Air New Zealand Air Points - Connections on an Air Points booking

Before I go ahead and transfer some Amex points over to airpoints I thought I would just clarify the situation with connections on an airpoints booking.

Would it still cost me 30000 points (zone 3)for SYD-AKL-CHC and return the same way?

The agent I spoke to on the phone said that in order to do that routing I would have to pay 30K for SYD-AKL-SYD and 15K for AKL-CHC-AKL. Having had a second look at the airpoints info on the net it says to contact my nearest airponts centre, so after not getting the answer I wanted to hear on the phone I thought I better ask the experts.

Cheers!

Best Regards

Bradley

Luftaom,

Are you planning on going SYD/AKL/CHC and stopping in AKL or are you just transfering in AKL.

If you are transferring then it should be 30k. But they may have a condition that demands you take the most direct routing and the agent may be unwilling to deliberately book a flight that costs the airline more when a direct SYD/CHC flight is available.

Mark

Just a simple connection is all I want. I'm a sucker when it comes to flying on 762's and with this 20% Amex bonus, I could rack up 4 762 flights for 25K points ... should I be able to get the connection for the same price as the direct flight.

I think it will be a matter of finding a date where there is no X inventory SYD-CHC direct and then ringing till i get someone prepared to book it... Thanks for your help Koru Flyer.

Best Regards

Bradley

I've had no problems routing through AKL to CHCH via SYD on NZ, mind you I was just looking to transit.

If you must stay in AKL via transit, I could suggest an evening flight from SYD where you could stay overnight in AKL to catch the early morning flight from AKL-CHCK.

I've found NZ call centre staff always friendly, helpful and accomodating.

Well I transfered the miles yesterday. After playing about a bit with X class inventory I decided to ring the line and ask about IVC (as I have never been there).

Looks as if transfers are only permitted at the same points level to the 4 NZ gateway points (AKL WLG CHC and ZQN). Other cities such as IVC would require the extra X number of points based on the number required from the nearest gateway city. Fair enough really.

Oh well at least I'll get to try out NZ domestic C class before it vanishes, sadly it will only be the short CHC-WLG run.

Thanks for your help everybody, as usual you can be counted upon to supply prompt, accurate advice. Cheers!

Best Regards

Bradley

Would a transfer in AKL from SYD onto LAX also be available for the SYD-LAX distance level, or does it need to be broken up from SYD-AKL then AKL-LAX?

Anything more than 23hrs 59 minutes is usally classed a stop over, not a transit

Not sure if you have to take the first avialable flight with the 23:59

RChavez,

Not sure why you would want to fly SYD/AKL/LAX rather than SYD/LAX. Because;

1. SYD/LAX has lighter loads than NZ1 especially
2. SYD/LAX has better timings for connections and body clock (IMHO).
3. SYD lounge is the best in the network.
4. Why add an extra 2-3 hours?
5. Probbaly much harder to redeem points on NZ1 than NZ15. (Of course there is also NZ5 and the milk runs which are usually lighter).

Of course there may not be a direct SYD/LAX flight on that day in which case to answer your questions redeeming SYD/AKL/LAX would be the same as SYD/LAX.

Note the exception are upgrades which are counted as individual segments.

Mark

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Koru Flyer:
RChavez,

Not sure why you would want to fly SYD/AKL/LAX rather than SYD/LAX. Because;

1. SYD/LAX has lighter loads than NZ1 especially
2. SYD/LAX has better timings for connections and body clock (IMHO).
3. SYD lounge is the best in the network.
4. Why add an extra 2-3 hours?
5. Probbaly much harder to redeem points on NZ1 than NZ15. (Of course there is also NZ5 and the milk runs which are usually lighter).

Of course there may not be a direct SYD/LAX flight on that day in which case to answer your questions redeeming SYD/AKL/LAX would be the same as SYD/LAX.

Note the exception are upgrades which are counted as individual segments.

Mark</font>

Thanks for the info! It actually is my preference to fly on the non-stop, but reward availability is a little tight on one of my preferred dates, and doesn't operate on my other potential date.

