A lot of those big airlines are a mixed bag. If you get one of their newer planes they are world class, but we were on an aging 747, it creaked and groaned, had

A lot of those big airlines are a mixed bag. If you get one of their newer planes they are world class, but we were on an aging 747, it creaked and groaned, had the aforementioned in flight entertainment system, and the toilets stunk up all the rows near them. But some of their planes are beautiful and the service is top notch. This was a few years ago but even in economy they gave everyone a little pack with toothbrush, ear plugs, travel socks, and those masks you put on to sleep when it's light. I've had a similar experience on Lufthansa where one flight was an amazing plane with a bar downstairs, and all the mod cons, and then I had a flight from Frankfurt to LA which was 12 hours without any back of seat in flight entertainment (it just had a few screens hanging from the ceiling). This was only three years ago. That's why I try and fly Air NZ wherever I can, it's not the best airline in the world but it's consistently good across the whole fleet.