Flight Check: Auckland to Hong Kong on NZ87

Hong Kong International Airport. Photo / NZME.

Brendan Manning flies Auckland to Hong Kong aboard NZ87.

The plane: Boeing 777-200ER. The national carrier has 15 777s.

Class: Premium Economy.

Price: Tickets were around $1300 return.

My seat: 23K, front of the section, window seat.

It seemed slightly tired and missing the X-factor the Boeing 777-300 Premium Economy 'spaceseats' carry.

The extra leg room is noticeable and appreciated, however like all conventional plane seats, sleeping is awkward.

Fellow passengers: The usual mixed bag. Thankfully no screaming babies.

Entertainment: A good selection of new-release movies.

The service: Faultless.

Food and drink: Approachable and pleasant, a cold smoked salmon entree was particularly noteworthy. However, airline scrambled eggs are always a regrettable choice.

On the plus side, eating with metal cutlery and drinking wine out of an actual glass brings more creature comforts than you'd expect.

The toilets: Clean and well maintained throughout the flight.

Luggage: Arrived in one piece unscathed. The premium economy baggage allowance (two 23kg checked bags and two 7kg cabin bags) is ample.

Would I fly this again? Without a thought. The service was outstanding and the overall experience was very enjoyable and stress-free.