Air New Zealand Air Points - Changes to Airpoints?

Hi all .... I'd read on this Forum, that NZ will be making changes to Airpoints, such as making their lowest Trans-Tas. fares count for tier-status purposes but not actual value accrual. That and other changes.

I haven't seen or heard any more, let alone had any comms. from NZ.

Anyone know what gives??

Cheers, Starbear

Wouldnt Airpoints be a good scheme if they allowed earning on most flights...

Overhaul of airpoints program is coming. From what little reference there has been from NZ I would say that the new program will be out before the end of the year. Probably to coincide with the completion of the Space+ and 320/767 AVOD refit (plus domestic changes).

Overhaul of airpoints program is coming. From what little reference there has been from NZ I would say that the new program will be out before the end of the year. Probably to coincide with the completion of the Space+ and 320/767 AVOD refit (plus domestic changes).

Hi NZ_Flyer ... thanks for the update.

and... hi jetsetkiwi. I always thought it very strange that Airpoints did NOT reward you with tier credit on the lowest fares, particularly as QF's Red-Edeal levels give you points and at least partial Status Credits.

If NZ do end up giving tier credit to their lowest TransTasman or domestic fares, it would be nothing more than an acknowledgement that a) there is a lot more competition these days both on TransT and Domestic routes, and that b) thank you, sir/madam... in your infinite wisdom, for choosing to fly with NZ, rather than QF, DJ, JQ or (perish the thought...) EK.

So, thanks all. We wait sleeplessly for the changes (which I might have thought would coincide with QF's announced change of QFF from a Freq. Flyer program to a glorified middle-of-the-night Shopping Channel

It would make sense for the changes to coincide with the cabin refurbishment on domestic and short haul flights. On the latest Koru Review, it has been confirmed from August 6, we will be able to select Space+ seat on domestic flights. I would expect some changes to be revealed then as well.

It would make sense for the changes to coincide with the cabin refurbishment on domestic and short haul flights. On the latest Koru Review, it has been confirmed from August 6, we will be able to select Space+ seat on domestic flights. I would expect some changes to be revealed then as well.I'll place my bet - I don't expect the changes to be revealed in August.

They'll probably introduce a new top tier (Black).

And the new "Kingfish" level that Fyfe keeps putting out there every now and then.

I have to say that if I was top tier NZ then I'd prefer Diamond or Platinum or Premier rather than Black. I know those ones are pretty standard names for top tiers but still...that's just me though.

They'll probably introduce a new top tier (Black).
Re. Black - it appears this is a status level for which even smart saver fares count.


It appears they will be adding a "status airpoints dollar" value to smart saver fares. As this will result in a swell of thousands of new status members I suspect the eligibility for Gold will be going up....

It appears they will be adding a "status airpoints dollar" value to smart saver fares. As this will result in a swell of thousands of new status members I suspect the eligibility for Gold will be going up....
My understanding is that NZ Black will be invitation only - perhaps similar to UA UGS.

Does anyone reckon that they might allow points + pay for booking flights?
Airpoints Dollars are a currency!!! so it would make sense to allow that.

Another cool feature would be points earned on a GP card counting towards status. They are very clear today that it doesn't but would be a neat feature.

Another cool feature would be points earned on a GP card counting towards status. They are very clear today that it doesn't but would be a neat feature.I'm mixed about this. Maybe they could allow a certain amount of status earning (like the UA MP Visa that allows a certain amount of EQM earning, I think), but I can't imagine NZ would allow you to earn, e.g. Gold or Gold Elite status via GP.

Think of all the people who can very easily channel business expenditure onto a credit card - instant Gold Elite or Black(?) status in a month or two!

Maybe they could allow a certain amount of status earning (like the UA MP Visa that allows a certain amount of EQM earning, I think)

The UA EQM-earning Visa gives you 1 EQM per dollar spent on tickets purchased on united.com, up to a maximum of 5000 EQM a year. The tickets have to be all UA flight numbers.

If you put $35,000 on the card you get a bonus 5000 EQM at the end of the calendar year.

You also earn 2 RDM per dollar on tickets from *A websites.

Is there any update/timing on an announcement on these changes to Air Points ?

Not a wink.

I guess I will just have to keep flying Qantas for NZ domestic then. Some miles with Qantas are better than no miles with Air NZ !. :)

I'm in the same situation as you.

