Air New Zealand Air Points - New transit facility in LAX and other random news

As of this week a new transit facility has been opened in LAX for passengers. This new facility removes the need for passengers to clear US Customs and immigration for travel directly between London and Auckland. The facility provides free refreshments in LAX for passengers travelling on NZ1 and NZ2.

All LA passengers including those travelling in First and Business Class must disembark the aircraft and make their way to the new terminal facility. Transit passengers won't be able to use the Air NZ lounge anymore (it's a new requirement enforced by the US Customs Border Protection Organisation).

In other news, menu cards have been removed from Y class on Trans-Tasman flights after pax and crew questioned their value.

Also, a nice new design for the First and Business amenity kits is now onboard!



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All my posts are my own personal opinions and experiences and in no way represent the opinon of my employer.

Hi airnzboy

Thanks for the news. Do you know if all NZ pax transiting in LA have to use the transit facility, or is it just pax continuing on NZ1/2? Any idea what the facility is like? It'll certainly be nice not to have to clear customs anymore. I'm flying down to Fiji next week so if I'm sent there I'll take a picture and post it. Shame about the menus. Hope you enjoyed your trip http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Cheers, Zac

[This message has been edited by Zaco (edited 03-16-2003).]

Zaco

When are you flying out? I have to go to LHR one night next week (25 or 26 March) to collect my parents, so would love to meet you for a drink if you're in the terminal.

Cheers

Grant

Hi gratn

I'm flying either on the 26th or 27th (itin not confirmed), depending on whether or not some friends of mine will be in LA, so we might just overlap. Meeting up for a drink sounds great, send me an email when you know which day you'll be there

Cheers, Zac

I really liked the fact we got menus on trans-tasman flights! Oh well, as long as they cut costs with the menus rather than the meals themselves then I am happy. Good news re the new transit facility though... one assumes they are offering refreshments to all pax to offset the lack of lounge facilities for those who are entitled? Is it an Air New Zealand only facility?

Thanks a lot airnzboy to keep us updated!

Also airnzboy, regarding the new amenity kit, is it the one with the white stripe on the outside and black socks, or is that the old one? I flew F & C last month and those were the kits I got (plus F kit had mouthwash and mist spray which was excellent) and they were both very nice. Thanks again for posting the info.

Cheers, Zac

P.S. mad_atta I agree, hopefully the food will be staying at the same level of quality, but if they're cutting cost by removing menus then it does make you wonder where else they're cutting costs. I really think they should have left the menus in, it's nice to actually be able to know what you're eating (unlike LH's medium haul mystery food http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif)

airnzboy, thanks for the update. Just one question egarding the amenity kits. Did NZ only change the kits on flights to the US or also on the Pacific routes from AKL?

I never tried that, but if you wished to go through immigration in LAX for a meeting e.g. between your flights would you be able to do that at all?

Economy class in AirNZ from Singapore to Auckland, they did not even give us a amenity kit. It was a night flight and what I consider a almost long haul trip. Unbelieveble what AirNZ is doing to cut cost.
#2 thing is that the Status Requirement is crazy, My boss has been Gold Elite for the last 5 years... or around there... if not more, the new Status Structure will drop him down to Silver in the next few months. What can you do? Can AirNZ drop people from Gold Elite right down to Silver??

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

#2 thing is that the Status Requirement is crazy, My boss has been Gold Elite for the last 5 years... or around there... if not more, the new Status Structure will drop him down to Silver in the next few months. What can you do? Can AirNZ drop people from Gold Elite right down to Silver??</font>

Wongo, don't stress too much. He'll drop to Gold and then if he doesn't requalify for gold the following year, he'll drop to silver. So, 1 more year of free lounge access.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Zaco:
Also airnzboy, regarding the new amenity kit, is it the one with the white stripe on the outside and black socks, or is that the old one? I flew F & C last month and those were the kits I got (plus F kit had mouthwash and mist spray which was excellent) and they were both very nice.</font>

It looks to be different from the one you're describing - hopefully you'll like this one just as much!


