Air New Zealand "The Works" - worth the extra $$? Hobart to Auckland Review
Is Air New Zealand's The Works fare worth the extra? What it adds over a Seat fare, tested on the Tasman crossing from Hobart to Auckland.
On a recent trip to Australia and New Zealand, I needed to cross the Tasman Sea from Hobart in Tasmania to Auckland, New Zealand.
Air New Zealand was the only carrier with direct service on my preferred day to travel and I'd had good experiences with New Zealand's national carrier before. As I had a bag to check and was flying at lunch time, I was tempted by The Works, an all-in-one upgrade package that Air New Zealand offers on this route.
I'm a frequent flyer, so in this review, I'll take you through every aspect of the journey, from booking to landing and give a real impression of the airlines' economy class service and whether The Works is worth it.
Let's dive right in!
Booking and Pre-Flight Experience
Ticket Purchase
Booking an Air New Zealand flight is straightforward, with a user-friendly website that made the process quite easy. It's during the final purchase that you get to choose between individual add-ons (e.g., checked baggage) or something like The Works package.
Typical pricing page (2024)
Tip: you can get a much better price if you're willing to have a single stop in Melbourne, Adelaide or Sydney. I use Skyscanner or Google Flights to run a price comparison.
The Works Package
Air New Zealand's "The Works" package offers a few key perks that can make a short-haul flight more comfortable. With this package, I received a checked bag up to 23kg, cabin baggage up to 7kg, seat selection, and a meal with a drink during the flight. While everyone on board is offered tea, coffee, and water, additional drinks come at an extra cost.
At around $44 extra, this represents decent value (compared to European airlines over a similar 3 hour flight duration).
Check-In Process
I was NOT able to check in online or using Air New Zealand's app. I worked out this was because they might want to see my NZ-ETA visa or onward flight details (which were not with Air New Zealand).
I showed up to Hobart Airport around 3 hours ahead of my scheduled flight time, as I like plenty of time to take photographs and videos for this website and my YouTube channel, plus time to chill out with a coffee.
Check-in was very straightforward and friendly. My inability to check in online was indeed because they needed to see my onward travel details. I had a screenshot on my phone of my next booking and that was fine.
Domestic vs International Lounges at Hobart
Although I was flying international, I was sent through Domestic Security first. The domestic lounge is where you should pick up a coffee, snack or reading material, even if you're flying overseas.
There is an announcement when international passengers can go through to the International Lounge, which requires an additional security process (including a body scan). If there's not an announcement, you are notified on the information screens.
There are NO facilities for snacks and drinks in the International Lounge at Hobart Airport, although there are toilets.
Aircraft and Seating
Aircraft Type & Layout
I was flying on an Airbus A321neo, a common choice for this route. The seating was in the usual A321 3-3 configuration. I always choose a window seat when I'm filming so I can enjoy the views during the flight. The good thing about The Works package is that standard seat selection is included.
The legroom was fine for me (I'm 6′ or 183cm) and had a bit of space to stretch out. That was improved even more by having no middle-seat neighbour!
In-Flight Experience
Takeoff
The takeoff towards the southeast was smooth, and we climbed up to 35,000 feet across the Tasman Sea. The ascent from Hobart has some beautiful coastline to see. The flight duration was about 3 hours and 15 minutes.
In-Flight Entertainment
Air New Zealand has an excellent IFE screen on these A321neos which is very responsive to the touch. I found plenty of movies and tv shows to watch, although I don't know if I'm typical, but I love the moving maps 🙂 Air New Zealand provides everyone with recyclable in-ear headphones if you need them for the IFE. One thing is true, you won't get bored on this flight.
Food and Beverage
The star of The Works package is supposedly the meal and beverage service. I chose a Coke Zero as it was an early lunchtime and ordered the chicken dish.
The chicken didn't look very appetising and that salad was on its last legs. A real disappointment.
Service
The toilet, while small, was kept sparkling clean throughout the flight and I liked the moths on the toilet wall! You'll have to watch the video for that!
The friendly and efficient staff made the flight enjoyable. Our Kiwi crew even handed out lollies before landing, a nice touch that helped with any landing nerves. I felt very welcomed and tended to throughout the flight and that really sets Air New Zealand apart.
Arrival
Landing in Auckland
The descent into Auckland was smooth on a very cloudy day, with stunning views of the city and out towards the water (would that be a harbour or the Waikato River, I wonder - let me know on my Instagram). Disembarkation was remarkably fast and via a jet bridge which is so much easier than finding stairs at the end of a trip!
My arrival in Auckland set me to thinking of my upcoming tour of New Zealand by train, which would start right here in Auckland with the Northern Explorer train journey to Wellington!
Immigration at Auckland Airport
I've been lucky with immigration on my past few trips, so a bit of a delay at Auckland was noticeable: it took maybe 15-20 minutes to get through passport control and 45 minutes at customs. Auckland International can get very busy, so build some waiting time into your expectations.
Before long I was on SkyDrive bus into Auckland CBD which picks up right outside the terminal. Read my full guide on how to get from Auckland Airport to downtown Auckland to help you work out your best route.
Overall Impressions
Flying Air New Zealand from Hobart to Auckland in economy class gave me another chance to fly a national carrier that actually has a great reputation!
I had reasonable hopes for The Works package - at $44 it's a reasonable value, but the food was really not up to par, and if I could have had my other extras (seat selection and checked bag) for less, I'd buy a sandwich at Hobart airport and be done.
For this flight, I paid $216USD which included The Works upgrade. I think that's pretty reasonable for a flight of this distance.
Next: Read a luxury flight review: Emirates in First Class