Air New Zealand

Starting out in 1940 as a small trans-Tasman airline, Air New Zealand has grown over the last eight decades to become New Zealand’s flag carrier. Celebrating 80 years in the air in 2020, the airline not only services New Zealand’s regional centres and cities, but also transports travellers to all corners of the globe, from North America and Europe to Australia and the South Pacific.

Pre-Flight Information

Check-In Information

Domestic Flights

Passengers set to board domestic flights operated by Air New Zealand may check-in online up to 24 hours before their flight or use the Air New Zealand app to access an electronic boarding pass. Passengers departing from select destinations, including Auckland, Blenheim, Hamilton, Christchurch, Napier, Dunedin, New Plymouth, Invercargill, Palmerston North, Nelson, Rotorua, Queenstown, Tauranga and Wellington, may use self-service kiosks to check-in at the airport.

Passengers with no checked baggage may proceed to the flight gate after check-in, while those wanting to check a bag may use a self-service kiosk or proceed to an airport counter.

Check-in for Air New Zealand’s domestic flights closes 30 minutes ahead of the scheduled departure time if travelling solely in New Zealand. For flights that are set to connect to an international service and for children travelling alone, check-in closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

International Flights

The time check-in closes for international flights does vary from service to service. Passengers may find out when check-in closes for their flight by using the Air NZ app, looking at their e-ticket or reading the details contained within their check-in email.

Passengers travelling from select locations, including Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Queenstown, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Los Angeles and Hong Kong, may check-in using self-service kiosks located at the airport. To use a self-serve kiosk, you will need a passport that is machine-readable.

Air New passengers may also choose to check-in using the Air NZ app up to 24 hours prior to their scheduled departure time.

Online Check-In

International

Air New Zealand’s online check-in service opens 24 hours prior to the scheduled flight departure time for international flights. Online check-in closure times vary between flights and destinations. The check-in closing time for your flight will be listed on your e-ticket or within the information that was provided to you by your travel agent. You will also be able to view your check-in closing time on the Air NZ app.

Mobile boarding passes and boarding passes printed at home are not accepted at Singapore Changi International Airport, Norfolk Island Airport and Ngurah Rai (Bali) International Airport. Passengers travelling on flights departing Niue are also unable to access online check-in and must check-in at the airport. Check-in closes 120 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time for passengers departing Niue. Bag drop also closes at this time.

Online check-in may not be available if you do not meet the entry and transit requirements required by your destination country, such as appropriate visas and proof of an onward ticket. The service may also not be available if the first leg of your journey is set to be operated by one of Air New Zealand’s partner airlines. In this case, you will need to check-in using the partner airline’s website or airport counter.

If you are wanting to check baggage, be aware that bag drop for most international flights closes 60 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, while closing 75 minutes prior to departure for flights departing from Sydney, London Heathrow, and all airports in the USA and Canada.

Domestic

Online check-in opens 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time for domestic flights operated by Air New Zealand. Check-in may be completed using the Air NZ app or by following the link provided in the online check-in email sent by Air New Zealand. In most circumstances, it is recommended that passengers check-in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. When children are travelling alone or passengers are connecting to an international flight, check-in should be completed 60 minutes prior to departure. 

If you are wanting to check baggage, bag drop for Air New Zealand’s domestic flights closes 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

Baggage

Cabin Baggage

Air New Zealand Economy Class passengers may travel with one carry-on bag that does not exceed 7kg and one small item, such as a laptop bag or a handbag.

Passengers travelling in Premium Economy or Business Premier Class, Gold and Elite Airpoints members, Star Alliance Gold members, and those on connecting Business Premier Class flights, may travel with two pieces of cabin baggage that weigh up to 14kg in total. One piece may weigh up to 10kg, with one small item, such as a laptop bag or handbag also permitted.

In accordance with Air New Zealand’s baggage rules, The size of all carry-on bags must not exceed 118cm when their length, width and height are measured and combined.

Checked Baggage - Domestic

Domestic passengers who purchase Seat+bag, FlexiChange or Smart Saver fares are permitted to check one bag weighing up to 23kg. FlexiRefund fare holders may check two bags that do not weigh more than 23kg each.

Air New Zealand’s baggage rules dictate that each checked bag must measure no larger than 158cm when its length, width and height are combined.

Checked Baggage - International

International passengers travelling with Seat+Bag, TheWorks or Economy Class fares may check one bag. WorksDeluxe and Premium Economy Class fare holders may travel with two pieces of checked baggage, while Business Premier and Business Class passengers may check up to three bags. All checked baggage must not weigh more than 23kg per piece. 

