Air New Zealand Air Points - Air New Zealand Introducing New Domestic Fare Structure

An average of 10%

Air New Zealand's current three fare structures are being reduced to two - Smart Saver fares and Flexi Plus fares.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/2972745/Air-NZ-cuts-prices

I fly on a regular basis domestically and usually our company books fairly last minute (so stuck with flexi/saver flexi fares) - be good if these come down a notch!

Quite cunning ploy. For corporates which require flexi saver or higher fares there is an increase in rate.

So I wonder if they the SuperSaver and Flexi Plus are going to be fixed prices.

e.g AKL-WLG $49/$199

There will still be a range of prices.

Bad news for FTers I suspect - pay more to get any mileage (as opposed to status points).

Cutting travel agents access to SuperSavers is bold move. But I suppose its about time, since just about everyone withing New Zealand books there travel online.


We are still going to get SC on SS?

We are still going to get SC on SS?

"Smart Saver fares will continue to include one free 25kg checked bag, online seat select and status points"

The following looks new to me

"The ability to change flights at the airport on the day for free to any available seat"

Looks like at least one business friendly change

Jeff

Just checked my regular booking NPE-AKL-NPE for 6 weeks out - prices are the same or a little higher than usual *sigh* It seems the cheap fares are already gone - maybe due to the time of year. However not the amazing savings I was hoping for.

Just checked my regular booking NPE-AKL-NPE for 6 weeks out - prices are the same or a little higher than usual *sigh* It seems the cheap fares are already gone - maybe due to the time of year. However not the amazing savings I was hoping for.

When I looked up AKL-CHC-AKL earlyer today I could get $59ow to travel tomorrow.

http://airnz.co.nz
Please note

* Excess baggage charges apply if baggage allowance exceeded.
* In-flight snack not offered on Eagle Airways operated flights.
* Tickets are not transferable to another person.

Are we going to get snacks on the ATR/Q300s ?

Slight panic at work, our Corporate Travel Agent is not able to access the Smart Saver fares - and our policy is that we can only book flights through them.

Seems like we will have to be Flexi travellers at least for the interim - I dont mind earning extra status points and A$ ^ - slight problem is that my work travel has dried up of late :td:

Slight panic at work, our Corporate Travel Agent is not able to access the Smart Saver fares - and our policy is that we can only book flights through them.

Seems like we will have to be Flexi travellers at least for the interim - I dont mind earning extra status points and A$ ^ - slight problem is that my work travel has dried up of late :td:

It might lead to alot of company's moving to using AIRNZ business direct .

Um house of travel is still selling AKL-CHC SmartSavers for $59

The following looks new to me

"The ability to change flights at the airport on the day for free to any available seat"

Looks like at least one business friendly change
Nice to have it in the rules, but my past experience was that the Koru Club agents would happily do this for you regardless of fare type (but certainly if it was a flexi fare), for no charge.

Slight panic at work, our Corporate Travel Agent is not able to access the Smart Saver fares - and our policy is that we can only book flights through them.
I suspect this will push my NZ organisation over to traveling Deathstar or DJ more, since all airfares must be purchased through the travel agency -- who in the last 2 weeks was able to start selling the cheap DJ and JQ fares.

Nice to have it in the rules, but my past experience was that the Koru Club agents would happily do this for you regardless of fare type (but certainly if it was a flexi fare), for no charge.

My experience on that was mixed. Sometimes they were happy to do so, even without prompting (eg see I am going to be waiting in the lounge a while). Other times no chance at all (without change fee and fare difference being paid). Thus the new rule is a definite plus for me.

Just checked my regular booking NPE-AKL-NPE for 6 weeks out - prices are the same or a little higher than usual *sigh* It seems the cheap fares are already gone - maybe due to the time of year. However not the amazing savings I was hoping for.

I'm still working through the new fares, but it appears the cheapest standard fare is not lower than they used to be for all domestic routes. On some routes they are higher, and on other routes they are unchanged. Once I've looked at them all I'll post a summary.

Are we going to get snacks on the ATR/Q300s ?

You get a biscuit on the Q300, but only if you want a cup of tea or coffee. I don't drink either so never get it.

You get a biscuit on the Q300, but only if you want a cup of tea or coffee. I don't drink either so never get it.

