and the main, meaning I was left sitting with a tablecloth for a considerable time when I'd have liked to get some work done.

I won't go into detail about the seats, in flight entertainment or much else as I've already covered that here (hint: 2003 is calling).

To be honest I don't think any of this will come as a surprise to frequent business class travellers trans-tasman, but it just goes to highlight the extent of Air NZ's cost cutting. I am seeing more and more of my travel move to other, far better airlines.