Except DUD is only serviced by NZ and DJ, so getting a QF flight entails getting to CHC or ZQN first. And I hate flying DJ even though they give you points on all fares as well. I just take NZ flights and resign myself to the fact that I won't be moving up the status ladder. Will probably buy a KC membership sometime soon though. Worth it now for the lounge access, Space+ seating and priority check-in.

I sure would like to earn some status for all NZ flights - because I am an organised person and my work trips are usually planned months in advance I nearly always get booked into Smart Saver and earn no miles/status on my flights.

30 flights this year and still only half way to Silver!

any news on possible changes to AirPoints programme?

Nope. If I had to make a guess I'd say that they won't release announcements about the exact changes/make the changes until at least December. I'm thinking that because the 767 and A320 refit is supposed to be completed in December that they will do a big press release about the new trans-tasman/pacific services plus airpoints changes at the same time.

I would expect to see them in the back half of October... they have already been pushed back once from earlier in the year.

I would expect to see them in the back half of October... they have already been pushed back once from earlier in the year.

That would be great! I have quite a bit of smart saver NZ travel booked for the next few months and it would be great to get those credited to status earning rather than have them go to waste while NZ decide when to introduce the changes.

Team Manager in WLG this morning said new check-in process will be launched in December. Just in time for Christmas Holidays!!! This might tie in with changes to Airpoints.

Concern in WLG is where Premium Counters will be located because International and Domestic counters are together compared to AKL & CHC.

My understanding is that NZ Black will be invitation only - perhaps similar to UA UGS.

I was chatting recently to someone at ANZ who expressed surprise that I knew about such a level (told them to read Flyer Talk they might be surprised what they learn about their airline!) Anyway from what I heard, the new level is apparently going to be handpicked from the 2000 (?) or so Gold Elites - they mentioned possibly from a selection of Politicians, sportspeople, chief executives and the like.

I was chatting recently to someone at ANZ who expressed surprise that I knew about such a level (told them to read Flyer Talk they might be surprised what they learn about their airline!) Anyway from what I heard, the new level is apparently going to be handpicked from the 2000 (?) or so Gold Elites - they mentioned possibly from a selection of Politicians, sportspeople, chief executives and the like.

OT: Are NZ politicians and NZX50 CEO's/CFO's/MD's/GM's offered QF Chairman's Lounge membership?

OT: Are NZ politicians and NZX50 CEO's/CFO's/MD's/GM's offered QF Chairman's Lounge membership?
I know tier 1 PS are, not that I am one but the tier 2 that I travelled with mentioned he could only get QP membership.

I know tier 1 PS are, not that I am one but the tier 2 that I travelled with mentioned he could only get QP membership.

I'm assuming that's just Ministers? Or all MP's?

I'm assuming that's just Ministers? Or all MP's?All Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives are entitled to CL status.

All Members of the New Zealand House of Representatives are entitled to CL status.

Do you think if a certain member did not want CL status they could confer it onto someone else? ;)

Do you think if a certain member did not want CL status they could confer it onto someone else? ;)If you married them ;)

If you married them ;)

Unfortunately that's not legal :p

Well they can change that! ;)

Unfortunately that's not legal :p

Well they can change that! ;)

Here I was thinking that "Civil Unions" allowed any sort of "coupling".:eek:
Well wasn't that what the opposition to the Bill claimed?:confused::p

Here I was thinking that "Civil Unions" allowed any sort of "coupling".:eek:
Well wasn't that what the opposition to the Bill claimed?:confused::p

I wasn't referring to civil unions ;)

Although kudos to any hardcore FT'er that marries for CL membership :D

This thread here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=579826&page=27) refers to an Air NZ employee who said the changes were due out next week.

This thread here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=579826&page=27) refers to an Air NZ employee who said the changes were due out next week.They have sent the new membership guide for printing.

The planets are aligning!

They have sent the new membership guide for printing.

The planets are aligning!

So will we all get a snail mail membership guide or just an email advising of changes?

If you're lucky you'll get neither!

Changes now gone back to the end of this month :rolleyes:

Changes now gone back to the end of this month :rolleyes:

Is this going to be the date of change or date of annoucement for a change at a later date?

I wasn't referring to civil unions ;)

Although kudos to any hardcore FT'er that marries for CL membership :D


Especially since all the women members of parliament in NZ are pig ugly it would be a brave person indeed who wanted to marry one for status. Apologies to anyone here who is either a female MOP of married to one.:D

I'd like to know how this new system will work.

Will they be changing the WHOLE system whereby Airpoints Dollars don't count for status at all and members earn status credits/tier points/EQM's which count towards status and separate Airpoints Dollars that are just for rewards?