Just ask for a biscuit and you'll get one. Note some shorter flights do not have hot drink service thus no biscuit.

I sometimes have as many as 5 bags, currently that would be: FREE/FREE/$50/$150/$150, if the new structure is 3 Free Bags for KORU i wonder what the price for the 4th will be.

I sometimes have as many as 5 bags, currently that would be: FREE/FREE/$50/$150/$150, if the new structure is 3 Free Bags for KORU i wonder what the price for the 4th will be.

I'm sure ive seen it that its going to be $15 for your first bag over your limit.

I'm sure ive seen it that its going to be $15 for your first bag over your limit.

I hope that is true, will save hundreds!

I'm still working through the new fares, but it appears the cheapest standard fare is not lower than they used to be for all domestic routes. On some routes they are higher, and on other routes they are unchanged. Once I've looked at them all I'll post a summary.

Some of the ones I've noticed:

AKL-IVC from $140 to $125
AKL-ROT from $84 to $69
AKL-TRG, WRE from $73 to $69
AKL-WAG from $90 to $89
AKL-TUO from $73 to $79
AKL-NPE, PMR from $84 to $79
AKL-HLZ from $84 to $85
AKL-NSN is now $89, I'm sure that was higher

Not hugely significant price changes really.

Slight panic at work, our Corporate Travel Agent is not able to access the Smart Saver fares - and our policy is that we can only book flights through them.

Seems like we will have to be Flexi travellers at least for the interim - I dont mind earning extra status points and A$ ^ - slight problem is that my work travel has dried up of late :td:


a temporary way to get round was quickly announced - we can use our work credit card to book flights ourselves if under $100

our workplace HQ is in a provincial city so much of our flights we do not have the option (thank god) to fly on those other airlines - altho on main trunk we are supposed to take the cheapest flights regardless of airline

a temporary way to get round was quickly announced - we can use our work credit card to book flights ourselves if under $100

our workplace HQ is in a provincial city so much of our flights we do not have the option (thank god) to fly on those other airlines - altho on main trunk we are supposed to take the cheapest flights regardless of airline

Come on I know you want to fly a JQ B1900 if they got some!

Some of the ones I've noticed:

AKL-IVC from $140 to $125
AKL-ROT from $84 to $69
AKL-TRG, WRE from $73 to $69
AKL-WAG from $90 to $89
AKL-TUO from $73 to $79
AKL-NPE, PMR from $84 to $79
AKL-HLZ from $84 to $85
AKL-NSN is now $89, I'm sure that was higher

Not hugely significant price changes really.

I haven't had enough time to look at this properly yet (pssst some of your figures are not right), but some observations on the lowest fare from about 100 routes I've checked so far.

main city to main city - unchanged
secondary city to/from main city - small reduction
secondary provincial to/from main city - small increase or unchanged
secondary city to/from secondary provincial - all over the place

As expected they are targetting the routes most vulnerable to possible expansion by DJ.

Come on I know you want to fly a JQ B1900 if they got some!

As expected they are targetting the routes most vulnerable to possible expansion by DJ.

Rumour has it that there will be some new services by turbo props painted in red not e-jets.

Sorry I've been tied up. I hope to soon post a summary of the changes to the lowest fares, but CHC & DUD feature prominently in the routes with decreases. There are also decreases on many (but not all) Q300 routes.

There is at least one fare error (looks obviously wrong for the route, but no it is not as good as $1 and it is also a fairly obscure route).

They have updated their website also

Status Points (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/status_points/airnz-status-points-earned.htm)
Airpoints Dollars (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/earning_airpoints_dollars/airnz_earn_accrual.htm)

Summary of the routes with larger decreases in the lowest smart saver fare

30+% decrease (http://realcheapairfares.blogspot.com/2009/10/bargain-domestic-on-air-new-zealand-new.html)
20+% decrease (http://realcheapairfares.blogspot.com/2009/10/cheap-domestic-on-air-new-zealand-new.html) (includes 30+% decreases)
10+% decrease (http://realcheapairfares.blogspot.com/2009/10/deal-domestic-on-air-new-zealand-new.html) (includes 20+% decreases)

Summary of the routes with increases in the lowest smart saver fare

increases (http://realcheapairfares.blogspot.com/2009/10/not-real-cheap-domestic-on-air-nz-new.html)

Anyone use the fast bag service yet?

