Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand offers Australian travellers a reliable and convenient Star Alliance option for flights to New Zealand, the Pacific islands, and the USA. With a strong network and good connections, it’s a great alternative to Qantas for international travel. Discover more about Air New Zealand below.

Air New Zealand cabin crew

Air New Zealand Status Match for Australians

If you’ve been looking for a Star Alliance status match, now could be your chance! Air New Zealand is currently offering a complimentary Gold status match to Australian and New Zealand residents that already hold status with another airline. It’s no coincidence that this offer comes in the middle of a bitter break-up between Air … Continued

Air New Zealand Boeing 787-9 Economy seat

Empty Neighbour Seats for $29 on Air New Zealand

International flights in cattle class are rarely a fun experience. But having an empty neighbouring seat – or even an entire row to yourself – can make a big difference to your on-board comfort. Several airlines offer the opportunity to purchase a free neighbouring seat on your flight for a small fee. One is Air … Continued

Qantas and Air New Zealand codeshare partnership

Qantas Signs Air New Zealand Codeshare Deal

Qantas and Air New Zealand may be bitter rivals across the Tasman, but they’ve taken everyone by surprise announcing a new codeshare agreement! The partnership commences on 28 October 2018 – the same day that Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia ends. Under the Air New Zealand codeshare agreement, Qantas will place its “QF” … Continued

Grounded Air New Zealand & Qantas planes at Auckland Airport

Boeing 787 Engine Problems Ground Aircraft

Boeing 787 engine problems are causing serious disruptions to flights with Air New Zealand, LATAM Airlines, British Airways and several other airlines. But, thankfully, not all airlines operating the Dreamliner are affected. Here’s what you need to know… What are the Boeing 787 engine problems? Some airlines have discovered that the turbine blades in their … Continued

13 May 2018 Air New Zealand
Qantas Boeing 737-800 at Auckland Airport

Air New Zealand Ditches Virgin Australia Alliance

Air New Zealand has terminated its trans-Tasman alliance with Virgin Australia. The surprise announcement marks the end of an 8-year partnership between the Kiwi carrier and Virgin Australia. Air New Zealand’s alliance with Virgin Australia will end on 28 October 2018. From this date, Virgin Australia customers will no longer be able to book Air … Continued

Chicago, USA

Air New Zealand Starts Auckland-Chicago Flights

Ultra-long-haul flights are becoming ever more common. Today’s aircraft can fly further – and more economically – than ever before. And airlines are taking advantage of this. Just last week, Qantas commenced non-stop flights between Perth and London. Non-stop flights from Australia to destinations across the United States are also becoming more common as modern … Continued

31 Mar 2018 Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand A320

How to Use Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars

Airpoints, Air New Zealand’s frequent flyer program, is not frequently discussed on our forums. There’s a good reason for this; it’s one of the world’s worst value frequent flyer programs! Nonetheless, AFF member Cappuccino99 is seeking advice this week on how to spend over 1,000 Airpoints Dollars. When I lived in NZ, I travelled a … Continued

22 Feb 2018 Air New Zealand

Air NZ Catering Catastrophe

One member is appalled at being offered just $20 worth of Air New Zealand vouchers as compensation for an in-flight meal that left them “very ill”. The Business class passenger had requested a vegetarian meal. But by the time they discovered that the meal in fact contained chicken, it was already too late. The catering … Continued

Air New Zealand A320 Queenstown

Bidding for a OneUp Upgrade on Air New Zealand

If you have an upcoming flight with New Zealand’s flag carrier, you might be interested in upgrading to a nicer seat. Air New Zealand’s upgrade system is a little different to most for a few reasons. Firstly, it uses an “auction” to determine who can upgrade. Would-be upgraders can place a bid for a OneUp … Continued

14 Jul 2015 Air New Zealand

Airfares to the USA hit rock bottom

The recent drop in the price of airfares between Australia and the United States is like music to the ears of many a traveller. In recent months we have seen some very good sales on this route, with Qantas selling off-peak tickets for under $1,200 and Virgin Australia undercutting that even more. But a current … Continued

13 Apr 2015 Air New Zealand