Air New Zealand Air Points - Question about baggage on Transpacific and intra-NZ flights

Hey Folks,

I am very excited about my trip on NZ next Saturday, and more importantly my first ever visit to NZ and Australia.:)

Me and my mom have a C award for TPA-IAD-LAX-AKL(stopover)-SYD-AKL-LAX-IAD-TPA.

We then bought tickets for AKL-ZQN (immediately after arriving in AKL), then ZQN-CHC, then CHC-WLG, then WLG-AKL. I have a few questions, if you great folks don't mind.

1. Will I be able to get my BP in TPA for LAX-AKL, or will I have to check-in again at LAX? Also, can the baggage be checked through without issue, similar to SQ at LAX? Lastly, can I check it through all the way to ZQN, when AKL-ZQN was bought separately, or would you recommend just rechecking at AKL, since we have over three hours?

2. I understand that on the intra-NZ flights the baggage allowance is 20KG, and as a *G I can take an extra 20KG, which I take to mean a total of 40KG. My mother is not a *G, so she can only take 20KG, I assume. How strict is NZ with this rule? Could they allow me to take a 30KG bag and my mother to take a 30KG bag, which comes out to the same total, as in 60KG, or do I have to have my clearly defined 40KG and she have her clearly defined 20KG?


Thanks so much and sorry that the question is phrased in such a confusing way!:o

The NZ website says "Make the most of your baggage allowance by "pooling" ....." Just have to "check in together".. so you're good to go!!!:) :) :)

I presume this means you just get the weights totalled.. no silly artificial "this is mine, this is hers"... Personally I'd prefer 3 @ 20 rather than 2 @ 30!!!

NOTE: I haven't checked specifically WHERE you are going.. but I do know some Regional aircraft in Oz have even LOWER baggage limits (SAAB 340's, metroliners (YUK!) etc etc) ... Might be worth checking that detail too... in case NZ has any little traps like that...


That is GOOD news for me too... I'll be stepping up to *G early next year (Yes, I have worked it out already! :p :p ) .... and this will allow me to share my extra allowance with a friend on the trip AFTER that...

Happy to help!

The NZ website says "Make the most of your baggage allowance by "pooling" ....." Just have to "check in together".. so you're good to go!!!:) :) :)


That is GOOD news for me too... I'll be stepping up to *G early next year (Yes, I have worked it out already! :p :p ) .... and this will allow me to share my extra allowance with a friend on the trip AFTER that...

Happy to help!

EXCELLENT! I was very worried about this, but two 66lb bags seems very reasonable!^ ^ ^

1. Will I be able to get my BP in TPA for LAX-AKL, or will I have to check-in again at LAX? Also, can the baggage be checked through without issue, similar to SQ at LAX? Lastly, can I check it through all the way to ZQN, when AKL-ZQN was bought separately, or would you recommend just rechecking at AKL, since we have over three hours?This depends on the checkin agent (I guess UA). I've heard that UA has issues sometimes with issuing NZ boarding passes. I've personally had no problems with similar itineraries but on LH or AC. The baggage can definitely be checked all the way through.

As far as AKL-ZQN, since you have to collect the bags at AKL and re-check them anyway, it probably doesn't make any difference whether the checkin agent at TPA can tag it or not. They can happily re-tag at AKL for you.
2. I understand that on the intra-NZ flights the baggage allowance is 20KG, and as a *G I can take an extra 20KG, which I take to mean a total of 40KG. My mother is not a *G, so she can only take 20KG, I assume. How strict is NZ with this rule? Could they allow me to take a 30KG bag and my mother to take a 30KG bag, which comes out to the same total, as in 60KG, or do I have to have my clearly defined 40KG and she have her clearly defined 20KG?If you check-in together my understanding is you can pool your allowance. Bear in mind that bags >32KG aren't accepted though.

Hope you enjoy your NZ trip - it's a pity that it looks like my schedule won't allow me to be in WLG when you are there.

Thanks again. I am getting into LAX at 8:05PM on UA and leave on NZ at 10:30PM. I wanted to quickly stop by the RCC for some drink chits (a matter of five minutes), and then I assume I have to take the bus to the terminal NZ leaves from and check-in again. Would also like to check out the NZ lounge for a bit, since I have never been. I assume time is not too much of a factor, right?:)

EXCELLENT! I was very worried about this, but two 66lb bags seems very reasonable!^ ^ ^

You wont be able to. Per bag limit (without being charged excess) on NZ is 23kg (50lb). The strict limit (with excess charges) is 32kg (70lb).

