An Air New Zealand Airbus A320. Photo / File
Eli Orzessek flies aboard NZ796 from Auckland to Norfolk Island.
The plane: An Airbus A320.
Class: Economy.
Price: I didn't pay, but it was $450. I've seen flights offered in the $200 range though.
On time? No delays, we were there in 90 minutes sharp.
My seat: 8F - I requested a window seat as it was a short flight (scheduled for two hours) and I wanted to see the island as we approached.
Fellow passengers: Senior citizens in cowboy hats mostly, visiting for Norfolk Island's country music festival.
How full: Completely, as far as I could see. The festival attracts lots of groups, and I later heard from another passenger that one woman from Blenheim had won Lotto and treated four of her friends to a trip.
Entertainment: Since the flight was so short, I didn't bother with any movies - although I was tempted to try and squeeze in a viewing of Fantail. However, I rewatched an episode of True Detective, followed by some Adventure Time cartoons to balance out the creepiness.
Service: No problems there, I always find Air New Zealand staff congenial and friendly.
Food and drink: I was served a heavy looking chicken casserole, which I didn't really feel like eating at 4.30pm, so I gave it to another passenger who seemed to enjoy it. I kept the icecream - Kapiti nectarine, very nice.
The toilets: It's a 90-minute flight - I didn't need to use it.
Luggage: Standard Air New Zealand rates, 23kg checked in, 7kg in-flight. My in-flight bag wasn't weighed, so probably could have gone a bit over.
Airport experience: I was there two hours in advance, which was longer than the actual flight. Ate some McDonald's and bought a torch to take with me, then waited around feeling like an outsider without a cowboy hat.
Would I fly this again? For sure! I really love Norfolk Island.
Vail combines luxury with festive charm better than anywhere else.