In the 2hours I spent at CHC this afternoon, I did not see one passenger use it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/4029048752_362250d55f.jpg
As shown off by ZK-MCA

I'm tempted to try it out on Friday.

I'm tempted to try it out on Friday.

Make sure you bag is under the 15kg limit, they have a set of scales at the aircraft door.

But I'm not sure that they would off load a GE for a over weight bags:D

I fly carry-on only. It is always light.

So I decided to put this to the test!
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/resources/nz-lowest-fares-online-325x103.jpg

"For this dummy booking, I'm traveling to CHC for the day from AKL. I want to arrive in CHC by 8am, and return to AKL before 8pm. Date used is 25/03/10"


http://airnewzealand.co.nz
AKL-CHC 6.10-7.30am NZ507 $59
CHC-AKL 6.50-8.10pm NZ548 $59
======================
Total: $118
======================



http://houseoftravel.co.nz
AKL-CHC 6.10-7.30am NZ507 $59
CHC-AKL 6.50-8.10pm NZ548 $59
======================
Booking Fee: $3.95
Total: $121.95
======================



Sure looks like house of travel is selling lead-in Smart Saver fares. Not that I would ever book with House Of Travel when I can do it direct with the airline!

... Date used is 25/03/09"

25 March 2009? I'll sell you that ticket for a mere $115, all inclusive ... I'll PM you my bank account details ... ;)

25 March 2009? I'll sell you that ticket for a mere $115, all inclusive ... I'll PM you my bank account details ... ;)

Whoops! I'll blame having the day off work.

Anyone use the fast bag service yet?

In the 2hours I spent at CHC this afternoon, I did not see one passenger use it.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/4029048752_362250d55f.jpg
As shown off by ZK-MCA


The idea is all well and good, but the number of times I have arrived in WLG and not had any loaders meeting the aircraft tells me this service is probably not going to work too well. I was not going to stand out on the tarmac waiting for them to arrive so I could get my bag, especially when the weather is foul! I think I will just continue to throw it in the overhead lockers where available.

The idea is all well and good, but the number of times I have arrived in WLG and not had any loaders meeting the aircraft tells me this service is probably not going to work too well. I was not going to stand out on the tarmac waiting for them to arrive so I could get my bag, especially when the weather is foul! I think I will just continue to throw it in the overhead lockers where available.

Well what a waste of time fast bag is!! I tried to use it today out of CHC, I got as far as the security check with my bag on my way to the lounge but because it wouldn't fit through the X-Ray I had to go and check it in. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!! I can see this same problem also occuring in AKL, therefore the service really just limited to ports other than CHC and AKL where you do not have to pass through security to access the lounge. sheesh somebody at Air NZ didn't think that one through!!

Well what a waste of time fast bag is!! I tried to use it today out of CHC, I got as far as the security check with my bag on my way to the lounge but because it wouldn't fit through the X-Ray I had to go and check it in. WHAT A WASTE OF TIME!! I can see this same problem also occuring in AKL, therefore the service really just limited to ports other than CHC and AKL where you do not have to pass through security to access the lounge. sheesh somebody at Air NZ didn't think that one through!!

I don't think it was intended for people that are going to use the lounge. The main idea was for FF to be able to show up 10minutes before there flight, while allowing them to take a larger bag on smaller a/c.

I don't think it was intended for people that are going to use the lounge. The main idea was for FF to be able to show up 10minutes before there flight, while allowing them to take a larger bag on smaller a/c.

Correct. It even said in the accompanying marketing blurb that it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure their bag is suitable for taking through security where this is relevant.

Correct. It even said in the accompanying marketing blurb that it is the passenger's responsibility to ensure their bag is suitable for taking through security where this is relevant.


Oh I see.... well that makes sense. So the whole process is really just limited to those that don't bother using the lounge and still want to carry baggage, but enables them to turn up last minute eg the governer general who just turns up at the plane in his limo anyway. Seems like the service aimed at a very small % of frequent flyers hence why the post above saw nobody use the service in the two hours while in CHC.

I don't think it is that limited, and many travellers will not yet have received their fast-bag tag or their koru review informing them of the new service.

I fly carry-on only but can see myself using this service in future.