Or will they have a complicated system whereby Airpoints Dollars still count towards status and nothing changes on that front, but NZ introduce some sort of status credit/tier point/EQM system that only applies for Domestic, Tasman and Pacific Smart Saver Fares. So essentially you can either earn status through AP$ as normal or smart saver fare status credit system or a mixture of both?

To possibly bring this thread crashing back down to Earth, my Koru Club renewal letter this month began with a sentence to the effect that 'exciting changes to Koru Club will be coming soon'. So it may be that any pending changes to AirPoints are of the same type - around lounges and other benefits on the ground - and nothing at all to do with earn rates or redemption possibilities.

So by all means speculate, but keep those reality check goggles on too :)

To possibly bring this thread crashing back down to Earth, my Koru Club renewal letter this month began with a sentence to the effect that 'exciting changes to Koru Club will be coming soon'. So it may be that any pending changes to AirPoints are of the same type - around lounges and other benefits on the ground - and nothing at all to do with earn rates or redemption possibilities.

So by all means speculate, but keep those reality check goggles on too :)

NZ have already publicly announced that they will be introducing the ability to earn status on all flights (read: domestic, tasman and pacific smart saver fares). They haven't elaborated on what sort of new system will be developed or what changes will be made to the old system to make this possible.

I'd like to know how this new system will work.

Will they be changing the WHOLE system whereby Airpoints Dollars don't count for status at all and members earn status credits/tier points/EQM's which count towards status and separate Airpoints Dollars that are just for rewards?

Or will they have a complicated system whereby Airpoints Dollars still count towards status and nothing changes on that front, but NZ introduce some sort of status credit/tier point/EQM system that only applies for Domestic, Tasman and Pacific Smart Saver Fares. So essentially you can either earn status through AP$ as normal or smart saver fare status credit system or a mixture of both?

I was led to believe that every flight earns credits towards tier status but only certain categories of flight earn Airpoints Dollars. The credits are the same value as Airpoints Dollars.
For example AKL-WLG with Grab a seat would earn say 8 tier credits but no Airpoints Dollars. However a full economy flight from AKL-WLG would earn 19 Airpoints Dollars AND 19 tier credits.
The tier credit levels are set the same as they are today hence the corresponding value with Airpoints Dollars. i.e. 450 for Silver, 900 to Gold, etc.

At least this was my understanding ;)

Yep the mixture. There will be a separate status counter to the Airpoints Dollar earning.

Thousands more Silver's apparently.

Interesting. For folks like me who carefully calculate Gold requal on purely recreational travel that could work nicely... save some real $$ on the trips that have rrelatively poor Airbucks earning anyway... but still get the "points" towards status...

We'll see....

Interesting. For folks like me who carefully calculate Gold requal on purely recreational travel that could work nicely... save some real $$ on the trips that have rrelatively poor Airbucks earning anyway... but still get the "points" towards status...

We'll see....

Unless of course NZ make "enhancements" to the S/G/GE benefits along with the new system. I'm thinking they will do something else as they can't have an influx of literally hundreds or even thousands of new status members and keep the same benefits. Lounges and premium check-in would be massively crowded. Not to mention making it even harder to get paid upgrades let alone complimentary ones.

True.. but I'd lean toward ntddevsys's take in it... more Silvers rather than anything else...


Can't see just that change producing even "hundreds" of extra Golds... I may be wrong of course!

We'll see...............

Unless of course NZ make "enhancements" to the S/G/GE benefits along with the new system. I'm thinking they will do something else as they can't have an influx of literally hundreds or even thousands of new status members and keep the same benefits. Lounges and premium check-in would be massively crowded. Not to mention making it even harder to get paid upgrades let alone complimentary ones.

I suspect it will really only bump more ppl into silver, where to be honest you get squat ( a one time upgrade and lounge pass), nothing else additional such as check in privs,

If it is true it's actually quite clever, as it gives ppl a taste of using the services that you get at either Gold, or Koru Level, and will probably entice at least a few to shell out $$$ to join the Koru Club,

The way I was thinking was that there would be quite a few whose companies have cheapest-fare-available travel policies but those people fly regular domestic or trans-tasman flights but don't currently earn any AP$. Under the new system people like that (and also the self-employed and some consultants/contractors) would earn Gold based on the amount of flying they do. Someone doing 15 round trips to Australia would earn Gold status on Smart Saver fares. That's just over one trip a month. Plus those that fly weekly or even fortnightly domestically.

