Air New Zealand Airlines: Comprehend Its Myriad Of Policies and Regulations

Air New Zealand operates its flights on a global network. It provides air travel and cargo services to various destinations, starting from, going to, and located within New Zealand. It flies to around 49 domestic and international destinations and operates over 400 daily flights. The purpose of Air New Zealand Airlines from the very beginning is to enrich the country of New Zealand by connecting its citizens to each other and the world. The airline offers an unmatched domestic network, where passenger and cargo flights are conducted between 20 destinations within the country.

Travel Cabins Of Air New Zealand For Long-haul Flights

While travelling on long-haul international flights with Air New Zealand, you can have a soothing experience by travelling in comfortable flight cabins. The airline offers different fare classes from which you can choose your desired cabin, which can also be seen as follows:

Business Premier
Premier Economy
Economy
Economy Skycouch
Economy Stretch

Air New Zealand Online Check-in Policy

If your travel day has arrived and you are all set to fly with Air New Zealand, you must check in with the airline. Though there are three different ways to check in, the following section will deal with the policies and regulations required for online check-in:

Air New Zealand will send you a notification or an email 24 hours before your flight's departure time, informing you that you can check in online.
You can only check online 30 minutes before your flight's departure.
Once you complete your online check-in process, the airline will send your boarding pass to your registered email.
All New Zealand airports accept electronic boarding passes, making it easy to access without printing them out.

Air New Zealand Fare Rules

Air New Zealand allows you to choose a fare among the various fares available. In the section below, you can explore how the airline will charge you with the fare rules depending on your itinerary:

The fare type will differ based on the country from which you depart and arrive.
Every fare type the airline offers comes with varying inclusions and levels of flexibility.
An Air New Zealand Airlines fare ticket booked online does not include a service fee. However, the service fee is applied when booked from the airline's customer service centre.
Air New Zealand may impose additional fees and surcharges for changes and cancellations depending on your booking fare.

Note: These fare rules are limited to Air New Zealand flights and do not apply to its partner airlines, where their personal conditions will be followed.

Air New Zealand Infant's Fare Rules

Kids and babies under 2 are allowed to fly on Air New Zealand flights. The airline considers them very special passengers and thus has a bit of different fare rules, which can be seen as follows:

An infant should be accompanied by a 15-year-old companion who can supervise the infant at all times during the flight.
The companion should be 16 years old if the flight is to or from Canada.
One companion can accompany an infant only.
An infant should only sit on the companion's lap and not hold a separate seat.
However, if a companion has to accompany two infants, s/he should buy a seat for one infant.
You cannot occupy an exit seat if you travel with an infant or a child under 15.
Air New Zealand permits you to reserve a seat with an infant in Business Premier, Economy, Premium Economy, or a seat with a bassinet.
You can even purchase a child fare ticket in Economy or Premium Economy to book a separate seat for your infant.
If you reserve an individual seat for your infant, the infant must use a certified car seat that you must bring along.
The ticket is free while booking a domestic flight for an infant within New Zealand, provided the infant travels on your lap.
On Air New Zealand's international flights, the cost for infants is 10% of the adult fare.

Air New Zealand's Unaccompanied Minor Travelling Rules

Air New Zealand allows unaccompanied minors to travel alone. However, there are certain rules and information about the airline that you are required to know before making your child travel alone, which can be seen as follows:

Air New Zealand permits kids aged 4 to 12 to fly as unaccompanied minors.
Children aged 12 to 16 can sometimes be considered unaccompanied travellers, provided their guardians or parents have requested it from the airline.
Ensure that your child carries all the essential papers required at the airport.
A 14-year-old child can't travel with an infant alone on Air New Zealand flights.
A 15-year-old can accompany a 12-year-old and a 2-year-old.
While a 12-year-old may travel with an 8-year-old, the 8-year-old must be identified as an unaccompanied traveller.
Air New Zealand Airlines offers Special Assistance counters specifically for the check-in of unaccompanied minors.
You must arrive at the airport 20 minutes before the normal check-in time. During that period, the personnel will verify your identification and provide your child with an airband.
Certain airports permit you to accompany your unaccompanied minor to the gate of departure. At airports where this service is unavailable, the airline staff will escort your child through security and hand him/her over to the cabin crew.
You cannot select your child seat if s/he is travelling alone. As your child will be seated near crew work areas, the crew can easily supervise them during their flight journey.
After the flight lands, the airline will assist your child in following the arrival process to collect any baggage. The luggage will then be given to the appointed individual who has come to receive it after verifying their identification.
The airline must contact you if the flight is diverted to an alternative airport.
While booking a domestic New Zealand flight, you must make a seat + bag booking for your unaccompanied minor.

Air New Zealand's Refund Policy

Whether you have changed your plans or the plans have been changed by Air New Zealand, you may be eligible for a refund, provided that the following conditions have been met:

Your original fare conditions specified that you can get a refund from the airline.
Local laws mandate a refund when an airline cancels a flight.
If you have cancelled the booking because the airline has cancelled or delayed its flight, it is under the airline's control.
You may be eligible for a partial refund with a compassionate fare in cases of unexpected critical medical emergencies or bereavement.

Inflight Entertainment Facilities in Air New Zealand

You can enjoy hours of entertainment while travelling on an international flight with Air New Zealand. You have to start your on-demand entertainment system the moment you take your seat onboard, and the airline will provide you with many in-flight entertainment amenities, which can be seen as follows:

Movies and TV shows

Air New Zealand provides access to a wide selection of recent hits and timeless classics, featuring a comprehensive range of options onboard. Most films and television programs are offered in various languages, ensuring that entertainment is available regardless of nationality.

Audiobooks and radio

You can unwind, take it easy, and spend hours enjoying the tunes of the music and audiobooks available on Air New Zealand international flights. The selection of in-flight music includes everything from classical to rock and highlights a dedicated section for New Zealand talent.

Games

You can play alone or with others, as a wide selection of entertaining games is offered on Air New Zealand flights. The selection features Blackjack Casino, Chess, Sudoku, Sledge Jump, and various sports, trivia, and arcade games.

Kids entertainment section

Air New Zealand offers a dedicated area for children's entertainment, featuring a selection of TV shows, games, movies, and audiobooks. You can limit the programs your child can access. Additionally, you can request help from the flight attendant to set up a parental lock on your child's television.

FAQs

What identification papers should I present for an Air New Zealand flight at the airport?

Air New Zealand's officials may request to inspect your passport or driver's license; however, they will also accept your Koru card, a credit card with your name, a birth certificate, or a community service card.

Why do I need to book a seat and a bag for my child travelling alone on Air New Zealand's domestic flight?

To minimise health and safety incidents on board, you must book a seat and a bag for your unaccompanied traveller, as unaccompanied minors might struggle to manage their luggage safely during the flight.

Is it possible to reserve an online ticket for an infant on Air New Zealand?

Yes, reserving an online ticket with Air New Zealand for an infant is possible, and you need to include them during the ticket booking process.

Can I book a flight for my baby before it is born?

Unfortunately, Air New Zealand Airlines won't allow you to book an infant fare until your baby is born, though you can book everyone else's ticket, and your baby's ticket can be added later.

I made a reservation via a travel agency. What is the process for obtaining my credit?

Air New Zealand has a credit option established with participating travel agencies, which possess information regarding your bookings that have been converted into credit; therefore, you need to contact them.