transpacific · 13h 00m · 10,500 km
San Francisco to Auckland
2 airlines · 2 aircraft ranked
In business class, Air NZ's Business Premier (787-9) leads the field with a 7.4/10.In premium economy, Air NZ's Premium Economy (787-9) dominates the field with a 6.6/10.
Quick pick
Fly Air NZ. It has free Wi-Fi (paid on United).
If fares are comparable, this is the better cabin.
Fly Air NZ. It has 3 more inches of legroom and free Wi-Fi (paid on United).
A noticeably better product that justifies the pick.
Fly Air NZ. It scores higher across seat comfort and amenities.
If prices are similar, go with this one.
Select two airlines to compare head-to-head
Data verified June 2026
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Route insights
- In business class, Air NZ's Business Premier (787-9) leads the field with a 7.4/10.
- In premium economy, Air NZ's Premium Economy (787-9) dominates the field with a 6.6/10.
- In economy, Air NZ's Economy (787-9) edges out the field with a 4.3/10.
Frequently asked
Which is better in business: Air NZ or United on SFO-AKL?
Business Premier (Air New Zealand, 787-9) edges out Polaris (United Airlines, 777-200ER) in business, scoring 7.4/10 vs 6.7. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs no power. United Airlines fights back on entertainment and bedding.
Which is better in premium economy: Air NZ or United on SFO-AKL?
Premium Economy (Air New Zealand, 787-9) dominates Premium Plus (United Airlines, 777-200ER) in premium economy, scoring 6.6/10 vs 4.5. The deciding factor: AC + USB-C vs no power. United Airlines fights back on extras.
Which is better in economy: Air NZ or United on SFO-AKL?
Economy (Air New Zealand, 787-9) and Economy (United Airlines, 777-200ER) score virtually the same in economy: 4.3 vs 4/10. The biggest gap is power — USB-C only vs USB-A only — but neither carrier pulls ahead overall.
What are the best seats in United Polaris on SFO-AKL?
Best: Odd-row window seats (1A, 3A, 5A, etc.) are closest to the window with most privacy. Avoid: Even-row window seats are closer to the aisle. Staggered 1-2-1 Polaris seats with direct aisle access. 16-inch IFE. Saks Fifth Avenue bedding with optional mattress pad. Panasonic Ku-band wifi (paid). Different hard product from the 767-300ER Polaris.
What are the best seats in United Premium Plus on SFO-AKL?
Best: Window pairs for only 2 across. Avoid: Center section inner seats. 2-4-2 premium economy. 13.3-inch IFE. Enhanced plated meals with beer/wine/spirits.