Inside Air Chathams Saab 340. Photo / David Haxton
David Haxton flies aboard Air Chathams going from Kāpiti to Auckland.
The plane: A Saab 340.
Price: Various deals but my outward and return fare total was $342.72 including credit card fee and GST.
Flight time: Timetable says 1hr 20mins but my flights were less. No delays. Smooth flights.
My seat: Single aisle. Ample leg and head room.
Fellow passengers: Wide range of ages.
How full: Packed outward and return.
Entertainment: Glossy, tourist-orientated magazine.
The service: Friendly and efficient stewardess.
Food and drink: Complimentary water, tea/coffee, a Tim Tam biscuit, and a mint lolly.
The toilets: There's one toilet located near the front of the cabin.
Luggage: Passengers get a 23kg baggage allowance.
The airport experience: Easy check-in at Kāpiti Coast Airport terminal, which is bright, modern and chilled out. Good cafe. No stress. Simple check-in at busy Auckland Airport for the return journey, too.
The bottomline: A friendly, reliable and cost-effective service.
When there's nothing as far as the eye can see, you may appreciate the company.