Passengers travelling to Honolulu on TheWorks fares, as well as Economy Class passengers heading to Shanghai, Taipei or Singapore, may check two pieces of baggage. Economy Class passengers departing Australia and travelling to the USA, Canada or South America may also check two bags.

Following Air New Zealand’s baggage specifications, each checked bag must measure no larger than 158cm when its length, width and height are combined.

Airpoints

Airpoints is Air New Zealand’s loyalty program. Members may earn Airpoints Dollars by booking Air New Zealand flights, travelling on flights operated by partner or Star Alliance airlines, using an Airpoints partner credit card, or by booking a hire car or hotel stay with one of the airline’s travel partners. One Airpoints Dollar is equal to NZD $1 and may be redeemed for flights, car rentals, flight class upgrades or entry to the airline’s Koru Programme.

Within the Airpoints program, there are three membership tiers: Silver, Gold and Elite. Although the benefits of each membership tier do vary, members enjoy perks that may include upgrades, lounge access, additional baggage allowances, preferential seating, priority check-in and more. Airpoints members may transition to the Silver, Gold or Elite tier by earning Status Points when flying with Air New Zealand or partner airlines. Joining the Airpoints program is free.

Lounges

Domestic Lounges

Air New Zealand Domestic Lounges are found at several airports across New Zealand, including Auckland Airport, Christchurch Airport and Wellington Airport. The well appointed lounges offer a variety of facilities, such as snack and meal buffets, bars, barista-made coffee, WiFi, phone charging stations, toilets, showers and more. All Air New Zealand Domestic Lounges open an hour before the departure of the first flight and close after the day’s final flight departs.

Air New Zealand Domestic Lounges are accessible to passengers due to board an Air New Zealand flight and who possess either an Airpoints Gold, Elite or Elite Partner membership, or a Koru membership. Domestic Lounges may be accessed for up to four hours prior to departure.

Regional Lounges

Air New Zealand’s Regional Lounges are located in destinations across New Zealand, including Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, New Plymouth, Napier, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Queenstown, Dunedin and Invercargill. Styled with sleek decor, the lounges provide an assortment of amenities ideal for those travelling for business or pleasure. Self-serve buffets, light refreshments, bar facilities, WiFi, magazines, televisions, USB ports, power points and business facilities are available at each lounge. Some lounges also offer barista-made coffee. All Air New Zealand Regional Lounges typically open an hour prior to the departure of the first flight and close following the departure of the day’s final flight.

Air New Zealand Regional Lounges may be accessed by passengers who will be departing on an Air New Zealand service and are Gold, Elite or Elite Partner members of the Airpoints loyalty program or are Koru members.

International Lounges

Located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Nadi and Rarotonga, Air New Zealand’s International Lounges are comfortable spaces to relax and unwind in prior to boarding your flight. The amenities provided do vary from lounge to lounge, but you can expect to find facilities such as light refreshments, bars, WiFi, magazines, televisions and toilets in most of Air New Zealand’s lounges around the world. Shower facilities are also available within most International Lounges. The opening hours of each International Lounge do vary depending on the location.

Air New Zealand’s International Lounges may be accessed by Gold, Elite and Elite Partner members of the airline’s Airpoints loyalty program, Koru members and Business Premier passengers who are set to depart on an Air New Zealand flight.

In-Flight Experience

In-Flight Entertainment

A personal on-demand entertainment screen is positioned in the seat back of most Air New Zealand-operated aircraft travelling internationally. Offering a wide selection of film and TV titles, hours of music, radio shows and audio books, and an assortment of games, there are plenty of great options to choose from. Most fare holders have access to the service, with the exception of Seat and Seat+bag fare holders who do not have access to films.

Passengers travelling on domestic flights with Air New Zealand receive a free copy of KiaOra magazine and have access to an inflight quiz.

Some aircraft in the Air New Zealand fleet, including most 777-300 and 777-200 aircraft and all A321neos and A320neos, offer free WiFi connectivity during international flights.

Dining

Domestic

All passengers travelling on Air New Zealand domestic flights are offered a snack and the choice of either tea or coffee. If passengers are set to fly on a turbo-prop ATR72 flight or a Q300 service that is less than 45 minutes in duration, they may enjoy water and a snack.

Some domestic flights travel during Koru Hour, where an assortment of additional snacks and drinks are served. These flights are limited and only include A320 jet flights that are longer than 50 minutes, travelling between Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown and Wellington, and departing before 8am or between 4.35pm and 7.05pm, Monday to Friday. In addition to the usual in-flight food and drink options, passengers with an early evening Air New Zealand booking that coincides with Koru Hour may enjoy a selection of New Zealand wines, cider, beer, and soft drinks, including L&P and Coca Cola No Sugar. Beverages are served with a savoury snack such as cheese and crackers. Early morning Koru Hour flight passengers enjoy complimentary hot beverages and the choice of a savoury snack or a cookie.

