The cabin crew assured us that there was a tailwind and we would come around and land from the other side; everything was normal and okay. Using my Chinese language skills, I managed to explain to my new friend that Air New Zealand's pilots are very capable and know what they're doing. This was not what I was thinking! During the go-around we had a nice chat about where she came from and how good my Chinese was, before another aborted landing attempt.
Looking out the window, we wondered where this "wind" was. Why did the plane pull up so quickly when we were so close to the ground? Why did he abort the second attempt?
My daughter asked why she could see an ambulance and fire engine on the runway — this didn't help. Most of the people inside the cabin were on the edge of their seats. It was not a happy experience. With the plane having to make tight turns, people were holding on and looking worried. Was the landing gear not working? Did the pilot really know what he or she was doing?
When we finally landed on the third attempt after approaching the runway from the other direction, the pilot slammed on the brakes so hard we were thrown forward. Passengers gave a huge round of applause as we landed and you could feel everyone's relief to be safely on terra firma. The pilot came out of the cockpit and thanked us for the applause.
He also looked very relieved. Air New Zealand has since said the flight was never in danger, and had nothing to do with a strong tail wind. So what really happened on flight NZ449, on January 8?
The airport experience: I have never felt so good to be out of the plane and in the airport terminal.
Entertainment: There was plenty of entertainment during the flight's aborted landings and consequent go-arounds. Apart from that, there was the usual inflight quiz, the Kia Ora magazine I always read from cover to cover, and the conversations with my new Chinese friend.
My seat: 20D. There was an empty seat between me and a lovely young woman from the Hunan Province of China. My husband and two teenage children were in the opposite row.
Fellow passengers: Lots of families returning from their holidays, as we were. The flight was about three-quarters full.
The service: I fly often, and always try to fly Air New Zealand. Their service is always great.
Food and drink: The 6pm flight means Koru Hour and I enjoyed a nice glass of pinot noir with some cheese and crackers. I passed on the offer of a wine top-up — though maybe those aborted landings would have been more bearable if I hadn't. Water, soft drinks and orange juice were also available. My teenagers enjoyed a soft drink and some chips.
The toilets: The toilet was very clean. I always enjoy using Antipodes Hand & Body wash on Air New Zealand flights, the smell always reminds me of home.
Luggage: I only had a carry-on plus a handbag. I weighed my bag before boarding and had 12kg — 5kg more than I was allowed, so spent 10 minutes moving gifts and clothes from bags between the four of us. I held my breath as we boarded, but thankfully didn't get weighed in the end.
Would I fly this again? Yes! I have a trip planned next week to Hong Kong which goes via Auckland on Air New Zealand.
