Air New Zealand Air Points - New Non-Stop Service LAX - Christchurch!

If previously posted, I apologize... Today I received an Email from ANZ with the following information that you could drill down to on their website...

"Kia Ora "PRSPAD,"

In case you haven't heard, starting 2 November 2004, you'll have another option when travelling to New Zealand - our new, non-stop service from Los Angeles to Christchurch!

And what better way to celebrate than with an inaugural fare especially for our e-mail subscribers? We're pleased to offer you this incredible deal to fly non-stop from Los Angeles to Christchurch from $647*R/T (Economy) and $3,500*R/T (Business Class)!

But hurry, this special opportunity expires on Tuesday, 24 Aug 2004.

Book today!"


The website indicated 3 flights/week in both directions.

Special introductory fare ex-NZ previously posted but not the other way around AFAIK.

Have just returned from LA where advertisements in the mainstream newspapers are advertising an introductory LAX-CHC return for US$747.

In the US market Air NZ has been advertising LAX-CHC roundtrips at:

1) An "Inaugural offer" of "$747"

2) A "Special Web Only Offer" of "$697"

Which can be found at http://www.airnzdeals.com/usa/chc/intro.asp?id=1006

On the page above, check out the text under the light blue "Book Now" button to the right of the "$697" price. What is that? 1 point font? Maybe even something smaller??

3) A "Special E-mail Subscribers Offer" of "$647"

Which can be found at http://www.airnzdeals.com/usa/twebchc/index.asp?id=1037.

The advertisements above are targetting US consumers. Be forewarned that Air NZ is advertising misleading fares and breaking US law by not including its mandatory "ticket handling and delivery fees" in the adverts' headline prices. US law concerning airfare advertising isn't as comprehensive as NZ and AU laws, however the US is very firm on the requirement that surcharges and any mandatory handling fees be included in the advertised price. Once again Air NZ is thumbing its corporate nose at a fair trading and consumer protection law.