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Home » Meal of the Week » Two Amazing Meals: HKG-LHR NZ39 in Air New Zealand Economy
Air New ZealandMeal of the Week

Two Amazing Meals: HKG-LHR NZ39 in Air New Zealand Economy

Matthew Klint Posted onJanuary 25, 2017 3 Comments

During my first round-the-world trip in 2008, I had the pleasure of flying Air New Zealand from Hong Kong to London. I chose Air New Zealand because it was cheap ($554 one-way), nonstop, and as a member of Star Alliance, I could credit the miles to United. For this week’s Matthew’s Meal of the Week I remember the two delicious meals served on that flight.

I have overslept and missed a flight exactly once. This was it. I was out late in Hong Kong and returned to my room and set an alarm for 6am, so I could get to airport early and enjoy the lounge before the 8:15a flight. Sadly, I slept right through my alarm and woke up at 7:45am. I hopped on the Airport Express and made it to the airport by 8:10a, but the flight departed on time. The agents were nice enough and re-accomodated me the following day for about a $100 change fee and were able to check me in immediately, giving me a nice exit row seat.

While I considered spending the unanticipated extra day in Hong Kong at Disneyland, I was so angry at myself I just remained in the airport until the flight the next morning, sleeping on a bench and reading a book (this was pre-law school and pre-blog).

Of course the flight was delayed three hours the next day and I missed my connection to Istanbul…

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The Meal

The flight left at 11:15a, but breakfast was still served shortly after takeoff.

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Choices were quiche with sautéed vegetables and sausage or noodles. I chose quiche and it was (and remains) best quiche I’ve ever had in the air (and I’ve had some great ones on United, American and US Airways). Nice fresh cut fruit and strawberry yogurt that was not overly sweet as well. The orange juice was overly sweet.

I liked that the meal was served in a “real” ceramic dish and the fruit bowl and coffee cup were a thick reusable plastic.

About halfway through the flight a ham and cheese sandwich with Hägen-Dazs cookies & cream ice cream was offered. The bread was rosemary focaccia and good bread makes all the difference.

Air New Zealand Economy meals

Finally, about two hours before landing dinner was served. I had a chicken breast with sugar snap peas, cooked carrots, mushrooms, and mashed potatoes. On the side was a green salad, crackers and cheese, a roll, and coffee cake.

Air New Zealand Economy meals

Once again, the food was tasty. Great quality — better than many business class meals I have had over the years. I again appreciated that a real wine glass was placed on each tray.

Sadly, Air New Zealand ended this flight in 2012, and with it their “round the world” service from Auckland to Hong Kong to London to Los Angeles to Auckland. But, I was happy to try it in 2008 and fell in love with Air New Zealand even though I would not have a chance to fly NZ again until my recent Business Premier flight from LA to London in December.

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About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

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3 Comments

  1. Bill Reply
    January 26, 2017 at 2:09 pm

    Wow, that’s a pretty impressive looking food setup for economy class! Is it still like that today?

    • Matthew Reply
      January 26, 2017 at 8:09 pm

      From what I have seen, yes.

  2. Donald Reply
    February 12, 2017 at 1:25 am

    A couple years ago I flew Air New Zealand business class from AKL to HNL. Even though I was expecting it to be nice, there were homey touches like you have here: Shepherds Pie served in crocks, yummy sticky toffee pudding and fantastic bread. That was one of the last legs of a 3 month trip traveling exclusively in first or business all through Southeast Asia, Australia and New Zealand, but I have never been so full on any flight as I was during that one. The food and drink never ended, and it was all so good I kept saying yes. I wouldn’t hesitate to fly with them again.

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