Air New Zealand First Class.
There must be quite a few oenophiles who would fly first class with Air New Zealand just for the chance to quaff unlimited amounts of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc. But there's more to this front cabin than its excellent wine list. For a start, you only have to share the attentions of some of the nicest cabin crew in the air with 11 people at most. (And let's face it, on a long-haul flight you need all the kindness you can get.) One flight attendant actually knelt down in front of each passenger to thank them for choosing the airline after one leg of my flight. Then there's the generous personal space. The sleeper seats, in a 2-2 configuration, have a pitch of just over two metres (80 inches) which the airline claims is a full two inches greater than British Airways, and while they're not the new generation of sleeper seat, the current model does a pretty good job of delivering a decent night's rest. The almost horizontal recline means that you can turn on your side - essential as any seasoned traveller knows. They're not particularly high tech, but that was fine by me as I snuggled under my tartan blanket, watched a video from the movie menu on my Sony Watchman (there are also in-arm videos) and waited for my next meal. Air New Zealand has made huge efforts to provide restaurant-quality food by using celebrity chefs to devise some of its menus. On my flight from LA it was Gary Clausen from the Bel-Air who came up trumps with hors d'oeuvres of raw vegetables and dip, followed by pâté de foie gras with sweet onion marmalade, lobster bisque, rack of lamb, salad and a crisp fig tart, accompanied by lashings of delicious New Zealand wine (little of which is exported) and Champagne. Breakfast was similarly tempting with a choice of four main courses - the banana-stuffed French toast with pecans, maple syrup and berries was particularly decadent - as well as smoothies, fresh fruit, yoghurt, cereal and croissants. There was really very little to fault - the amenity kits were good, the toiletries in the bathrooms abundant, on the ground the lounges were well equipped with showers as well as the usual amenities, and check-in was always efficient and friendly (spectacularly so at LA). The main problem is the length of the flights on the network, but even in first class, there's very little that Air New Zealand can do about that. By JB (The Business Traveler).

You're welcomed at the exclusive priority check-in, then it's off to Air New Zealand's private International Lounge. Priority Boarding puts you ahead of the crowd, and at your own pace. A theme of luxury continues as you acquaint yourself with the First Class cabin, complete with aromatherapy kit and Contour Sleeper Seats. Champagne before takeoff? Once airborne, you'll be indulged with the finest wines from New Zealand and Australia, and world-class cuisine prepared by acclaimed chefs from around the world. Top this off with a movie on your individual Video Watchman, an after-dinner drink, or simply stretch out with a New Zealand lamb's wool blanket. As always, it's your choice.

Onboard, the friendly staff has been trained to anticipate your personal and professional needs. All within a Business Class cabin offering plenty of room and solitude for concentration and relaxation. Take a seat. In fact, take the most comfortable Business Class seat in the world. Providing a full recline, adjustable lumbar support and oversize pillows for added comfort. Not to mention plenty of space to enjoy the excellent brasserie-style cuisine accompanied by award-winning wines. Need a bit of distraction after your four-course meal? There's always your personal video system with nine channels of entertainment, and the unique aromatherapy kit to help soothe your mind and body. Whether you want to work or relax, the Business Class will adapt to meet your needs.