Air New Zealand, our national airline flies one of the most extensive networks from New Zealand to Australia and the South Pacific.
And their long haul international services have improved as well with Shanghai being added to their current International destinations of Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Los Angeles and London

Flying a myriad of different aircraft too many to list here, the good news is the purchase of Boeing 777 aircraft for their long haul routes and the fact that all new aircraft  have in-seat entertainment in every seat, along with re-vamped NZ inspired interiors. The on-demand system allows you to watch what you want when you want. This is available in all classes of travel on long-haul flights operated by Boeing 747, 777, 767 and A320 aircraft.

Because relaxing over a good meal is one of life's great pleasures, Air New Zealand have designed  menus to reflect the fresh, innovative cuisine of New Zealand.

In the process, they sought the views of the world's greatest chefs and have incorporated their suggestions into the most creative menus you'll find in the air. Their wine consultants have selected wines that not only complement the menus but still taste wonderful at 30,000 feet. Along with acclaimed in-flight service you will be sure of a great dining experience.

Air New Zealand have  recently moved away from offering First Class on long haul flights, instead adding a Premium Economy class in-between Economy and Business, which is proving very popular.

Around Australia and to the Pacific, Air New Zealand use what they call Pacific Express service offering reducing meals and in-flight entertainment.

AIR NEW ZEALAND'S EXCESS BAGGAGE POLICY
Along with offering their lower airfares Air New Zealand have also clamped down on their excess baggage policies. Customers travelling in economy class have a 20kg baggage allowance. Air NZ are ensuring that this limit is strictly enforced, without exception, where it applies. For business class passengers the limit is 30kg.

Airpoints (tm) Gold and Gold Elite members, along with other Star Alliance Gold members, receive an additional 20kg allowance above this.

Passengers with excess baggage will be charged as follows from NZ ports:
Tasman (except Perth): $10 per kg
Perth: $20 per kg
Pacific Islands (except Noumea and Papeete): $10 per kg
All Other destinations:  Variable approx. 1 - 1.5% of the normal full economy fare per kg.

Excess baggage will be charged at an approximately equivalent rate in the local currency for departures from overseas back to NZ.

Oversize items incur $20 handling charge that applies when travelling domestically, to Australia and to the Pacific Islands (excluding Noumea and Papeete). This includes bikes, surf boards, windsurfers, kayaks and hang gliders. Golf clubs and skis are charged at individual rates and do not have handling fees.

Flights to, through or from the USA continue to use the piece system which provides for a baggage allowance of 2 pieces at 32kg each per passenger.

Cabin baggage should not exceed 7kgs. Air NZ will be actively monitoring all cabin baggage and asking passengers to repack their bags if they arrive at either the check in or the gate with a bag that weighs more than 7kg. Plastic bags are provided for passengers who need to check their cabin baggage and still wish to carry some belongings in the cabin.

Air New Zealand now operates 'express class' service to Australia and the Pacific Islands - What does this mean to you?

LOW AIRFARES?
Well firstly their fares are much cheaper, which makes your holiday much more affordable, but of course most other airlines have matched or even bettered these prices, so don't be fooled by the low ONE-WAY airfares advertised by Air NZ. Check with one of our travel experts to make sure your getting the best deal.

And even though low fares are advertised and are a great money saver, it does not mean these fares will be available when you want to fly. As with other airlines there is a tiered approach to airfares with the lowest prices having a limited number of seats available on any flight and also tighter restrictions when it comes to changes or cancellations.

To get the lowest prices advertised you also may need to book well in advance and be sure your dates won't be changing. Fees and costs to upgrade to one of the higher fares may apply, so make sure you understand the implications.

Better still, make sure you get the best deal that suits you by contacting one of our travel experts Contact us here

SERVICE?
With the reduced prices comes reduced options. You still receive a meal service but it is now a 'lighter' meal and people with special dietary requirements may not be able to order a special meal. So check with us and advise your requirements when making your enquiry.

Luggage restrictions are also being enforced more with a fee imposed at check-in for any oversized articles and any excess luggage over the 20kg limit.

AIRPOINTS

Airpoints was launched in 1991 and has more than one million members, with around 800,000 of these being in New Zealand.  That means almost one in five New Zealanders are members. More than 500,000 Airpoints reward seats are redeemed each year and, on average, 5% of Air New Zealand customers are travelling on Airpoints reward tickets.

Air New Zealand's Airpoints system now works on Airpoints Dollars as the new currency. This significant change now means that Airpoints Members can redeem rewards for any available seat on any Air New Zealand operated flight.

Following are key points relating to the programme.

• Under Airpoints Dollars members will be rewarded in relation to the fare paid, rather than distance flown.
   
• Redeeming Airpoints Dollars on the internet is free of any service charges, whilst redemptions through Travel Centres and call centres now incur the standard booking fee per one way flight of NZ$25 for international and $15 for domestic.
   
• An annual Airpoints membership fee of NZ$30 applies unless members buy a commercial fare on any Air New Zealand flight during the previous 12 months. This fee will be discounted to $20, if paid online and account activity and the Airpoints newsletter, Highpoints, are accessed online.
   
• New special low fares (Economy & Business Class levels) are available for Airpoints members redeeming on long-haul routes.
   
• "Top-Ups" (when a customer purchased additional Airpoints with cash to have enough points to redeem a reward flight) are no longer available.
   
• Airpoints Dollars can still be used for standby upgrades, and now can be used for Confirmed Upgrades (in conjunction with certain higher fare types).
   
• Airpoints members can still redeem with Freedom Air.
   
• The Inland Revenue Department has ruled that it will not be subjecting companies to paying Income Tax or Fringe Benefit tax on Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars
   
• Tier status is now based on Airpoints Dollars earned by flying on Air New Zealand and Star Alliance airlines, rather than via Status Credits. To allow customers to get comfortable with the new tier status qualification criteria, Air New Zealand will allow qualification under either the previous or the new criteria until 31 December 2005