Your Guide to Making the Most of That $225 New Zealand Fare

John Walton is an international aviation journalist who specializes in the passenger experience. Growing up shuttling around the world on Boeing 747-100 and -200 aircraft, John remembers with fondness the days when bored pilots and cabin crew didn’t mind an inquisitive teenager hanging around in cockpits and galleys asking questions. He’s since developed his observations into a journalistic specialty covering cabin interiors, seating, connectivity, and premium class service. A keen analyst of how developing tools can be applied to aviation news, John is at the forefront of social media in the aviation sector, broke the 2014 hijacking of flight ET702 on Twitter (@thatjohn), and continues to work at the bleeding edge of newsmaking. Formerly resident in New York, London, Beijing and Wellington, John lives out of a suitcase, sings tenor in choirs on four continents, and adds languages to his “I speak this enough to get by while traveling” collection. He has a weakness for the A340-600, fully flat business class seats with direct aisle access, and Champagne from the Vallée de la Marne. John welcomes email from readers to john@walton.travel, and discussion on Twitter: he’s @thatjohn.