Today was the first day (350 days before travel) that we could book the return flights for our next U.S. visit in April/May 2024.
Over breakfast I logged onto the Air New Zealand website and filled in all the details required, then hit the button to pay.
April 27th: Fly to Houston for 3 nights.
April 30th Fly to Nashville for 3 nights.
May 3rd, drive to Louisville for Kentucky Derby weekend. Karen does not like crowds so we will probably not attend the race live, but will find somewhere for dinner and watch the race. (Any suggestions as to where, very welcome).
May 5th drive to Chicago.
May 7th start of 3 weeks on Route 66.
May 29th fly home from Los Angeles.
Usually we will pay the NZ$600 (total) to upgrade our seats to Exit Isle. Greater legroom, no problems getting up for the bathroom or to stretch our legs, but the same narrow cattle class seats and no floor storage under the seats in front.
This time we decided to splurge out a little and booked an Air New Zealand Skycouch for both the long haul legs. We get to share a row of three seats with fold down armrests and fold up leg rests. Not as good as being in the lie flat seats in business class but much better than being squeezed together with a total stranger.
A bit expensive at NZ$1500 for both flights but I think it'll be worth it.
Oh,..... And we are already planning a September/October 2025's trip along Historic Route 80 then back to Nashville for the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.
Over breakfast I logged onto the Air New Zealand website and filled in all the details required, then hit the button to pay.
April 27th: Fly to Houston for 3 nights.
April 30th Fly to Nashville for 3 nights.
May 3rd, drive to Louisville for Kentucky Derby weekend. Karen does not like crowds so we will probably not attend the race live, but will find somewhere for dinner and watch the race. (Any suggestions as to where, very welcome).
May 5th drive to Chicago.
May 7th start of 3 weeks on Route 66.
May 29th fly home from Los Angeles.
Usually we will pay the NZ$600 (total) to upgrade our seats to Exit Isle. Greater legroom, no problems getting up for the bathroom or to stretch our legs, but the same narrow cattle class seats and no floor storage under the seats in front.
This time we decided to splurge out a little and booked an Air New Zealand Skycouch for both the long haul legs. We get to share a row of three seats with fold down armrests and fold up leg rests. Not as good as being in the lie flat seats in business class but much better than being squeezed together with a total stranger.
A bit expensive at NZ$1500 for both flights but I think it'll be worth it.
Oh,..... And we are already planning a September/October 2025's trip along Historic Route 80 then back to Nashville for the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry.
on a flight more than 2 hrs. Not to business class, yet, but in between that and a cattle car. 
.