Thanks again. I am getting into LAX at 8:05PM on UA and leave on NZ at 10:30PM. I wanted to quickly stop by the RCC for some drink chits (a matter of five minutes), and then I assume I have to take the bus to the terminal NZ leaves from and check-in again. Would also like to check out the NZ lounge for a bit, since I have never been. I assume time is not too much of a factor, right?:)

Yes you have time, but not excessive amounts as it can take nearly an hour to clear LAX T2 security. If you just missed the transfer bus it will be quicker walking through the central carparks or even right around the "U".

Me and my mom have a C award for TPA-IAD-LAX-AKL(stopover)-SYD-AKL-LAX-IAD-TPA.

We then bought tickets for AKL-ZQN (immediately after arriving in AKL), then ZQN-CHC, then CHC-WLG, then WLG-AKL. I have a few questions, if you great folks don't mind.

1. Will I be able to get my BP in TPA for LAX-AKL, or will I have to check-in again at LAX? Also, can the baggage be checked through without issue, similar to SQ at LAX? Lastly, can I check it through all the way to ZQN, when AKL-ZQN was bought separately, or would you recommend just rechecking at AKL, since we have over three hours?

2. I understand that on the intra-NZ flights the baggage allowance is 20KG, and as a *G I can take an extra 20KG, which I take to mean a total of 40KG. My mother is not a *G, so she can only take 20KG, I assume. How strict is NZ with this rule? Could they allow me to take a 30KG bag and my mother to take a 30KG bag, which comes out to the same total, as in 60KG, or do I have to have my clearly defined 40KG and she have her clearly defined 20KG?


1) You might or might not. Depends on how cooperative the computer links are and whether the NZ flight is open for remote check in. I'd guess 50-50 chance either way. You can tag bags through (show AKL-ZQN ticket), as long as the connection in AKL is long enough (3 hours is plenty unless you are unlucky). But since you need to pick up bags at customs in AKL and redeposit there is no real benefit in tagging them through. You need to visit either domestic transfer desk at AKL international terminal, or check in at domestic terminal anyway.

You wont be able to. Per bag limit (without being charged excess) on NZ is 23kg (50lb). The strict limit (with excess charges) is 32kg (70lb).
Jeez, is that only domestically or on all routes? That seems awfully light!
Yes you have time, but not excessive amounts as it can take nearly an hour to clear LAX T2 security. If you just missed the transfer bus it will be quicker walking through the central carparks or even right around the "U".

Any clue how often the bus runs?

Thanks again!:)

All routes. Remember that is per bag. So your 40kg domestic allowance can be split over 2 bags.

Maybe every 15 or 20 minutes? IIRC there arent (m)any stops between UA and NZ terminals (in that direction) so fairly quick if you spot the bus coming.

You wont be able to. Per bag limit (without being charged excess) on NZ is 23kg (50lb). The strict limit (with excess charges) is 32kg (70lb).Are you sure that is correct? lucky is flying in business on the long haul, which will entitle him to 2x32KG + 1x32KG for *G.

Domestic flights are 20KG + 20KG for *G; with a per bag limitation of 32KG (max -- although I've put, ahem, heavier items though).... that's been my experience and what the NZ website baggage section says...

Are you sure that is correct? lucky is flying in business on the long haul, which will entitle him to 2x32KG + 1x32KG for *G.

Domestic flights are 20KG + 20KG for *G; with a per bag limitation of 32KG (max -- although I've put, ahem, heavier items though).... that's been my experience and what the NZ website baggage section says...

Yes quite sure. Of course may get away with more with some check in agents. But the per bag free limit was lowered a year or more ago. The per bag absolute limit is unchanged (has been 32kg for ages).

NZ website seems to say this too.

NZ website seems to say this too.Where abouts? http://www.airnz.co.nz/travelinfo/baggageinformation/check_in_baggage.htm doesn't seem to say it, or I'm blind :).

I haven't had a problem in WLG checking in >23KG single items on trans-Tasman or domestic itineraries. Never even had a single comment, actually.

1. I do agree with what Kiwi Flyer posted. NZ domestic is a different world out there. Taking SQ F to AKL and connecting to WLG, each bag had to be less than 23kg. Furthermore, when we flew on RTW, the 2pcs allowance clearly printed on the ticket was completely ignored, i.e. the agent and the supervisor applied weight rules for the domestic portion.

2. Be prepared about your carry-on. Many times in flying domestic NZ, we were only allowed 1 small bag for carry-on even as *G. Don't think about those a bit oversized and thick rollaboard. Hmm and if the agent is very strict, you carry-on will be put on a scale! :D

2. Be prepared about your carry-on. Many times in flying domestic NZ, we were only allowed 1 small bag for carry-on even as *G. Don't think about those a bit oversized and thick rollaboard. Hmm and if the agent is very strict, you carry-on will be put on a scale! :D

That doesnt just happen on domestic last month when i went to fiji air nz got alot more tough on this rule

That's interesting ajnz...

