Overview
First taking to the skies in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, Air New Zealand has grown and evolved over the last eight decades to become one of the world’s leading airlines. Discover the pleasure of flying with Air New Zealand and its award-winning service as they provide the kind of food, service and in-flight comfort that could convert you to this airline for a lifetime. Be prepared to forget everything you know about flying with the New Zealand-based airline’s unrivalled long-haul travel experience.
Pre-Flight Information
Airport check-in
Airport check-in times vary between Air New Zealand international flights. Check-in for some flights closes 90 minutes prior to departure, while others may close two hours ahead of the scheduled flight time. View your check-in email, e-ticket or the Air NZ app for your flight details.
Self-service check-in kiosks are available at airports in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Los Angeles and Hong Kong.
Online check-in
Online check-in for international flights is currently not available. Those travelling internationally with Air New Zealand will need to check-in manually at the airport.
Baggage
Air New Zealand offers options for both carry-on and check-in baggage depending on your flight class, destination and optional extras.
Carry-on Baggage Allowances
Passengers travelling internationally with Air New Zealand in Economy class are permitted one piece of carry-on baggage, weighing up to 7kg, and an additional small item, such as a thin laptop or handbag.
Two pieces of carry-on baggage and one small item are permitted for those with Premium Economy, Business Premier and connecting Business Premier flights. Airpoints Gold, Elite and Star Alliance Gold members may also travel with the same baggage allowance. Both pieces of carry-on baggage must not exceed 14kg, with one piece weighing no more than 10kg.
The total length, width and height of each piece of carry-on baggage must not exceed 118cm.
Checked Baggage Allowances
Air New Zealand’s international checked baggage allowance varies by fare type and class of travel. Economy, Seat+Bag and Theworks fares all include one checked bag. Premium Economy and Worksdeluxe fares allow for travel with two checked bags, while three checked bags are permitted for Business Premier fare holders.
Passengers with Theworks fares to Honolulu may travel with two checked bags. Economy fare holders heading to Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei are also entitled to two checked bags. All Economy fares from Australia to the USA, Canada and South America feature an allowance of two checked bags as standard.
Koru members are entitled to one extra piece of checked baggage for all fares except Business and Seat fares.
Regardless of the fare chosen, the total length, width, and height of each piece of checked baggage must not exceed 158cm. Each piece must not exceed 23kg.
Flights
Airfare Specials
Rewards
Air New Zealand operates the Airpoints loyalty program. Airpoints members collect Airpoints Dollars across all flight bookings made with Air New Zealand, partner carriers and Star Alliance members, and through the use of Airpoints partner credit cards. Bookings made with partner hotels and car hire providers also earn Airpoints Dollars. Each Airpoints Dollar equates to NZD $1 and may be redeemed for rewards such as flights and flight class upgrades, in-flight purchases and car hire. There are no costs associated with joining the Airpoints program.
In-Flight Experience
In-flight entertainment
Air New Zealand’s in-flight entertainment offering provides hours of on-demand films, TV shows, music, audiobooks, radio shows, games, and more, to discover. Each seat back features a personal entertainment screen, with passengers able to enjoy the content of their choosing from boarding through to the time they land. A selection of children’s entertainment is also available.
Dining
Economy and Premium Economy passengers are served a selection of delicious meals and fine local wines designed to offer an authentic taste of New Zealand. Economy class travellers can expect a starter and main, such as orzo pasta salad and chicken tikka masala, for dinner, while Premium Economy enjoys a 3-course meal complete with a starter, main and dessert. Both travel classes are offered the choice of a hot or continental breakfast.
Passengers flying with Air New Zealand on Australian and Pacific routes enjoy complimentary water, tea and coffee. Theworks and Worksdeluxe fare holders are provided with a free meal and beverages, while Seat and Seat+Bag passengers may purchase snacks and beverages. Theworks and Workdeluxe fare holders enjoy meals similar to those served to Economy class passengers on longer-haul flights.