When I called the NZ Airpoints Center to inquire on how many miles I would need for an itinerary, they said that I would have to treat the LAX-AKL and AKL-LAX separate from AKL-CHC and SYD-AKL...which would bring the total required mileage to well over 220k for a first class seat instead of the 187.5k I feel it should be since I am only transiting in AKL.

Interesting they want to count those as separate.

According to my little chart "First you select your destination and the Zone into which it falls using the distance tables using the distance tables. Then, with the Award Ticket Table, check how many Air Points you will need."

As SYD/AKL/LAX is the legal routing for this flight, I do not see any problem here (esp. as NZ removed daily flights out of SYD). You should be charged the SYD/LAX mileage. Is it that they are charging you for 1. SYD/AKL and also 2. AKL/LAX or are they working out your mileage as SYD/AKL/LAX instead of SYD/LAX.

The second would make some sense, the first is incorrect IMHO.

Incidentally it is good to see that NZ14/15 appear to be filling again and hopefully this will return to a daily schedule.

Mark

As far as I understood it, they were charging me for a SYD-AKL as a separate leg from AKL-LAX, which seemed incorrect to me. Maybe I should verify this with a supervisor next time I speak with them.

Ryan

Well, after speaking with the AirPoints Service Center again this evening, they insist that I must redeem 22500 points for the SYD-AKL sector and 93750 for AKL-LAX even though I am only transiting in AKL.

The reason given me this time was that since only Business Class is offered between SYD-AKL and I am redeeming First Class from AKL-LAX, I must pay the mileage separately.

This does not seem correct, as every other airline I have membership accounts would charge me the amount for the first class reward, and then route me in the highest class of service available on each segment. If there's only C class available on the sector and I redeemed F, I would be placed in C but without any reduction in the mileage level. I am fine with this, but what I disagree with is the breaking up of the itinerary since I'm not stopping over.

Finally, from Section 9.1 of the Terms & Conditions, it specifically mentions that when travel involves Domestic & International segments, they will be calculated as separate awards. Is SYD-AKL considered a domestic segment or int'l? If int'l, then shouldn't I be charged just the 93750 as if I were flying SYD-LAX?

If anyone has prior experience with this situation, your advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Weird? There is logic there but it is not consistent with other FF programmes.

Incidentally, I have noticed over the past 6 months that the AirPoints team seem to be constantly thinking of ways for me to use my points, and becoming quite insistent at times. Perhaps just being helpful (or overly so) to a NZ*E.

But the cynical side to me to would think that perhaps they have been asked to reduce peoples' balances to (1) get load factors up (esp. with upgrades), (2) reduce overall FF point debt, and (3) "if" NZ were to be part of a GE experiment between a kiwi and a kangaroo it would seem logical to reduce the overall FF debt that QF would pick up. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

On the otherhand there are lots and lots of inconsistencies with the NZ FF programme.

Remember that the current programme was just a stop gap measure until the new NZ/AN joint programme was to be launched this year.

The mind boggles for what changes will occcur in October. Given that domestic upgrades will be no more, and with Freedom collecting more trans-tasman travel it again focuses yet more people wanting to upgrade NZ1/2.

Cheers,

Mark

Well, I would just like to post an update to my trip. I must have been calling after hours in NZ or something since I was successful in booking my itinerary for the 187500 reward level. I had to redeem an additional 7500 points to continue onward from AKL to CHC, but that was consistent with the terms & conditions.

So, I am extremely excited about my trip as this will be a trip of MANY firsts:

1) First overseas trip.
2) First overseas trip IN First.
3) First trip to NZ.
4) First trip to OZ.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

One question for anyone who is knowledgeable about this:

I have read elsewhere that the UA/NZ lounge is airside at AKL, but departing & arriving pax are not separated. Air NZ advised me that I would be able to freshen up in the lounge while awaiting my domestic connection even though my onward segment was in Y. The question is: Will I be able to use the FC lounge in the Int'l terminal?

If so, is there any need to claim my checked baggage straight away (or are my bags checked through to CHC in LAX)?