<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">P.S. mad_atta I agree, hopefully the food will be staying at the same level of quality, but if they're cutting cost by removing menus then it does make you wonder where else they're cutting costs.</font>

I think that comment was a bit unfair - sorta like the people who say "Southwest's prices are so cheap, they must be cutting maintenance checks!" The menus are being removed because feedback has shown that they're not valued by the majority of customers - not for any other reason!

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All my posts are my own personal opinions and experiences and in no way represent the opinon of my employer.

[This message has been edited by airnzboy (edited 03-16-2003).]

Cheers, thank god I have a good boss. I was in Wellington, Auckland, Singapore and Hong Kong lounges 2 weeks ago when I was on the road with him. hmm, free pub!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rdd:
Wongo, don't stress too much. He'll drop to Gold and then if he doesn't requalify for gold the following year, he'll drop to silver. So, 1 more year of free lounge access.</font>

So if I gather correctly, this is the old holding pen that is in T2 which was a dump. Made the NW overflow lounge look like heaven!

So all transit pax, have to go into this pen, including F, C and *G pax who could have been relaxing quite nicely in the lounge.

Okay lounge was packed but with showers etc was certainly nicer than the a plastic seat for two hours.

Not an overly positive move, especially for someone who is flying NZ2 on Friday.

This is going to kill LHR services as there is no way that a premium pax is going to go through this twice, and will choose to fly with SQ, OS or the evil empire.

Although wonder what is to stop someone from entering the USA anyway.

Another downside is that those who have an upgrade clear for say AKL/LAX but not LAX/LHR have no way of claiming it. Given that the LAX staff are not always with it with upgrades and waitlists anyway.

Not overly happy about this as you can tell, and the turn around is something like 2-3 hours.

Mark

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by airnzboy:
I think that comment was a bit unfair - sorta like the people who say "Southwest's prices are so cheap, they must be cutting maintenance checks!" The menus are being removed because feedback has shown that they're not valued by the majority of customers - not for any other reason!

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That's all right then http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. It's just that I would hate to see the service level drop, I really enjoyed my 2 trans-tasmin flights last month, they were definately some of the best flights I've been on. Loved the Tandoori chicken and the little bottles of Sauv Blanc... there was even ice cream http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif.

Cheers, Zac

[This message has been edited by Zaco (edited 03-18-2003).]

There's a statement about the new transit rules on the NZ website.

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Changes to the Los Angeles Transit Facility

14 March 2003

In order to meet new security requirements of the US Customs and Border Protection Organisation, all customers transiting through Los Angeles (LAX) on NZ1 to Auckland and NZ2 to London will no longer be able to clear Customs and Immigration. Premium customers will therefore not be able to use the Air New Zealand International lounge during the stopover.

New procedure for customers transiting in Los Angeles on NZ1 or NZ2

As customers leave the aircraft in Los Angeles, Air New Zealand ground staff will direct them to the transit area where they will be required to present their passport to US officials for inspection. Boarding passes for re-boarding the aircraft should be retained for the continuation of the journey.

Customers transferring to other Air New Zealand flights at Los Angeles

Customers transferring to other Air New Zealand flights with different flight numbers will need to clear Customs and Immigration formalities with all of their bags.

1. Bags which are tagged to their final destination may be re-checked in at the Interline Transfer Desk before exiting the Customs Arrival Hall.

2. If a customers bags are tagged to their final destination and they do not hold a boarding pass, their bags can be accepted at the Interline Transfer Desk on exiting the arrivals hall.

3. If a customer does not hold a boarding pass for their other Air New Zealand flight, they should proceed to the Air New Zealand Service Centre in the departure concourse to obtain their boarding pass and seat allocation.

4. If customers are holding a boarding pass to their final destination, after leaving the Arrival Hall, they can proceed directly to their departure gate.

