Flight review: is this the most stress-free international short hop there is?

I still remember the kindly crew showing me around the cabin, plying me with snacks and sitting with me for much of the journey.

These days, flights are cheaper, planes are fuller and service can feel like an afterthought - but on this trip, it's clear that Air New Zealand's warm hospitality endures.

The airline runs multiple daily flights between Sydney and Auckland, making the short hop about as stress-free as international flying gets.

CHECKING IN: Flight NZ102 departs daily at 9.55am, landing in Auckland at 3.05pm local time, and check-in closes 90 minutes before departure.

I arrive two hours early to short queues, and a friendly staffer helps me navigate the self-service bag-drop.

My economy ticket grants me a carry-on bag and a handbag with a total weight of seven kilograms and a checked bag up to 23 kilograms.

It's all very seamless, and I have plenty of time to browse duty-free and have a coffee before boarding.

THE FLIGHT: At just over three hours, the journey is quicker than some domestic legs - but still carries the thrill of leaving the country.

There is zero turbulence, and we land ahead of schedule.

THE CLASS: Am I imagining it, or are the seats on this economy flight bigger and more luxurious than many I've flown lately?

A search reveals that at 17 inches (about 43cm) wide, they're standard - but possibly it feels that way because they are upholstered in leather - a nice touch apparently aimed at enhancing customer comfort. There's also ergonomic support and adjustable headrests.

The single-aisle Airbus A321neo seats 214 passengers in a 3-3 single aisle configuration: I'm in 15A, on the window with no one in the middle and it's perfectly relaxing.

FOOD AND DRINK: For such a short flight, the catering is impressive.

So good, in fact, that the indecisive American passenger in the row in front of me seems to think she's in a five-star restaurant, quizzing the flight attendant about the pros and cons of every dish. Finally, as we all wait, the hostie patiently seals the deal: "I'm going to give you the lamb casserole my dear," she gushes. "You have to try New Zealand lamb!"

The other options today are mac and cheese with broccoli or a Vietnamese chicken noodle salad - served with cheese and crackers, a bread roll and a chocolate profiterole. Complimentary drinks include tempting New Zealand wines, though at this hour I stick to water.

ENTERTAINMENT: Every seat has a personal screen and AC power. The entertainment selection is average - I would have liked more TV shows - but the in-flight Wi-Fi is exceptional - free and less glitchy than any I've tried on other economy airlines. I work most of the journey.

THE SERVICE: Friendly, patient and genuinely proud of their airline - the crew set the tone for the whole experience.

IN A NUTSHELL: We spend plenty of time dissecting Qantas, Virgin, Emirates, Qatar - but almost no one talks about Air New Zealand. Maybe we should. This little airline delivers big on comfort, service and old-fashioned Kiwi warmth.