More Flights Down Under

A nationally recognized reporter, writer, and consumer advocate, Ed Perkins focuses on how travelers can find the best deals and avoid scams.

He is the author of "Online Travel" (2000) and "Business Travel: When It's Your Money" (2004), the first step-by-step guide specifically written for small business and self-employed professional travelers. He was also the co-author of the annual "Best Travel Deals" series from Consumers Union.

Perkins' advice for business travelers is featured on MyBusinessTravel.com, a website devoted to helping small business and self-employed professional travelers find the best value for their travel dollars.

Perkins was founding editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, one of the country's most influential travel publications, from which he retired in 1998. He has also written for Business Traveller magazine (London).

Perkins' travel expertise has led to frequent television appearances, including ABC's "Good Morning America" and "This Week with David Brinkley," "The CBS Evening News with Dan Rather," CNN, and numerous local TV and radio stations.

Before editing Consumer Reports Travel Letter, Perkins spent 25 years in travel research and consulting with assignments ranging from national tourism development strategies to the design of computer-based tourism models.

Born in Evanston, Illinois, Perkins lives in Ashland, Oregon with his wife.

See recent posts by Ed Perkins

Moving in quickly following Qantas’ departure, Air New Zealand is adding flights between Auckland and the United States.

Nonstops to Los Angeles will increase from 12 to 14 weekly in mid-June; nonstops to San Francisco will increase to five weekly in April and seven during peak periods; and nonstops to Vancouver will increase from as low as two to five times weekly in the peak winter season.

Air New Zealand’s economy service generally earns good marks. The best regular seats are on 777-200s. Seats on 777-300s and 747s are narrower (but about the same as on Qantas). On the other hand, the best premium-economy product is on the 777-300, and it’s also reasonably good on 747s. But premium economy on 777-200s isn’t true premium economy; it’s semi-premium, with some extra legroom but no improvement in seat width.

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