RChavez, it is not clear to me whether you are flying LAX-AKL-SYD or LAX-AKL-CHC. If it is LAX-AKL-SYD, then AKL-SYD is an international flight http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, you simply need to head straight up to the Koru Club/RCC in the international terminal after arriving from LAX. The lounge is not divided into BC/FC sections.

If it is LAX-AKL-CHC, (assuming that AKL-CHC departs from the domestic terminal), even if you baggage is tagged to CHC, you have to clear passport control and customs, pick up your checked baggage, and redeposit it at a counter after coming out of customs. After that take a walk or a shuttle to the domestic terminal. You can use the Koru club lounge at the domestic terminal - that also has showers.

If your AKL-CHC flight departs from the international terminal, then do as in the LAX-AKL-SYD case, your final clearance will be at CHC.

------------------
UA 1P, QF Silver
I like NZ,NG,NH,UA,SK,LH & QF
Star Alliance defecting to Oneworld

On my outbound, I'm flying LAX-AKL-CHC on NZ. I guess my question is how necessary is it that I go *directly* through customs after arrival? I would prefer to have a shower and freshen up in the international terminal, and wonder if that is possible. If I did make use of the lounge in the Int'l terminal, what would happen to my bags if they were not immediately claimed?

Finally, on my return, I am overnighting in AKL from SYD on to LAX. I would like to take that opportunity to go out in AKL and walk around a bit the following morning before flying back to LAX. Can anyone advise of a decent hotel to stay at, and also what the transportation costs might be to/from AKL?

I usually take the Airbus to get into Auckland, it's around NZ$25 one way. Don't know about hotels, though, as I usually stay with relatives http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Cheers, Zac

P.S. igel said that there is no FC lounge, is this true? Seems a bit strange that NZ wouldn't have one at their home airport

According to the the lounge directory (http://www.airnz.co.nz/travel/attheairport/statpage.jsp?pid=6039), the AKL International lounge does have a First Class area. (As a slightly off-topic question: if I arrive in AKL on an (upgraded) business class ticket and connect to a domestic business class flight and have some time to kill, what are my chances of being allowed into the international lounge? I know I'll be able to use the Koru Club in the domestic terminal - I'm just curious, really.

RChavez, glad to hear you got your booking sorted at the lower points level. My hotel recommendation in Auckland would be the Hilton: a new, very stylish and un-Hilton like boutique hotel in a fantastic waterfront location. Great last-minute deals on expensive hotels can be found at www.wotif.com (http://www.wotif.com) (though you must pre-pay, so you miss out on earning miles/points); and you can find my other Auckland recommendations in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum7/HTML/000186.html). I'm lazy and usually get a taxi between the airport and the city - this costs NZ$40-50.

Any chance of a trip report? NZ F reports are very thin on the ground. Enjoy your flights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

mad_atta, the maps that pop up in that link appears outdated for both AKL and CHC international lounges. While the two lounges are physically still at the same positions indicated in the maps, and the AKL lounge has expanded somewhat with probably the old FC area included in the general area, I think if you were to follow the directions in those airport maps to get to the lounges, you would probably end up at a couple of blank walls http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif .

In AKL, after ascending up the escalators to the lounge level, on one side, we have the QF Club and on the other side the RCC/NZ lounge. I did not see any other entrances to any other lounges up there. Having been in both the NZ and the QF lounges at AKL, I did not notice any separate FC area/or doors to a separate FC area in either of those lounges. However, both lounges are spacious and can accomodate both FC and BC pax comfortably.

RChavez, I am not sure how long your international/domestic connection is like. At the hour when you arrive, there would be at least 1 NZ B744, the QF B744 and the UA B777 arriving from LAX all within minutes of each other. If you do not get ahead into the passpost control queue and pick up your checked baggage immediately after you arrive, you might find yourself stuck at the back of passport control and agricultural/customs checks behind the economy pax off these 3 flights. I suggest that you try to clear passport/customs asap after you land and use the Koru Club in the domestic terminal. Foodwise, both the international and the domestic lounges have the same decent selection of food and beverages.

