Hot five international economy cabins

Qantas

Economy passengers on the A380 (and a number of retrofitted B747s) can expect spacious Marc Newson-designed seats, oversized entertainment screens, high quality wines and meals (this month from LAX it’s pan-fried salmon followed by apple crumble) and great service.

Air New Zealand

The new ‘cuddle class’ Skycouch has been an instant hit – effectively the foot rests all come up and form what is almost the size of a single bed. But if you’re not cuddling what you’ll get in the all-new economy class is entertainment on demand from gate-to-gate and some of the nation’s best pinot noir, in the form of Mud House from Central Otago.

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian’s recent upgrade of flights to Airbus A330s to Honolulu (from Sydney) has meant a big change with the airline’s economy offering. All seats now feature entertainment on demand and a redesign has resulted in much better recline. Hawaiian food gets you into the Polynesian spirit and we love the checked bag allowance of two 32kg items per passenger.

Cathay Pacific

Cathay’s new seats are wider, have a larger entertainment screen and the size of the in-flight entertainment boxes have been reduced, meaning more legroom. The food and beverage offering is also better: this month, you can match-up steamed hake and a glass of the 09 Kabinett Riesling from the Mosel.

Virgin Atlantic

Many talk about how great Upper Class is on Virgin Atlantic but down the back of the bus Atlantic also excels thanks to spacious seats, vodka cocktail on arrival, good food and the all-new ‘JAM’ inflight entertainment system that features movies, games, TV shows and audio books.