Customers transferring to other airlines at Los Angeles

Customers transferring to other airlines will need to clear Customs and Immigration formalities with all of their bags.

1. Bags which are tagged to their final destination may be re-checked in at the Interline Transfer Desk before exiting the Customs Arrival Hall.

2. If a customers bags are tagged to their final destination and they do not hold a boarding pass, their bags can be accepted at the Interline Transfer Desk on exiting the arrivals hall. The should then make their way to the appropriate airline to obtain a boarding pass.

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Since the rule comes from the US authorities and not from NZ, it's probably not a good idea to try and go through customs... they probably wouldn't let you through anyway, and the people at the lounge wouldn't be too happy to see you. It doesn't look like it's a problem if you're connecting from NZ 5/6 to NZ 1/2 though.

Cheers, Zac

When going through LAX I've always looked at the people stuck in transit hell and been grateful I wasn't one of them - not any more.

Going off topic:

Zaco

My parents have postponed their trip because of the war etc. Looks like we'll have to try for a drink another time - let me know if you ever have a night in London.

Cheers

Grant

Hi Grant

Shame about that, we'll have to do it another time then. Quite a few of my friends are posponing their trips too, I'm sure the flight will be pretty empty.

Cheers, Zac

Went through the holding pen on Friday.

While I can understad that customs do not want to process 200 or so transit pax, I think that NZ should have negotiated a deal for premium class pax (not *G too many of them these days) or set aside an area where they can lounge out in more space.

All up was not that bad with soda and some biscuits but still was not the same as having a shower and a nice couch, especially as the flight was delayed by an extra 45 mins.

Incidentally, I find it interesting that after 11/9 they made all pax clear customs due to the sercuirity risk of having uncleared pax in the airport and now due to the hassle decide they are better in the holding pen.

Three pieces of advice,
1. Get as far to the front of the line if you can, you still need your passport checked and processed. So it took about an hour to screen all the passengers.
2. Get your green number card early (ala southwest - nothing but class NZ!).
3. Get to the toilets early if you plan to shave, clean yourself or whatever, let's just say after 200 pax and three sinks it was not that nice after 2 hours! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Also there are NZ staff there who process upgrades, reseating and the like, so it is not like you are on your own.

Mark

Any idea how this will work flying into LAX from PHX on United Express(in theory) and onto AKL on AirNZ? And, will I be able to get AirNZ lounge access there with my business class ticket?

Thanks!

JP

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by j379pa:
Any idea how this will work flying into LAX from PHX on United Express(in theory) and onto AKL on AirNZ? </font>

The transit holding pen (a.k.a. Camp X-Ray) at LAX doesn't apply to your journey. You'll arrive at LAX at terminal 6 or 7 on United Express, then you will need to make your way over to T2 for Air NZ. Once you are through security, you can head for the Air NZ lounge.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
And, will I be able to get AirNZ lounge access there with my business class ticket?
</font>

Yes.

The holding pen is only for passengers who are booked and in transit on NZ1 or NZ2 to AKL or LHR and who are not stopping in LAX. So enjoy the lounge.

Incidentally, I know this is not an NZ decision but they really need to lift their game or put some pressure on LAX to up the facilities. Some drinks and food would cost hardly anything but would be a great boost.

The staff did all they could with what they had, but I would say the great majority of pax were very very annoyed, especially those in the premium cabins.

For me I just enetrtained my time watching the goings on at the NZ plane and the inspections teams arriving and departing etc etc.

Mark

Don't get me started on LAX.... If T2 had the room (get rid of that crummy duty free shop??) NZ COULD build a transit premium lounge

So has anyone TRIED to clear customs/immigration IF YOU are hand baggage only and then go back through security to use the lounge. It's not like you have bags that aren't screened through customs with you??

Your boarding passes are stamped in AKL with a large 'Transit' sticker. But I suppose you could say that LAX is your destination and essentially lie, and hope they do not ask for your return travel.

