Long-haul to New Zealand: which cabin upgrade is worth it

Getting to New Zealand means a long flight from almost anywhere. Air New Zealand, along with carriers such as Qantas, Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Cathay Pacific, offers a middle ground between economy and business — and on some aircraft, a row of economy seats that converts into a flat couch.

The economy couch

Air New Zealand's Skycouch is a row of three economy seats with footrests that lift to form a padded platform. You buy the extra seats in the row at a discounted add-on price, and get bedding, pillows and special seatbelts. Laid flat it is roughly 1.55m long and 74cm wide — shorter and narrower than a single bed. It only exists on certain aircraft, so check the seat map when booking.

• Best for: couples who do not mind sharing, and parents with small children.
• You keep the standard economy meal and service.
• Cheapest per person when two or three of you are travelling together.
• The seats feel slightly firmer than a normal economy seat with the footrest stowed.

Premium economy

A genuinely wider leather seat with a proper footrest and around twice the recline of economy, plus an upgraded menu, priority check-in and boarding, extra baggage and an amenity kit. It does not go flat. As a rough guide, expect to pay something in the order of double a standard economy fare, though it moves with demand.

• Best for: solo travellers, and anyone tall or broad.
• Usually cheaper than buying a whole couch row for yourself.
• The daytime-flight choice — you are awake to enjoy the service.

Economy stretch and exit rows

A middle option on some carriers: standard economy service with noticeably more legroom, at a fraction of the premium economy price. If your budget is tight but your legs are long, this is the sensible compromise. Paid exit-row seats do a similar job on airlines that do not offer a stretch product.