------------------
UA 1P, QF Silver
I like NZ,NG,NH,UA,SK,LH & QF
Star Alliance defecting to Oneworld

Gerald, you're probably right about the AKL lounge, especially since you've visited it recently. I thought that lounge directory was quite new - it's probably that I just never found it before.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">originally posted by igel:
RChavez, I am not sure how long your international/domestic connection is like. At the hour when you arrive, there would be at least 1 NZ B744, the QF B744 and the UA B777 arriving from LAX all within minutes of each other. If you do not get ahead into the passpost control queue and pick up your checked baggage immediately after you arrive, you might find yourself stuck at the back of passport control and agricultural/customs checks behind the economy pax off these 3 flights. I suggest that you try to clear passport/customs asap after you land and use the Koru Club in the domestic terminal. Foodwise, both the international and the domestic lounges have the same decent selection of food and beverages.</font>

That's a good point, although there is a work-around - if you buy something in duty free on arrival, there is a dedicated entrance from the duty free area to the express customs/immigration queue.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mad_atta:
That's a good point, although there is a work-around - if you buy something in duty free on arrival, there is a dedicated entrance from the duty free area to the express customs/immigration queue.</font>

The "Arrivals Duty Free Priority Clearance" lanes are only for 1) passport/immigration control clearance, not customs or MAF, and 2) only available to NZ or AU passport holders (who bought something at DFS or Regency).

"Priority Clearance" lane users still have to go through Customs/MAF.

Oftentimes the fastest way around AKL's (or SYD's) Customs/MAF queues is to skip the backed-up "Green" queue, declare an innocuous food item such as a box of chocolates, and head through the much shorter "red" queue. Typically the customs/MAF agent will look at the box (have it ready to show), ask a couple of questions and then thank you for declaring the food item along with quickly sending you on your way to the exit ... while everyone in the "green" queue has to wait to send their bags through the Agriculture X-ray equipment.

The NZ F lounge in AKL is on the right hand side of the front desk (as you face it). It is a little tricky to realise it is there as most people just go left into the huge NZ C/*G/Koru lounge.

It is only for F pax on NZ/UA and is alot smaller and quieter. But the wine and food are the same offering as you will find in the C side.

The SYD F lounge is the best in the system - from what I have been able to peak through the doors! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Mark

Hi Koru Flyer, no wonder I have never noticed the door on the other side http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif . Now I am also wondering it ths QF Club at AKL international also has some non-noticeable door leading to a small F section. Does it also have showers in there ? If the F lounge is on the other side, presumably it does not have such an expansive view of the tarmac area and the Manukau harbour as the usual C lounge ? That is, the view from the NZ F lounge is going to look like what one could see sideways out of the QF Club ?
------------------
UA 1P, QF Silver
I like NZ,NG,NH,UA,SK,LH & QF
Star Alliance defecting to Oneworld

[This message has been edited by igel (edited 07-28-2002).]

igel,

Yes, there is also a QF F lounge, it is through a door on the left side of the desk. From memory it had better food and more individualised space but not sure on showers and things like that. Tends to be more crowded than the NZ F lounge as QF platinums and 1w emeralds flock into the lounge.

The NZ F lounge is copy of the first part of the C lounge, so has views but does not have the expansive views that the C lounge. Of course it is quite quiet and has better seating. But same food and wine http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Mark

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mad_atta:


RChavez, glad to hear you got your booking sorted at the lower points level. My hotel recommendation in Auckland would be the Hilton: a new, very stylish and un-Hilton like boutique hotel in a fantastic waterfront location. Great last-minute deals on expensive hotels can be found at www.wotif.com (http://www.wotif.com) (though you must pre-pay, so you miss out on earning miles/points); and you can find my other Auckland recommendations in this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum7/HTML/000186.html). I'm lazy and usually get a taxi between the airport and the city - this costs NZ$40-50.

Any chance of a trip report? NZ F reports are very thin on the ground. Enjoy your flights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

Thanks for the recommendation! I will be sure to offer a trip report along with photos as well. I'm sure that the flight attendants will laugh at this crazy American taking snapshots of everything, but hey...My very first international first class trip only happens once!

