Air New Zealand

Serving as the benchmark for excellence in international travel, Air New Zealand gains attention for its flawless service. Founded as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, its rebranding in 1965 brought travellers closer to top‐tier service and innovative travel experiences.

Air New Zealand – All in One Place

Air New Zealand sets a high standard in flight operations with its commitment to nothing but excellence. The airline has a large fleet consisting of 112 modern aircraft, which includes Airbus A320s, Boeing 777s, and Boeing 787 Dreamliners. It serves 20 domestic routes and connects to 28 long-haul international destinations in 18 countries throughout the Pacific Rim. With a record revenue of NZNZD$2.73 billion in 2022, it is speeding towards growth, resulting in better facilities and services each year.

Air New Zealand hosts a state‐of‐the‐art training facility in Auckland that is committed to professional development. It plays an undeniable role in New Zealand's global markets, letting travellers connect easily from busy cities to isolated islands.

Here are all the essentials you might need to know about Air New Zealand. Check out the booking process, web check-in, baggage policy, in-flight services and much more.

How to Book a Flight?

To prove its authority in smooth global travel, Air New Zealand streamlines its booking process like no other. The airline maintains a smooth website and the official AIR NZ mobile app, offering convenience to all.

To book your first flight with Air New Zealand, start at https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/. Or launch the AIR NZ app on your Android or iOS device.
Head to Book -> Book a Flight.
Work through the following sections: Departure and arrival destinations, travel dates, one-way or round trip, and passenger numbers (adults, kids, infants).
Now choose your service class (Economy, Premium Economy and Business) and enter a promotional code (if available).
Click on search and go through the available flight options.
Once you are past your selection, click on Continue.
Next, walk through the passenger information: Input name, gender, date of birth, frequent flyer details, and contact information.
Do not forget your selection of special requirements such as meal or additional assistance (wheelchair, visual, hearing, or service dog).
Again, click on Continue and complete the payment process (options include major credit and debit cards).

Do not cancel the window until you receive your booking confirmation.

Cancellation Policy

Air New Zealand maintains a straightforward cancellation policy to support its passengers. To cancel your flight, visit the official website and access "Manage Booking." Input your booking reference and last name, then click "Continue" to review refund eligibility.

Cancel within 24 hours of booking without a change fee (fare differences may apply).
Cancellation fees depend on the flight's origin, destination, and fare type selected.
Each fare type has specific terms and flexibility, which are noted on your E-ticket receipt. For refundable tickets, the airline refunds the card payment fee.
Verify refund eligibility
Check and apply available credit toward future bookings

Air New Zealand clearly outlines the process, fees, and penalties so you remain well-informed.

Flight Change Policy

Air New Zealand ensures a straightforward flight change experience for bookings made through our website, mobile app, or contact centre. You can alter flight schedules or destinations well ahead of departure.

Conditions: Modifications are available online, especially beneficial for flexi fare bookings and eligible within 24 hours of the initial reservation.
Fees: Potential costs include change fees, fare differences, service charges, and tax adjustments, all clearly outlined by your fare rules.
Steps: Access "Manage Booking," enter your booking reference and family name, review the available alternatives, and finalize your changes.

The system displays all applicable fees before you commit, ensuring you remain informed and in control when adjusting your travel itinerary.

Flight Upgrade Procedure

For passengers willing to upgrade their travel experience, Air New Zealand offers several avenues.

Of several options, the OneUp program is a prominent one, letting passengers bid for an upgrade to the next cabin class (Economy to Premium & Premium to Business).
To participate in the bid, head to the Air New Zealand website or mobile app.
Go to the OneUp section and make your bid with payment details. If your bids turn successful, the airlines will notify you via email prior to departure.
Frequent flyers who are a part of the Airpoints program can use their points for an upgrade. The airlines offer annual recognition upgrades to Elite and Gold members.
With that, flyers can also inquire about last-minute upgrade availability during airport check-in. This option is subject to seat availability and may incur a fee.

Baggage Policy

Air New Zealand maintains a detailed section on its smooth baggage policies. The airlines guarantee convenience, no matter which class and destination you are travelling to.

Carry-On Baggage:

Economy passengers can carry a carry-on (7 kg) plus a small personal item, such as a laptop, handheld small camera, etc.
Meanwhile, Premium Economy, Business Premier, Premier, Gold, and Elite members can take two carry-ons (14 kg with no single bag over 10 kg) with one personal item.

Checked Baggage:

In domestic flights-

Seat+Bag and Flexi fares include one checked bag up to 23kg.
Flexi Plus fares allow two checked bags, each up to 23kg.

In international flights-

Economy Class includes one checked bag up to 23kg.
Premium Economy includes two checked bags, each up to 23kg.
Business Premier includes three checked bags, each up to 23kg.

Excess Baggage:

Passengers with extra baggage must declare and pay 30 minutes before a domestic flight and 90 minutes before an international flight.
No single bag can exceed 32 kg; depending on the route, each extra bag is subject to a fee ranging from NZD$ 40 to NZD$ 120 per bag.

Unaccompanied Minor Service

Air New Zealand's Unaccompanied Minor service does not allow kids under 5 without an adult. The airlines operate this service for children aged 5 to 11 years on selected routes using the Airband service. The ones from 12 to 16 years old can travel alone or opt for the Airband on selected routes upon request.

Service Fees:

Domestic New Zealand: NZD$ 30 per child one way; NZD$ 45 if booked at the airport.
International Flights: NZD$ 80 per child one way; NZD$ 120 if booked at the airport.

Important:

Guardians must declare children under 12 as unaccompanied minors during the time of booking.

Web Check-In

When travelling with Air New Zealand, passengers can check in online, avoiding long airport lines. The web check-in window opens 24 hours before your flight's scheduled departure.

Please note: Cancellations aren't possible after online check-in. If your plan changes, contact the airline promptly.

After completing the process, you may receive your boarding pass via email. You can either print it on your own or at airport kiosks.

DO YOU KNOW? In New Zealand, electronic boarding passes on your phone are scannable.

International Travelers must carry visas and border declarations. In certain cases, online check-in may be absent for your flight; make sure you confirm on time and keep ample time for manual check-in at the airport.

In-Flight Amenities

Taking care of how much you enjoy inside the flight, Air New Zealand takes care of on-board amenities. The airline boasts a top-notch in-flight entertainment system featuring a wide selection of movies, TV shows, music, games, and audiobooks to cater to diverse passenger preferences.

Traveling with kids? Go for dedicated content, including movies, TV programs, games, and audiobooks, with parental controls available for appropriate viewing.

Some flights also offer complimentary Wi-Fi, letting travellers connect to the world while flying high in the sky.

For in-flight dining, the airlines emphasize the Māori tradition of manaakitanga, offering meals crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients that showcase the authentic taste of New Zealand.

Passengers can enjoy a curated selection of New Zealand wines and craft beers to complement their meals.

Here comes the end of our Air New Zealand guide. You can now start planning your next travel and streamline your booking process. Happy travels!