BUT you run into two problems (1) getting caught lying at this time (or anytime) to customs personel is not recommended unless you like the full gloves treatment and (2) I doubt the LAX NZ lounge staff will be that thrilled to see that you have snuck through. Good bye any chance of an upgrade or any worse.

Not to mention that the LAX staff check off each pax who should be there and there will probably be an issue if you are not where you should be.

I would strongly advise against it, just get of the plane quickly and get yourself through the bathrooms early and enjoy the free soda http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

There are NZ staff there, so things like reseating and points or op upgrades are run, and they expect you to be there.

Note - the cabin staff ask transit passengers to stay on the plane, and yes to my amazement we all did, and then once the arriving pax have deplaned you then go to the transit area.

Mark

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Koru Flyer:
Your boarding passes are stamped in AKL with a large 'Transit' sticker. But I suppose you could say that LAX is your destination and essentially lie, and hope they do not ask for your return travel.

BUT you run into two problems (1) getting caught lying at this time (or anytime) to customs personel is not recommended unless you like the full gloves treatment and (2) I doubt the LAX NZ lounge staff will be that thrilled to see that you have snuck through. Good bye any chance of an upgrade or any worse.

Not to mention that the LAX staff check off each pax who should be there and there will probably be an issue if you are not where you should be.
</font>

It probably isn't advisable to give Camp X-Ray a miss, go through customs and immigration, enter the US and then head for the lounge for the reasons above ... unless you happen to have a US passport. In that case, I'd say go for it, if you wish. It might be advisable to inform Air NZ at checkin that you're planning that so you don't confuse them too much (or get your luggage offloaded). But the INS and US Customs certainly aren't going to stop a US passport holder from entering the country.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Zaco:
That's all right then http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif. It's just that I would hate to see the service level drop, I really enjoyed my 2 trans-tasmin flights last month, they were definately some of the best flights I've been on. Loved the Tandoori chicken and the little bottles of Sauv Blanc... there was even ice cream http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif.

Cheers, Zac
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Relax, Zac - on the basis of my recent SYD-WLG-SYD flights in Y the service was still excellent. No menus http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif but food great - crumbed pork or honey soy glazed chicken on the outbound, served with a delicious pumpkin salad; the return was even better with fantastic lamb shank pie or chicken wrapped in bacon with caramelised onions. I embarassed the other half by asking (politely of course) for seconds - they cheerfully bought me another complete meal tray with both choices on it! In each case there was ice cream for dessert. One thing I have noticed is that they only supply the fabulous Kapiti ice cream on the New Zealand to Australia sectors; their Australian brand ice cream in the other direction is fine but can't compete with the Kapiti. (They had hokey pokey this time - I was in heaven.)

Beverage wise, I was amazed on my outbound flight that they didn't have any sauvignon blanc - that must be a first on NZ! I had the riesling instead as I wasn't in a chardonnay mood, and it was pretty good. I must say, I miss the days of getting served from large bottles rather than getting your own miniature - although you get more with the miniatures I get a little bored of the standard Montana offerings.

The only thing that let them down was the coffee - NZ's decaf coffee has always been nasty, instant stuff (even in business) but now even the caffeinated stuff tasted suspiciously like instant! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

That's a minor quibble, though. On the whole, they were fantastic flights as usual, and both on time despite lack of tailwinds heading east and strong headwinds heading west.

Hi mad_atta

Thanks for that, I'm flying AKL-SYD tonight and if dinner is anything like what you described it'll be delicious. I OD'd on Sauv Blanc last night with my Aunt so Riesling sounds just fine too, although I have to try not to drink too much as I'm taking my girlfriend's sister out when I get to Sydney. Glad to hear standards are still high on the trans tasmin flights, and I'm certainly looking forward to a few days in your fantastic city http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Cheers, Zac

[This message has been edited by Zaco (edited 04-10-2003).]