Southern Lights by Flight: Seating & View Guide

Planning to book a seat on our famous Southern Lights by Flight but unsure what each seat view could look like? Well, check out our seating view guide to give you an idea of what the different window views will look like.

Bonus tip: If you are considering economy class but don’t want to participate in a seat swap then make sure you check out our amazing deal, row of 4 seats for the price of 3, in economy wing.  A great option for friends and families.

1. Business Premier Plus

Do you have to seat swap? No

Price: NZD$7,995

The view from the window looks like this:

Admire wide views of the Aurora Australis in utmost comfort in Business Premier Plus seats with full international business class service. All seats are window seats which means everyone will have unobstructed views of the Aurora Australis. In Business Premier Plus, you will enjoy a super soft leather seat that transforms into a luxurious lie-flat bed, with a memory foam mattress, two full-size pillows and a cosy duvet. There is also an ottoman footrest that doubles as guest seating. And all lie-flat beds have direct aisle access.

2. Business Class

Do you have to seat swap?  Yes

Price: NZD$6,795

The view from the window looks like this:

You will receive full Air New Zealand business class service, meals and seats, the only difference is that you will be swapping from your window seat to the middle seat, sharing time at the window.

3. Premium Economy

Do you have to seat swap?  Yes

Price: NZD $4,995

The view from the window looks like this:

Make yourself at home in a luxuriously soft and roomy leather armchair with generous armrests, a leg rest and extendable foot support. Relax and enjoy Air New Zealand’s famous Kiwi cuisine, while you enjoy magnificent views of the Aurora through large windows. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will seat swap during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20-minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight.

4. Skycouch

Do you have to seat swap?  No

Price: NZD$7,890 (NZD$3,945 per person, for 2 travellers)

The view from the window looks like this:

These are a row of three Economy seats that can be made into a couch after take-off. Each row is shared between two people (travelling companions booking together or sole use if you prefer). The seats are the same as Economy, except you have a special footrest on each seat. You can lift them halfway up to make a footrest, or all the way up to create a large couch space. Enjoy wonderful views of the Aurora and as well as the benefit of being able to spread out and relax throughout your journey. Enjoy full economy meal service for dinner and breakfast. The sky couch allows you to set up your camera gear for the whole flight, without the need to seat swap with other travellers (aside from your travelling companion).

5. Economy No Wing

Do you have to seat swap?  Yes

Price: NZD$2,495

The view from the window looks like this:

These economy seats do not sit directly over the wing, though the wing may still be visible from your seat. This may obstruct a little of the night sky however te wing gives great perspective in images and video – showing you are flying through the aurora! All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be swapped during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20-minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight. Please note, some economy no wing seats will still be able to see a little bit of the planes wing looking forward, but you will not be over the wing.

6. Economy Wing

Do you have to seat swap?  Yes (unless you wish to purchase a full row yourself)

Price: NZD$2,295

SPECIAL OFFER - Row of 4 seats special offer: NZD$7,035 total when purchased together, making it $1,758 per seat! Perfect for a group of friends or family.

The view from the window looks like this:

These economy seats are over the wing. This does obstruct a little of the night sky however many photographers like the wing as it gives great perspective in images and video – showing you are flying through the aurora!  Do remember the aurora can be viewed all around, so it is not like you need to look down to see the aurora (hence the wing does not block it all) All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast. The window and the adjacent aisle seats will be swapped during the journey. Firstly, once we enter the Aurora Zone, there will be a quick 20-minute swap to allow everyone their first exciting views of the Aurora. After that, the remaining time in the Aurora zone will be halved at regular intervals meaning each passenger will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight.

7. Economy Limited View

Do you have to seat swap?  No

Price: NZD$1,545

Limited View seats do not have direct access to a full window view. Some will however, have a partial window view. Passengers are free to stand in the aisles and go to the windows in the common areas to enjoy the views of Aurora Australis. Passengers will enjoy Air New Zealand’s International service. All economy customers will enjoy a full meal service for dinner and breakfast.

Seating plan: For a detailed seat map, please see here.

*Rates are in NZD, current for the 2022 Southern Lights by Flight season