Air New Zealand Air Points - Which program to join?

I am flying LAx using AZ in June should I join AZ frequent flyer or another star Alliance? (Former Ansett)

Can you request an up grade without cost. I heard of theis before but not syre how it is done or if it is just wishful thinking

Operational upgrades do happen, or so I'm told, but to the best of my knowledge it's the luck of the draw on the day, and unless you're high up the Air Points status ladder it would be very unlikely.

However, it can never hurt to ask when checking in.

Otherwise, you can upgrade with points if you have them. To upgrade economy to business from AKL to LAX return is 45,000 points.

justakiwi

Hi Gary1

justakiwi is right, the best way to upgrade is to request one with points. You can only upgrade on AirNZ if you are a member of Airpoints, so if you see yourself flying NZ often then they would definately be the one to join. You probably won't be able to upgrade on your first flights, as you won't have any points, but after a few you should be able to do at least a one-way upgrade and enjoy AirNZ's fantastic business class. Upgrades from Auckland to LAX are 36,000 return, or from Auckland to London 58,500 return, and one way upgrades are half that.

Cheers, Zac

[This message has been edited by Zaco (edited 05-19-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gary1:
I am flying LAx using AZ in June should I join AZ frequent flyer or another star Alliance? (Former Ansett)

Can you request an up grade without cost. I heard of theis before but not syre how it is done or if it is just wishful thinking</font>
If you are in the US you don't have a choice ... Air NZ (AZ is Alitalia) does not allow US-based applicants to it's FF plan (you must join United's or another Star carrier). As for an operational upgrade, this is very rare in well run airlines (and Air NZ is extremely well run).