Special meals
A variety of special meals catering to specific cultural and dietary needs are available to pre-order by most fare holders on Air New Zealand’s long haul international flights. Those travelling with a Seat or Seat+Bag fare, however, are not provided food as part of their fare.
The full range of special meals is not available on international flights between New Zealand and Australia or the Pacific Islands, with only gluten-free, non-dairy vegetarian and children’s meal options provided. These options may be pre-ordered by those travelling on all fare types including meals.
All special meals must be pre-ordered at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time to ensure availability. Requests can be made online or by phoning Air New Zealand directly.
+1 more Economy Class
Air New Zealand ensures a comfortable flight for all in their Economy class, with slim-line seats and sculptured upholstery.
Economy Class Experience
All seats featured sculptured upholstery with 9-inch HD touchscreen, in-seat power connections and USB sockets.
Economy Class Service
On each Air New Zealand flight, travellers can expect the same great, uniquely Kiwi experience on-board with premium customer service.
+1 more Business Premier Class
Available on select Air New Zealand flights, Business Premier Class features a premium meal service, as well as soft leather upholstered seats.
Business Premier Class
The Air New Zealand Business Premier soft leather seats can be converted into a lie-flat bed, complete with a memory foam mattress, full-size pillows and bedding.
Business Class Dining
All Business Premier passengers are provided with complimentary, delicious meals and beverages from Air New Zealand's Business Premier menu.
+1 more In-flight Experience
Air New Zealand offers a range of in-fight entertainment options as well and a delicious selection of meals and fine local wines.
Entertainment Options
Air New Zealand's in-flight entertainment offering is available to all travellers and provides hours of on-demand films, TV shows, music, audiobooks, radio shows, games, and more, to discover.
Dining options
Economy and Premium Economy passengers are served a selection of delicious meals and fine local wines designed to offer an authentic taste of New Zealand.Cabin Classes
Economy class
Complete with a 9-inch HD touchscreen, in-seat power connections and USB sockets, Air New Zealand’s Economy class offers all the essentials needed for a comfortable international flight. Seats average at 17.2 inches wide and provide a 5-inch recline, making settling in and enjoying the journey easy. Passengers travelling on select flights may also have the option to upgrade to a Skycouch seat. Skycouch seats transform an entire row of seats into a bed or couch-style seating, offering extra comfort and space.
Premium Economy class
Providing more legroom and 50% more recline than Economy, Air New Zealand’s Premium Economy class offers additional personal space, perfect for long flights. Upholstered in ink-coloured leather, the seats in this flight class also come complete with a leg rest, comfortable armrests and extendable foot support. Passengers flying in Premium Economy class enjoy complimentary meals and beverages. Amenity kits are also provided on long haul services.
Business Premier class
Upholstered in soft leather, Air New Zealand’s Business Premier class seats are not only comfortable when in the upright position but can also be converted into a lie-flat bed, complete with a memory foam mattress, full-size pillows and bedding. Passengers are provided with complimentary meals and beverages from Air New Zealand’s Business Premier menu and enjoy additional perks, such as premium check-in, priority baggage and courtesy lounge access. All Business Premier passengers also receive an amenity kit containing deluxe toiletries.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When was Air New Zealand founded?
Air New Zealand began operating in 1940 as Tasman Empire Airways Limited, servicing flights between New Zealand and Australia. In 1965, the airline was acquired by the New Zealand Government, and it was at this time that its current name, Air New Zealand, was introduced.
Do Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars expire?
Yes, Air New Zealand Airpoints Dollars do expire. Airpoints members have four years to use the Airpoints Dollars they accumulate before they expire.
Are drinks free on Air New Zealand flights?
Most Air New Zealand passengers are entitled to free coffee, tea and water. Whether a passenger can also receive complimentary alcoholic beverages depends on their chosen flight class and fare type.