Winston Aldworth flies aboard China Southern's CZ306, from Auckland to Guangzhou.
The plane: A Dreamliner. China Southern sends two a day into Auckland. They also have a daily service out of Christchurch.
Class: Premium Economy.
Price: For years, when people have asked me the best way to get to Europe, I've recommended they check out China Southern's prices. This was my first chance to experience the service. It's fair to say they ace it on longhaul fares — one recent sale had Business Class return to Amsterdam for less than $3500. You can get to Guangzhou in Economy for around $1000 return and Premium Economy for less than $2000.
Seat: I was right at the back of the Premium Economy section, with my kids and fiance. The middle four in a 2-4-2 set up.