Air NZ- flying via LA

waliam · 10-04-2008, 03:33 PM

Hi
Just wonderingif anybody can offer advice regarding flying with Air NZ via LA. I understand they allow more baggage, also if I take a stop over in LA for a few days, does it affect my baggage allowance. Anybody organized a trip in similar fashion, would welcome any suggestions as I would be travelling with a restless 3 yr old

chloew · 10-04-2008, 04:14 PM

I have flown by LA once and found it a much harder journey than via Asia. Unless you want to stop in LA I would recommend flying via Asia.........

nics26 · 10-04-2008, 08:04 PM

Hi Waliam, I too wanna fly via LA when i finally go to Oz but ive found it more expensive so far, and LA is on the dearer side hotel wise but it is a fab place! Also getting through customs takes a while too. But im with you on this one, Where you flying from? I flew from Manchester via New York to LA, it was a really tiresome journey as there was a 3 hour stopover inbetween, id suggest tryin to get a direct flight which are mainly from Heathrow, think they take approx 11hrs instead of 7 to New York, 3 in the airport then another 6 to LA (approx 16 in totally - NASTY!) I then had to pick up a car and drive to a hotel 40mins away ... i was sooo tired! Let me know how you get on though because im be interested in doin the same even though i was shattered last time, plus id recommend at least 3 days in LA cos theres loads to see and do and its a great place albeit HUGE!
Good Luck nics x

nics26 · 10-04-2008, 08:06 PM

forgot to say you do get a good luggage allowance with an US airline but not sure about Air NZ x

lady_porsche · 10-04-2008, 08:33 PM

Hi Waliam, My two children & OH flew from Fiji to LAX in January on Air NZ on the way home to England after a visit to NZ. Air NZ allow 2 pieces of luggage up to 23Kg each in economy/premium economy (more if you join the airpoints membership scheme, which also gives access to private lounge, express check-in etc.) here's a link to the info... Checked in Baggage: Baggage: Travel Info: Air New Zealand - NZ Site
We stopped in L.A for a few days and I highly recommend a stay at the Hilton's Embassy Suites North. It's super value for money and roomy with a living room with sofa bed, kitchenette(ish), separate bedroom and bathroom. They provide a shuttle bus direct from LAX, breakfast is included which is buffet style (fab for little one's!!) And they also offer light snacks and free drinky's most evenings! Here's a link Embassy Suites Hotel Los Angeles California - Los Angeles, CA Airport Hotel
All the best in Oz!! Happy travels!

lady_porsche · 10-04-2008, 08:36 PM

Forgot to say that Air NZ were fantastic! The 12+ hour flight from LAX to LHR was over before we knew it. My children are 7 & 10 and the entertainment on board kept them busy ( almost to busy to sleep!!!). All the best!

samozsoon · 10-04-2008, 09:29 PM

Hi
We flew Air NZ to Oz in Dec because we wanted to go to America for Christmas.
We got off in LA for nearly 4 weeks. As Lady Porche has already said you get 2x23kg each on AirNZ and also anywhere else in the US. We also flew to Vegas & Detroit.

If you want to stop in America then its a good flight but it can be a lot longer than going via Asia and if your heading to Perth its another 5 hrs as well. By the time we arrived in Sydney we felt we'd been flying for days (but we were delayed out of Detroit by 9hrs, missed our flight to NZ in LA and consequently missed connection to Sydney. Oh and our 8 suitcases didnt turn up for 11 days!).

Air NZ were excellent though.

Sam x

Rbecca · 11-04-2008, 03:55 AM

We flew Air NZ via LA last November. We had to go from Manchester to London first as there were no direct flights. We also had a side trip to Las Vegas so didn't actually stay in LA.
Unfortunately our flight to LA was a code share with Virgin, which I thought would be great as I had flown Virgin to Cape Town and New York. It was one of the worst flights I have had. The seats were cramped, the meal choices were non existnt when they got near the back of the plane. It was either too hot or too cold. It's an awful long journey to be so uncomfortable. The staff were as helpful as possible although there was nothing they could do. Make sure the first leg of your flight is actually with A NZ
The flights from LA via Auckland were great. No complaints at all. I would recommend Air NZ.
We got double baggage allowance even from Manchester as it was an onward flight. In Vegas we somehow picked up another suitcase (I love shopping in US) and that was no problem, although we had to do a bit of shifting of items at the airport to distribute the weight properly.

11-04-2008, 04:27 AM

we went that way and were allowed 2x32kg (this was three years ago now tho and I think things arent as good!).

FLights were excellent. Air NZ all the way. We did it in 1 hit. London Heathrow - LA with enough time to go thru US immigration and grab a coffee and cake. LA-Auckland with 4 hours in Auckland so had shower, change and brekky and then onto Brissie. Would recommend it anytime. It is slightly longer but when emigrating worth it for the baggage!

jpearse · 11-04-2008, 04:30 AM

Hi,

We flew to Brisbane last November with Air NZ. As the company had paid for our economy flights we paid the rest to go premium economy which was really good, especially with a two year old. Also I was 29 weeks pregnant so enjoyed the extra room. As said before we got the extra luggage. We didn't stop over though so the journey was a very long one. we had a couple of hours in LA where all you can do is sit in one room and then back on the plane. Next stop Auckland and a 3 hour stop and finally onto Brisbane. I think I worked it out that we probably spent an extra 3 or so hours in the than if we had gone via Asia. It was worth it for the luggage but don't think I'd do it again unless of course stopping over for a few days.