I had read several negative reviews of RBA but the cost of their Auckland-London-Auckland flight was NZ$2200 as opposed to the next cheapest, Singapore Air NZ$2850 (Sept 08). So being relatively hard-up I chose the savings. Not always the wisest move but, in this instance, a good move.

I had read reviews describing the 767's as dated, tatty and in need of a makeover. I think RBA must have listened because the retro-fitted 767's were as smart as any aircraft that I've flown on.

The personal TV's worked fine except for one leg where I needed to ask for a re-set. Ten minutes later it was working fine.The range of movies (a dozen or so), music (two hundred CD's) and games was more than enough for me.

The food was fine. Too much food to be honest. Both eastern and western foods were offered. One complaint was that the trays weren't collected soon enough. The serving routine was to serve the food, serve the tea/coffee and then collect the trays. I'd suggest collecting the trays whilst serving tea/coffee.

My other complaint was the seat backs recline too far back. I detest people who recline their seat to full extension. Totally inconsiderate although fortunately I wasn't stuck behind any of them this flight. Unfortunately I saw others who were and it always ruins the trip.

Cabin crew and ground staff were smiling and helpful. Apart from the obligatory check-in and security queues there were no complaints there at all.

Departure times were never exact (ten to forty minute delays over the eight legs) but arrival times were always as scheduled or earlier. As long as time is made up during the flight there's nothing worth complaining about.

All eight legs of the flight were near full capacity so RBA must be doing something right.

Auckland-Brisbane-Brunei-Dubai-London and return is *extreme* long haul and I wouldn't wish it upon my fellow traveller. Although transit stops were never more than an hour (and using a toilet not travelling at six hundred miles an hour is desirable) I'd suggest to the elderly or those travelling with children to fly Auckland-Singapore, then Airport Transit Hotel for eight hours, then Singapore-London. That is how I usually travel this route. However, if in future money is still tight, then a saving of 30% flying RBA will see me happily fly with them again.