Thanks to Starwood, in November it's NZ/OZ, and then next June, the Concorde & BA First to LHR/ROM.

Truly one of the best travel promotions I've ever taken advantage of!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Koru Flyer:
igel,

Yes, there is also a QF F lounge, it is through a door on the left side of the desk. From memory it had better food and more individualised space but not sure on showers and things like that. Tends to be more crowded than the NZ F lounge as QF platinums and 1w emeralds flock into the lounge.
</font>
Excellent comments. The QF F lounge has showers (a small number, perhaps 2 showers) and overall is too small. It is indeed full of people not flying F. Food (at 6 am) was ample but not lavish like QF has in SYD. Only 1 internet terminal though (I think the C side has more).

Sorry, i'm catching this after reading only a few posts, but the reason why you are being charged extra to go via AKL instead of a direct SYD/LAX flight, rchavez is that i suspect it is only for "direct" NZ flights from SYD-LAX.

This is expressly stated in the NH Mileage Club terms, so I suspect it would also be in whichever other program u are trying to redeem your flight on NZ.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RChavez:
I'm sure that the flight attendants will laugh at this crazy American taking snapshots of everything,</font>

Laughing is unlikely -- the FAs are far more likely to offer to take photos so you can be in them.

A question though ... if you're an American, live in the US and haven't travelled internationally before, how are you redeeming points directly with NZ Air Points anyway? Residents of the US are not supposed to be able to join NZ Air Points.

While Starwood Starpoints can be transfered to NZ Air Points, one needs an account opened to place them in. Is using Starwood a legit way around the US residency restriction, or did you borrow a NZ or AU address?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Quokka:
Laughing is unlikely -- the FAs are far more likely to offer to take photos so you can be in them.

A question though ... if you're an American, live in the US and haven't travelled internationally before, how are you redeeming points directly with NZ Air Points anyway? Residents of the US are not supposed to be able to join NZ Air Points.

While Starwood Starpoints can be transfered to NZ Air Points, one needs an account opened to place them in. Is using Starwood a legit way around the US residency restriction, or did you borrow a NZ or AU address?

</font>

I have family in Christchurch, so I simply gave their address. Everything seemed to go through just fine once I did so.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kawoh:
Sorry, i'm catching this after reading only a few posts, but the reason why you are being charged extra to go via AKL instead of a direct SYD/LAX flight, rchavez is that i suspect it is only for "direct" NZ flights from SYD-LAX.

This is expressly stated in the NH Mileage Club terms, so I suspect it would also be in whichever other program u are trying to redeem your flight on NZ.</font>

Actually, it turns out that the prior agents whom I had spoken with were mistaken. As long as there is no stopover, SYD-AKL-LAX is valid routing on a SYD-LAX reward, and for the SYD-LAX direct distance.

Does anyone have any more information on the Sydney F Lounge?

I normally fly QF / UA from Syd - LAX and this is the first time on AirNZ so any info would be great http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OzFlyer:
Does anyone have any more information on the Sydney F Lounge?
</font>

What do you want to know? [And why out of all the threads around did you strangely pick this one for that question?]

The NZ First Class Lounge at SYD is a fairly nice place. It's comfortable, has 6 or so stylish combination shower/washrooms, a reasonable selection of drinks, a fax machine, and several TVs. The munchies were ok, but nothing special. The F lounge had a couple computers for net access, but they were unservicable the last two time I was in there -- however since that was several months ago, hopefully they've since been fixed.

The F lounge doens't have as nice a view as does the attached Biz lounge -- the Biz lounge has a view of airport operations while the F lounge only overlooks a gate of two (gate 58 iirc). Sometimes one of the monitors in the F lounge displays an interesting list of flights and load info if you're into such things.

Overall, both NZ lounges in SYD are nice places to wait for your flight, unlike the nasy place the sole NZ lounge at LAX has turned into.


[This message has been edited by Quokka (edited 08-25-2002).]

Thank you - are the food and drinks the same as the J lounge?

The reason I selected this thread was that it had some discussion on J and F lounges and shows you that I did actually look for the info before posting - Unlike my previous post http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif