1) Previously airbucks and status airbucks, now airbucks for redemption and status points for status.
2) Cheap fares paid with $ (not with airbucks) on domestic, tasman and pacific shorthaul earn status points, but not airbucks. These fares continue to be non-earning for other FFPs.
1 December
3) All paid Air NZ flights use the Air NZ earning chart. Previously mixed airline itineraries use the mixed airline earning chart even for Air NZ flights.
4) Substantial increase in award and upgrade costs on most routes (other than any seat redemptions).
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There are also changes to check-in processes from 1 November.
1. Is the benefit of dropping from Gold Elite to Gold still applicable? I am likely to almost make Gold Elite this year & am contemplating adding a flight to make sure I reach it. One of the main reasons would be to ensure 2 years of status, so just want to check this is still currently the case.
2. Can the partner card be nominated to someone other than your actual partner (eg my son)? And does it matter if he is not an adult (he is 11)?
3. In New Zealand does the partner card provide access to the regional lounges, or just the 'main' domestic lounges (AKL, CHC, WLG, DUD)?
4.3 Gold Elite Partner
4.3.1 Gold Elite Partner membership is only available to the partner of a Gold Elite Member who resides in the same Household as the Gold Elite Member. A Gold Elite Partner must be an Airpoints Member in there own right.
4.3.2 Each Gold Elite Member is entitled to nominate one Gold Elite Partner. Gold Elite Partners are nominated by the Gold Elite Member notifying the Air New Zealand Contact Centre of the nomination or registering the nomination online at myairnz.com.
4.3.3 Gold Elite Partner privileges may only be used by the Gold Elite Partner in conjunction with services on Air New Zealand Operated Flights. Gold Elite Partner privileges are set out in airnewzealand.com/airpoints (as updated from time to time).
4.3.4 A Gold Elite Partner Card will be valid until the date 12 months after the Gold Elite Status became effective. During this period only one Gold Elite Partner can be nominated.
4.3.5 If we discover any fraudulent activities in relation to Gold Elite Partner membership, clause 12 will apply.
2. A child isn't a partner.
3. Gold elite partner has lounge access when flying Air NZ, plus 1 guest. The website is silent on whether this includes regional koru clubs.
A partner in what? I'm pretty confident that in general society conversation you and I would have the same definition, but given the arguably conceptual intent - the person you spend the most time with at home, and who most often travels around with you - there is presumably a case for at least asking Air NZ the question.
Where's Quokka when you need an opposing legal opinion?
Thanks for the answers. I'm glad the soft landing still exists, that has pretty much made my mind up for me re going for Golde Elite now.
Re the partner q - the reason I ask is that there is a woman at work who has a partner card that came from her Mum - which made me think that maybe as long as you have the same airpoints address Air NZ doesn't question what a "partner" is?
I guess it could be worth a shot... as long as up front about the request there can't be any issues - ie if they say no, I just accept it & let it go.
I'm sure this issue could open a can of worms in terms of the legal definition of "partner", but really it is up to NZ as to their interpretation I suppose.
After I qualify later this year I will report back on my findings...
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The term is actually defined in the T&Cs -
Quote:
"Gold Elite Partner" is defined as the person, living in the same household as a Gold Elite Member, who the Gold Elite Member has nominated as that Member's "Gold Elite Partner".
If I fly say Auckland-Wellington on a flexi-saver fare (a >300 km domestic journey), would I accrue $12 airpoint dollars and 12 status points or $19 airpoints dollars and 19 status points?