Eg on Beech 1900D flights the carry-on size is very small, this gives me an option of a slightly larger one without the inconvenience of baggage check & claim.

Many airlines in Europe offer this gate check service and I'm surprised it has taken so long to come here. Granted we have had a limited unofficial usage here for some years on Jetstream a/c in particular.

So I decided to put this to the test!
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/resources/nz-lowest-fares-online-325x103.jpg

"For this dummy booking, I'm traveling to CHC for the day from AKL. I want to arrive in CHC by 8am, and return to AKL before 8pm. Date used is 25/03/10"


http://airnewzealand.co.nz
AKL-CHC 6.10-7.30am NZ507 $59
CHC-AKL 6.50-8.10pm NZ548 $59
======================
Total: $118
======================



http://houseoftravel.co.nz
AKL-CHC 6.10-7.30am NZ507 $59
CHC-AKL 6.50-8.10pm NZ548 $59
======================
Booking Fee: $3.95
Total: $121.95
======================



Sure looks like house of travel is selling lead-in Smart Saver fares. Not that I would ever book with House Of Travel when I can do it direct with the airline!

I tried dummy booking same day for GIS - AKL return, same time stipulations, no smart saver available at all for early morning outbound, or for late afternoon return: Total S 378.
Once again, the routes without competition get slammed.

I tried dummy booking same day for GIS - AKL return, same time stipulations, no smart saver available at all for early morning outbound, or for late afternoon return: Total S 378.
Once again, the routes without competition get slammed.

Having checked every single route (non-stop and connecting) I can assure you the recent changed domestic fares had least effect on the routes that currently have competition and biggest effect on routes without competition.

I don't have my file with me right now to check if GIS-AKL benefitted.

for small regional aircraft so you wouldn't need to go through security...

If you arrive early enough to visit the lounge, then at CHC & AKL this is on the other side of security (not so in WLG).

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2755/4041565340_e95dc4365b_o.png

Can't NZ just block there access to the P class fares? Surely this would be breaking the agreement that allows them to sell NZ fares?

stating they are the only ones with the smartsaver fares. I can't understand why they don't want the travel agents selling their fares - I recently booked off expedia.co.nz on NZ and the total far went directly to NZ and only 3.50 booking fare to expedia. I assume it is the same with travel agencies?

Possibly NZ meant to say that they no longer allow off-line travel agents in stores to access smart saver fares...rather than other online travel booking sites.

The AirNZwebsite says quite clearly:

"Our lowest domestic smart saver fares are only available here at airnewzealand.co.nz"

However, as it seems fares can be purchased through HoT and Expedia this statement is incorrect and quite misleading.

As I understand it, only 'P' class lead-in Smart Saver fares are airnz.co.nz-only fares. KXGSLTW fares are appear to be permitted to be sold by travel agencies.

As I understand it, only 'P' class lead-in Smart Saver fares are airnz.co.nz-only fares. KXGSLTW fares are appear to be permitted to be sold by travel agencies.

Yip I'm certain that the $59 Smart Savers fall into the P class.

I think the reason behind cutting the Travel Agency's out of P class is to go with the Nothing to Hide theme. As them charging a booking fee, is a hidden fee.

I do wonder if House of Travel & other sites are using bots to do searches on airnz.co.nz. I also note House of travel is selling Grabaseats

HoT uses website scraping, which is how they pick up all the internet only fares.

HoT uses website scraping, which is how they pick up all the internet only fares.

Which would be a questionable practice.

As a customer, why would I care?

If NZ doesn't like it then I'm sure they have means to stop it.

As a customer, why would I care?

If NZ doesn't like it then I'm sure they have means to stop it.

As a customer I couldn't care less but as NZ they might care because otherwise those fares are indeed available on other websites even so the underlying engine might be their own.

Rang Air NZ to ask about domestic baggage allowance, i told them i was a Koru Member and would be booking a new Flexi Plus - they told me i would only get 2 free bags, then the 3rd starting at $50 - i was under the impression it would be 3 - i guess ill have to find out when i check in next...