I'm SURE I'd seen somewhere that the individual bag limit WAS 23KG now...

I'm worried that the page linked is another section of the website that has NOT been updated.... and there are a few!!! :confused:

I'm SURE I'd seen somewhere that the individual bag limit WAS 23KG now...Well, the baggage allowance for Economy/Premium Economy was reduced from 32KG to 23KG on long hauls to/through North America.

I've personally not seen a rule which says >23KG is prohibited on domestic or Tasman flights... if you're *G you just have a weight allowance which is still under the maximum of 32KG weight rule. I've been carrying a bit of stuff AKL-WLG/WLG-AKL and to MEL (ex AKL & WLG) as I move myself to MEL and have not had any problems with a 30KG bag + 10KG bag being checked in.

Perhaps nz_crew could chip in with the authoritative info?

I'm headed MEL-AKL tomorrow (on QF), then AKL-LHR-AKL, so I'll have a stare at the NZ weight signs at MEL and see what they say.

Good one! I'm probably just confused...... (won't be the first time!!)

In any case... (Ooooh.. bad pun there) I fiind 2 @ 23 is quite sufficient most of the time!!!

You can tag bags through (show AKL-ZQN ticket), as long as the connection in AKL is long enough (3 hours is plenty unless you are unlucky). But since you need to pick up bags at customs in AKL and redeposit there is no real benefit in tagging them through.

Getting the bags through tagged up front means you don't have to wait for the second set of tags to be applied before redeposit. A small savings, but a savings nevertheless. A bigger benefit however is if the bags are already tagged, you're more likely to be able to do the redeposit without getting into a discussion of baggage limits.

Yes quite sure. Of course may get away with more with some check in agents. But the per bag free limit was lowered a year or more ago. Possibly getting away with more is another reason one might want to get weighty bags through checked by UA agents if possible ...

Getting the bags through tagged up front means you don't have to wait for the second set of tags to be applied before redeposit. A small savings, but a savings nevertheless. A bigger benefit however is if the bags are already tagged, you're more likely to be able to do the redeposit without getting into a discussion of baggage limits.

Possibly getting away with more is another reason one might want to get weighty bags through checked by UA agents if possible ...
Not from what I saw last month. Girl in front of me was hit with excess weight even with her luggage tagged through...although she needed to have a boarding pass issued.
Can some one confirm if your itineray all on one ticket, has travel from/to NA eg NZ LAX-AKL-(surface segment)-WLG-SYD-(stop over)-UA LAX that on the WLG-SYD that you get the 2x23kg allowance on all flights? My brother did this for his trip to attend my wedding and was hit for excess in WLG for 20kgs for the second bag. Needless to say not impressed with NZ, although he loved economy on the 777, he flews UA mostly in E-, and has been vocal about it (of course not to the airline which would help :confused: ).

I had a look at the NZ baggage signs in MEL tonight. It does say "23KG per piece maximum applies", but then says "Business Class, Gold, and Gold Elite passengers have additional allowance". I guess there are two interpretations:

a) That you can take an additional 20KG of baggage (total 40KG) if *G, with the maximum per piece weight being 32KG - on Tasman and domestic, or weight based long haul. USA gets a third 23KG bag.

b) That you can take an additional 20KG of baggage (total 40KG) if *G, with the maximum per piece weight still being 23KG unless in business class on a US bound long haul, where it is 32KG.

My thoughts would be (a) as it matches my experiences. I can ask again at checkin at AKL today as well.

Blackcloud, my understanding is the piece allowance applies for the whole itinerary. This however seems to be a common problem (I've had an issue with LH myself) with airline checkin staff not 'getting' the piece allowance on non-US flights.

I had a look at the NZ baggage signs in MEL tonight. It does say "23KG per piece maximum applies", but then says "Business Class, Gold, and Gold Elite passengers have additional allowance". I guess there are two interpretations:

a) That you can take an additional 20KG of baggage (total 40KG) if *G, with the maximum per piece weight being 32KG - on Tasman and domestic, or weight based long haul. USA gets a third 23KG bag.

b) That you can take an additional 20KG of baggage (total 40KG) if *G, with the maximum per piece weight still being 23KG unless in business class on a US bound long haul, where it is 32KG.

My thoughts would be (a) as it matches my experiences. I can ask again at checkin at AKL today as well.

Blackcloud, my understanding is the piece allowance applies for the whole itinerary. This however seems to be a common problem (I've had an issue with LH myself) with airline checkin staff not 'getting' the piece allowance on non-US flights.


A) If the whole trip is one ticket, then the allowance is the same for the whle trip.

B) If you have a paper ticket the allowance is printed on the ATB stub and it says PC = piece concept...

nevertheless the 32 kg per piece is strict, also in the US

Jeez, is that only domestically or on all routes? That seems awfully light!