International

Passengers travelling internationally with Air New Zealand long haul flights enjoy meals designed by Peter Gordon of Auckland’s The Sugar Club and Bellota. Crafted from high quality, fresh ingredients, meals are served alongside an extensive selection of New Zealand wines selected by Jim Harre, the airline’s wine consultant and an international wine show judge. Delivering options that showcase classic flavours with a unique Kiwi twist, passengers in Economy Class can expect to be served a starter and main, such as orzo pasta salad and chicken tikka masala, for dinner, and the choice of a continental or hot breakfast in the morning. Premium Economy passengers are treated to a three-course meal, complete with dessert, for dinner, with the choice of either a hot or continental breakfast. Business Premier Class passengers may take their pick from a mouthwatering menu of dishes, with selections including three-course dinners, hot breakfasts and snacks throughout the flight.

On trans-Tasman flights between New Zealand and Australia, all passengers are provided with water, tea and coffee at no extra cost. Snacks, beverages and meals similar to those served during long haul flights are also included within TheWorks and WorksDeluxe fares. Seat+Bag fare holders may choose to purchase snacks and drinks from the airline’s InflightBites menu, featuring beer, wine, sandwiches, chocolate bars and more.

Special Meals

A selection of special meals catering to various dietary, medical and religious requirements, such as gluten-free, vegetarian and kosher meals, are available on most long haul international flights. Some meals are unavailable for Economy and Premium Economy Class passengers on shorter international services, including flights from New Zealand to Australia and the Pacific Islands. To ensure availability, all special meals must be ordered a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. You may request a special meal when making your Air New Zealand booking.

Cabin Class

Domestic

All Air New Zealand domestic flights offer Economy Class seating only. All Economy Class fares include an inflight snack, with some select services providing additional refreshments during Koru Hour. Passengers travelling domestically receive a copy of KiaOra magazine and have access to an inflight quiz. The seat pitch in New Zealand’s domestic Economy Class does vary between aircraft, but passengers can expect a seat with a pitch of between 29 and 34 inches.

International Economy Class

Economy Class seats feature an integrated 9 inch HD touchscreen, allowing passengers to enjoy hours of entertainment, including music, TV shows, films and more, as well as a shared in-seat power outlet and a USB port. Standard seats offer a pitch of 31 to 33 inches with a 5 inch recline, and are typically 17.2 inches wide. On select flights, passengers seeking extra room may choose to upgrade to a Skycouch seat. Air New Zealand’s Skycouch seats allow passengers to fly in comfort, with a whole row of seats reserved and transformed into couch-style seating or a bed. With armrests up, a Skycouch measures 1.55 metres in length, with a width of 29 inches.

International Premium Economy Class

Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy Class seating offers a pitch of 41 to 42 inches and a width of 19.3 inches, with all seats upholstered in leather. Seats come with armrests, leg rests and foot support as standard, reclining as far as 9 inches. Offering greater personal space than Economy Class, a Premium Economy Class airfare not only includes complimentary meals and drinks, but also a wide selection of inflight entertainment options, from the latest release films to popular TV shows and more, shown on a personal touch screen. USB ports are available for passenger convenience, while an amenity kit, complete with all key amenities, is provided on all long haul services.

International Business Premier Class

Providing direct aisle access, Air New Zealand’s leather upholstered Business Premier Class seats not only offer comfort in the upright position, but also convert to a lie-flat bed that is paired with a memory foam mattress and bedding, including duvets and full-size pillows. Business Premier Class passengers enjoy complimentary meals and drinks, and are given access to a great collection of inflight entertainment that may be viewed on individual screens with Active noise cancelling headphones. Priority baggage, premium check-in and access to courtesy lounges are also included in the price of a Business Premier Class airfare. As well as elevated inflight service, passengers are also provided with an amenity kit of deluxe toiletries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there free WiFi on Air New Zealand flights?

Free WiFi is available on some international flights. Not all aircraft provide WiFi connectivity at this point in time.

Does Air New Zealand have inflight entertainment?

Yes, inflight entertainment is available on most Air New Zealand flights. Some exceptions do apply.

Are drinks free on Air New Zealand?

Almost all Air New Zealand passengers are entitled to free water, tea and coffee. Eligibility for alcoholic beverages and other drinks does depend on your chosen fare type and flight class.