My seat:
He said - 4K. As far up the front as I'll ever get. 4K!
She said - 54C. The economy cabin is dated and my seat is well-worn. In a Princess and the Pea moment, I swear I can feel the metal bars through what's left of the seat cushions and silently curse my husband who I suspect is lounging in comfort in Business Class.
Fellow passengers:
He said - A few seasoned-looking business class travellers, and one well-seasoned passenger, literally. He kept peppering farts up the front! There is karma after all, says my wife.
She said - An eclectic mix of families and oldies, all very chatty and relaxed after a break in the Cook Islands.
How full?
He said - Only two free seats up here. Ahem, I mean it was completely full - no room for wifey.
She said - At capacity with no spare seats in sight. No mean feat given the B-747 seats over [350] passengers.
Entertainment:
He said - The trumpet concerto coming out of someone ... and the recent Muppet movie, starring Ricky Gervais. Nice headphones up here.
She said - A diverse variety of new releases and classics. Having seen many of the new releases, I embrace my inner-kid and settle into the new Muppets movie and an entertaining (but slightly odd) documentary about turning Green Day's American Idiot album into a Broadway musical.
Service:
He said - Excellent. "Mr Reid this" and "Mr Reid that". I could get used to this life.
She said - Efficient. Despite the full cabin, I'm offered water, tea and coffee at regular intervals.
Food and drink:
He said - Champagne to start, then a gin, and some damn fine pinot noir. Three-course meal, designed by Peter Gordon, and devoured by me using real cutlery.
She said - A cream-cheese bagel and an OJ purchased from the food trolley. Plus two after-dinner mints smuggled out of business class by Tony. He's a keeper. Not.
Toilets:
He said - Heated seat ... just kidding. Functional.
She said - Minimal queues, even with a full flight.
Luggage:
He said - All the Business Class benefits, although unnecessary for the man who travelled with togs, snorkelling gear and a copy of The Luminaries (which I finally finished).
She said - Economy allows 20kg in the hold and the standard carry-on allowance.
Airport experience:
He said - The lounge was full to bursting. In fact, they were turning people away. We managed a seat in the corner.
She said - Pretty chilled with a man playing a ukulele to the masses in the departure lounge. We ducked into a very-full Koru Lounge for a hot shower to wash off the last of the sand and sunscreen before boarding our flight back to Auckland.
Would I fly this again?
He said - I would but I can't. It's the end of the 747.
She said - Yes, but I want the upgrade next time.