Any clue how often the bus runs?

Thanks again!:)

Just did the LAX UA-NZ connection for my trip to NZ two weeks ago.

Don't bother with the terminal bus. It takes 5 minutes to walk to terminal 2. Just go left when you exit T7 and go to the crosswalk with the traffic light. Go through the garage and to the right of the next building. You come out right at the T2 security entrance.

T2 security took about 5 minutes, but this was on a Wednesday evening so YMMV. (on the return last Sunday we made it from T2 customs to gate 71A in 15 minutes, including security in T6)

UA printed BPs for my sister (started in ORD) and me (started in DEN) but the Koru lounge re-printed them on NZ stock. Definitely stop at the Koru lounge, it's upstairs to the left after you get through security.

Finally, when you return from AKL, make sure to use the premium check-in room.

I'm confused ajnz. When the change was announced (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5169330&postcount=1509) there was no change to the Business Allowance. This means on the piece system that it is definitely 2 x 32kg in Business, or 3 x 32kg if Star Gold in Business. Otherwise it is 2 x 23kg (+1 for *G) for the piece system.

There was no change from the weight system. This means that a piece can be 32kg as long as it fits within your free weight.

I'm confused ajnz. When the change was announced (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5169330&postcount=1509) there was no change to the Business Allowance. This means on the piece system that it is definitely 2 x 32kg in Business, or 3 x 32kg if Star Gold in Business. Otherwise it is 2 x 23kg (+1 for *G) for the piece system.

There was no change from the weight system. This means that a piece can be 32kg as long as it fits within your free weight.Oops, yes, I forgot to add that for (a) about business.

We're in agreement though -- and I think that gives lucky his answer.

Thanks for the help folks.

So, just to confirm:
In Business it is a 32KG maximum, and within NZ as a *G it is a maximum of 23KG per bag, right?:)

So, just to confirm:
In Business it is a 32KG maximum, and within NZ as a *G it is a maximum of 23KG per bag, right?:)
I think you got it wrong.
For transpac, 2 pieces (for total 3 as *G) with each bag max 23kg.

For domestic NZ, 40kg total as *G no matter how many pieces you have.

For domestic NZ, 40kg total as *G no matter how many pieces you have.

Thanks, but does that make the maximum per bag within NZ 23kg or 32kg?

You are right about the piece system lucky9876coins. Business bags 32kg - and three of them for *G.

However your sentence on the weight system should read 40kg for *G in Y, each bag can weight no more than 32kg (that is a health and safety requirement).

You are right about the piece system lucky9876coins. Business bags 32kg - and three of them for *G.

However your sentence on the weight system should read 40kg for *G in Y, each bag can weight no more than 32kg (that is a health and safety requirement).

Thanks, so one more time to just to be totally idiot proof:

Business: 32KG and three for *G (which is clear as you said).

Within NZ: 40kg max for a *G, with 32kg max per passenger... so does that mean between two passengers, one a *G and one not a *G we could take a 32kg bag and a 28kg bag, since pooling luggage is allowed? Righto?

Thanks again!:)

Thanks, so one more time to just to be totally idiot proof:

Business: 32KG and three for *G (which is clear as you said).

Within NZ: 40kg max for a *G, with 32kg max per passenger... so does that mean between two passengers, one a *G and one not a *G we could take a 32kg bag and a 28kg bag, since pooling luggage is allowed? Righto?

Thanks again!:)Yes.

Just for anyone that stumbles across this thread while searching in the future - The piece system sometimes apply's within New Zealand if it is ticketed as part of an international itinerary that uses the piece system. This will be clearly identified on the ticket - as ALLOW 2 pcs, if that is the case.

For those who are more used to flying US-based airlines, to avoid a nasty surprise be aware that Air NZ and other asia-pacific airlines generally enforce checked and carry on baggage rules more strictly (especially regionally out of regional airports). Limits can also be smaller than you are used to - for example my small wheely which easily fits wheels first on most US-based a/c will only fit lengthways on NZ domestic a/c and in the smaller a/c needs to be checked (either no overhead bin or too large for the bin). YMMV.

Me and my mom have a C award for TPA-IAD-LAX-AKL(stopover)-SYD-AKL-LAX-IAD-TPA.

1. Will I be able to get my BP in TPA for LAX-AKL ... My post might be too late now, but if I've read through the other posts correctly you had two replies to this one saying 'maybe'. But to possibly reassure you, my limited experience from TPA with a later same day connection LAX-AKL on NZ makes the answer to this one a definite yes. i.e. On the two occasions I've started my long journey home in TPA both DL (via ATL) and US (via CLT) printed my through BPs, and NZ reprinted them on their own stock at the LAX lounge.