Netball World Cup: Champion Silver Ferns 'crammed into economy class' for trip home

They maybe the best in the world but clearly that doesn't come with too many perks. 

The Silver Ferns claimed World Cup gold on Monday, defeating Australia 52-51 in a thrilling final in Liverpool. 

That result completed a remarkable turnaround for New Zealand netball, that was, just 16 months earlier, reeling from a fourth-place finish at the Commonwealth Games.

The squad is heading home in parts, with Laura Langman and Noeline Taurua already Australia bound ahead of the resumption of the Super Netball Championship this weekend.

Other members of the New Zealand squad are holidaying in Europe to celebrate their triumph, but a few boarded an Auckland bound flight from London on Monday night (NZT). 

But the new world champs clearly didn't score an upgrade, with one fellow traveller noting on social media that they were seated in economy class. 

"The #SilverFerns are crammed into economy on my flight!," Jo Bailey wrote on Twitter.

"Get those ladies an upgrade, they've earned it!

Air New Zealand was called out on the thread for failing to reward the netballers with a seat upgrade, with one punter noting how uncomfortable the journey home would be.

"And many are so tall!!! They need more leg room." 

Air New Zealand said while no premium upgrades were available on the flight out of London, all squad members travelling to New Zealand from Los Angeles, were given upgrades. 

"Air New Zealand applied space available upgrades to the bookings of Silver Ferns team members, coaching and management staff prior to their departure from London yesterday however unfortunately due to existing customer demand there was no availability in the premium cabins on their flight from London to Los Angeles," Air New Zealand said in s statement to Newshub.

"Those who have continued to travel home today from Los Angeles were upgraded to Premium Economy.

 

"Our airport teams also invited the squad to relax in the lounge prior to departure."

This comes just hours after calls for more pay equality in sport with news the world champion Ferns' will not receive any financial bonus for their win. 

Last week the Blackcaps scored a NZ$3million payday for finishing second behind England at the Cricket World Cup. 

But there isn't that type of money in netball, with tournament officials confirming there was no prize money on offer for the winners. 

Newshub.