Why I’ll Fly Air New Zealand Over Delta for Long-Hauls Down Under

There are two kinds of international flights: the ones that feel like a necessary evil… and the ones that remind you travel can still be a joy. I’ve flown hundreds of thousands of miles across every major airline, and while Delta absolutely wins domestically with top-tier customer service in the U.S., they’ve got some serious catching up to do when it comes to long-haul international routes.

My most recent flight from Auckland to Los Angeles on Delta felt like a chore for the crew. Interactions were clipped, energy was flat, and the vibe from takeoff to touchdown was more “get it over with” than “we’re glad you’re here.” On a 12-hour flight, that matters more than people realize.

Now contrast that with Air New Zealand.

From check-in to final descent, the experience was world-class. The crew wasn’t just doing their job - they were present, kind, and genuinely happy to make the journey better for everyone on board. They laughed, they helped, they saw you. And when you’re 30,000 feet in the air chasing a dream or heading home after an adventure, that hospitality hits different.

And then there’s the Skycouch™ - arguably one of the best travel hacks in economy. Three seats turn into a flat surface you can lounge or sleep on, and suddenly a long-haul flight feels a whole lot less like endurance training and a whole lot more like travel done right.

To be fair, there are other incredible international carriers worth noting:

• Lufthansa and KLM deliver consistent excellence across European routes

• Emirates sets the gold standard for travel through the Middle East

My take?

Delta for domestic.
Lufthansa, KLM, and Emirates where they shine.

But for anything headed Down Under?

Choose Air New Zealand. Every time.

Because miles matter. Comfort matters. And how you’re treated along the way? That might just matter most of all.

– Jenn

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