Air New Zealand Air Points - New AirPoints Member

I just signed up and paid for AirPoints program via the net. I'm curious how long it takes for permanent membership card to arrive? Thanks.

I just signed up and paid for AirPoints program via the net. I'm curious how long it takes for permanent membership card to arrive? Thanks.

107 people looked at this post - and not one came forward with a response - of any kind. I found the answer but no thanks to the rude frequent flyers on this thread.

Apologies. It is so long since I, or anyone I know, joined Airpoints that I couldn't recall how long it took and in any case would be irrelevant given I'm based in NZ.

I would guess there are very few Airpoints members on FT outside Australia/NZ/south pacific islands (or used to live there), and of those very few would have joined up recently since for most people on FT the US-based FFPs are much better (especially after the 2004 devaluation & changes of Airpoints).

Would you rather have 107 replies saying - sorry I can't help you?

Did you choose the NZ program for any particular reason? I tend to find the UA program is much more generous.

I'm sorry, but it's 12 years since I joined so I don't know. My daughter got her card in Australia in around 3 weeks.

May I point out that for anyone based in North America there are only two reasons to use Air NZ Airpoints rather than United's Mileage Plus:

1) To redeem points for upgrades for flights not just on NZ flight numbers but NZ metal too (ie SFO-AKL, LAX-AKL, LAX-LHR). Won't work in codeshares, which will soon be most flights to or via NAN and PPT.

2) To redeem 70% of the normal number of points to get a Companion seat in Business Class when one passenger is paying the fare. But again, if you shop around you'll get better deals from Air Tahiti Nui, Air Pacific and possibly United's Ameniti program. No longer available for economy class.

Apologies. It is so long since I, or anyone I know, joined Airpoints that I couldn't recall how long it took and in any case would be irrelevant given I'm based in NZ.

I would guess there are very few Airpoints members on FT outside Australia/NZ/south pacific islands (or used to live there), and of those very few would have joined up recently since for most people on FT the US-based FFPs are much better (especially after the 2004 devaluation & changes of Airpoints).

Would you rather have 107 replies saying - sorry I can't help you?


Thanks. Your comments are appreciated. I'm not sure why; but the lack of any response after so many people had looked at the posting just got under my skin. It's nice to know there are still some considerate thoughtful people out there. Thanks again

For future reference many people read every single thread that has changed in some forums, especially if it is not obvious what it is about without opening it.

Importantly, as has been hinted at. You should make very sure that you have a good reason for joining APs, rather than other *A programmes.

The reason I raise it is that APs only really has value if you are flying in premium cabins on TOTALLY NZ itineraries.

As you are based in Oregan, even it needing to fly to NZ often, the fact that you have connection flights on your ticket will mean that the number of APs you earn will be significantly reduced. Note, this even happens if you switch FF programmes between the NZ and other airlines on itinerary from some reports here.

You may be better off with UA or LH programme - even if you plan to live in NZ. NZ AP will give you the possibility to upgrade but in the experience of most unless you are sure to get to Gold or higher level they are very hard to achieve on the premium US/NZ routes as capacity is controlled much more than a US based airline would (because they can sell most of the seats in business).

Mark

As I have been burned multiple times over the last year or so, and a few more over the life of my AP account by AP's continued devaluation of the points, I can not in good conscience recommend that anyone use this program.

As has been mentioned above, UA and US have far more generous FFP programs, and as far as I can remember, the points values have not significantly changed in either program over the last many years.

(Caveat: UA (and possibly US) did recently alter their redemption levels, but nowhere near the ridiculous devaluation I've suffered over the years with NZ!)

</rant off>

As you are based in Oregan, even it needing to fly to NZ often, the fact that you have connection flights on your ticket will mean that the number of APs you earn will be significantly reduced. Note, this even happens if you switch FF programmes between the NZ and other airlines on itinerary from some reports here.

Thanks to a real enhancement, yes really, that is no longer relevant. Airbucks earning on NZ flights now is the same whether on wholly NZ itineraries or on mixed intineraries.

If you look at NZ's financial report you will notice now Airpoints are burning faster than members are earning. This is a result of NZ intending to decrease financial liability. This is an extreme contrast where in most other programs members are banking more miles than they can use. It is how strange NZ is thinking loyalty so differently than others.

I read most topics in here, and only post when I know the answer and want to ask something else.

Quite a rude response from you though :rolleyes:

Thanks to a real enhancement, yes really, that is no longer relevant. Airbucks earning on NZ flights now is the same whether on wholly NZ itineraries or on mixed intineraries.Only to Asia or Europe via Asia though, right? The NZ website doesn't show it for itineraries to the US :(.

I just signed up and paid for AirPoints program via the net. I'm curious how long it takes for permanent membership card to arrive? Thanks.

...the package came today.