Rang Air NZ to ask about domestic baggage allowance, i told them i was a Koru Member and would be booking a new Flexi Plus - they told me i would only get 2 free bags, then the 3rd starting at $50 - i was under the impression it would be 3 - i guess ill have to find out when i check in next...
http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/before-you-fly/baggage/checked-in-baggage.htm

Domestic New Zealand flights
Smart Saver 1 piece
(maximum 25 kg)

Flexi Plus 2 pieces
(maximum 25 kg each)

Gold Elite / Gold / Star Gold and Koru Club Members 1 additional piece
(maximum 25 kg each)

Thats what i read on the website also, strange they had another story, hopefully their systems are setup to cope with 3 bags without charging KORU Members...

I am looking at some flights in a couple of weeks, there are two flights about 1.5 hrs apart, both flexi plus, yet a $60 fare difference.

According to the ticket rules, " Free to change at the airport on day of travel". Does this mean I can rock up and get the other flight for the cheaper fare if i book the cheaper one instead (unless its totally full?).

In the old days from memory you had to pay the fare difference.

I would think that if they still price their flexi plus fares differently on the same day this creates opportunities for passengers to dummy book cheaper flights on the same day and try their luck at the airport, especially on the frequent trunk routes like AKL-WEL-CHC.

If you no show on a flight can you catch a later one the next day by walking up to the counter or do you need to call ahead to let them know?

Fares may be changed to another Air New Zealand domestic fare before or after departure by calling 0800 737 000. Additional payments will apply as follows:

a Contact Centre, Air New Zealand Holidays Store or airport service fee of NZD $15 per person, per one-way journey. No service fee applies to changes made online*

where a change requires the purchase of a higher priced fare, the difference between the original fare and the upgraded fare is payable

No service fees or fare difference will apply to flight changes made at the airport on the day of departure where changing to an earlier or later flight** departing that day. Flight changes are subject to seat availability. All other changes will be subject to the above service fees plus any Fare Difference

That is directly from NZ website. From that I read that if you want to change before departure then you must pay the fare difference. If you turn up to the airport on day of departure and request an earlier or later flight then you will be put on that flight provided there are seats available.

If you change to a later flight, you most likely will not end up in spacePlus.

I am looking at some flights in a couple of weeks, there are two flights about 1.5 hrs apart, both flexi plus, yet a $60 fare difference.

According to the ticket rules, " Free to change at the airport on day of travel". Does this mean I can rock up and get the other flight for the cheaper fare if i book the cheaper one instead (unless its totally full?).

In the old days from memory you had to pay the fare difference.

I would think that if they still price their flexi plus fares differently on the same day this creates opportunities for passengers to dummy book cheaper flights on the same day and try their luck at the airport, especially on the frequent trunk routes like AKL-WEL-CHC.

If you no show on a flight can you catch a later one the next day by walking up to the counter or do you need to call ahead to let them know?

Not necessarily. You still need to have availability in your booking class on the new flight.

Not necessarily. You still need to have availability in your booking class on the new flight.

Thanks Kiwiflyer, but are you sure about this?

According to the Air NZ website:
"No service fees or fare difference will apply to flight changes made at the airport on the day of departure where changing to an earlier or later flight** departing that day. Flight changes are subject to seat availability. All other changes will be subject to the above service fees plus any Fare Difference"

I recall seeing somewhere that these fares are for "any available seat", which is the key difference from the old system. with the old flex fares you could change but you maybe had to pay a fare difference. I think these new ones mean that if there is any seat on the plane no matter what the current price, you can take it?

Booked a few domestic flights yesterday with Flexi Plus - This on the Receipt:

CHANGES/RESTRICTIONS
Changes permitted at any time. You may have to pay the difference between the original fare and the new fare if higher. Service fee applies
unless changed online. Changing at airport on day of departure to earlier or later flight departing same day will not be charged the fare
difference or incur a service fee.

Thanks for clarifying.

So, day of departure any seat available can be changed free of charge, but prior to day of departure there may be fare difference due.

Even for day of departure there still needs to be a seat available to change into (not uncommon for flights to sell out).

I presume it is first come first served for day of departure requests to switch flights, or is it standby until very close to departure (say 15 mins) and then cleared by status/fare?

I presume it is first come first served for day of departure requests to switch flights, or is it standby until very close to departure (say 15 mins) and then cleared by status/fare?It is first come first served (with waitlisting permitted for Y fares only).

I posted this summary (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12660297-post3788.html) last time I was here which did answer many of the questions raised by this thread.