It is remarkable how unpleasant flying domestic in the states is compared to other countries. It’s like everyone involved is just going through the motions. Speaking of flying in NZ, have you had the opportunity to fly into Queenstown? Not for the faint hearted.
I haven’t flown into Queenstown but have flown out of it. Short of taking a sight-seeing plane over Fjordland or Mt. Aspiring its hard to imagine a more lovely flight. My tip to anyone ever flying out of there is to make sure to nab a window seat. The views of the mountains and glaciers are stunning.