Thanks, all. Yeah, I know we're going to paradise, and if nothing else changes, we'll sit back and enjoy it, but it was shocking seeing the crappy seats, plus the kids will be disappointed (but we are a spoiled airline family). Yes, I can fly for (almost) free on NZ, however June is peak season for Tahiti and flying standby would be too nervewracking knowing we need to make a firm reservation for a hotle or cruise on the other end of it. Last year going to London for a cruise, I did the same thing, buying tickets. Good thing too, the planes were PACKED. And yep, I'll definitely bring my pilot's license (actually the thing is always in my wallet!) but only to try to wangle upgrades and such. To fly in that uncomfortable cockpit jumpseat for 8 hrs is an experience I do not want to contemplate!! :)

I'll try calling TN in a little bit and see what they say!

Editing to add: flying standby can be as fun as it is frustrating, sometimes the journey is so unpredictable. Recently we went standby to Orlando--it took us two days of non-stop traveling (i.e. no stopping to get a hotel, used redeyes for that). We went from Sacramento to LAX to Chicago and finally to Tampa, rented a car and drove to Disney! We had every kind of seat from crunched on "Ted" to first class. It was nuts! But kind of fun, too. But to do that preceding an expensive vacation, uh uh.