It was my understanding that they were going to reduce Silver benefits (is that even possible).

But they appear to have changed their mind so often now, so I have no idea.

The way I was thinking was that there would be quite a few whose companies have cheapest-fare-available travel policies but those people fly regular domestic or trans-tasman flights but don't currently earn any AP$. Under the new system people like that (and also the self-employed and some consultants/contractors) would earn Gold based on the amount of flying they do. Someone doing 15 round trips to Australia would earn Gold status on Smart Saver fares. That's just over one trip a month. Plus those that fly weekly or even fortnightly domestically.

if thats the case and i dont necc disgaree then they will have to have this new "level' thats been runoroed cos the guy who pays big buckeroos to fly to london and so on get no more status than the guy who flits the tasman , now that may or may not be right but none the less there will be some feeling there. i raised in aearliest post the problem of us self employed who cost is important etc so i need to be caeful here but there are two sides to this debate.

that aslo raises the question of why do other carriers have longer periods of status , from what i read in Lh forums there guys get 2years if the do so many miles we can fly a million miles on nz and still only get one year and as i undertsand it there is no provision for carry over mileage although i thinkthere may be something on that score.in my pers opinion there needs to be some way of ensure nz hears the collective voice of its lowyal flyers and without trying to be smart do they ever read what we say cos collectively these forums count for a lot of the FF they have one way or anothyer and NZ is very depenet on brand loyalty and will need to be with all the other carrier firing up or supposedly so and all the capaicity on the tasman with 380 etc its going to egt mighty murky out there. i think they need some flexibility with there rules now and have a srule that says if you do 125% of the required miles yr status is two years but i guess that leads then for people to acheive that and then feed miles into other programs. hmmm answering my own questions...intered to hear POV from others.

I feed miles into other programs anyway with the current system. There is no extra benefit beyond NZ*E, which I usually reach within the first month or so (my record is under a week) into the qualification year.

(my record is under a week)Have you asked them if this is the world record?

I feed miles into other programs anyway with the current system. There is no extra benefit beyond NZ*E, which I usually reach within the first month or so (my record is under a week) into the qualification year.

for us mere mortals :) the issue for us can be to requaul we use NZ or similar and the pijnts we earn all go airpoints and one overshoots the amount required maybe by several hundred. i guess i could split the bookings to assign diff ff no but then that never seems to work from a cost point of veiw.

anyway o only dream of requalify in a month let alone 6:D

True.. but I'd lean toward ntddevsys's take in it... more Silvers rather than anything else...


Can't see just that change producing even "hundreds" of extra Golds... I may be wrong of course!

We'll see...............
I can see it producing an influx in all three status categories. A lot of my colleagues in the NZ office will easily attain Silver now, and a lot of the Silvers will easily attain Gold (which would be a sizable number of the team I work with), and a few Golds will attain Gold Elite.

I'd expect just within my company alone to see at least 100 extra Silvers, 20 extra Golds, and maybe 5 or 6 extra Gold Elites.

Out of about 900 employees.

(my record is under a week)

mind-boggling! Is it inappropriate to ask what line of work you're in that allows or requires so much travel?

As an historian I'd be amused by the answer that you are a "gentleman" (thereby living off investments) and doing a 21st century version of the Grand Tour.

Date is in!

EARN AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRPOINTS STATUS POINTS ON EVERY FLIGHT

Air New Zealand is making it easier and faster for your customers to work their way up the tiers in the Airpoints frequent flyer programme.

Under changes being made to the programme from 31 October, every fare purchased by Airpoints members on Air New Zealand operated flights will earn Status Points, including all Smart Saver and tactical airfares.

Status Points are used to determine tier status, ranging from Jade to Silver, Gold and Gold Elite.

Previously, tier status within the programme was based on Airpoints Dollars earned, but because these are not earned on some fares, some flights did not count towards customers’ status.

Because of this change it is important that you enter your client’s Airpoints number into all bookings from now on so that they are recognised for all flights they take with us.

(my record is under a week)

I've been trying to figure out how you could earn 1350 points in less than a week, please tell us how you did it, I can only guess that you did NZ UK return a number of times, never getting off the plane, what kind of job do you have that requirers that much travel.

Are you one fo the Black Gold Elite members?

Date is in!

EARN AIR NEW ZEALAND AIRPOINTS STATUS POINTS ON EVERY FLIGHT

Air New Zealand is making it easier and faster for your customers to work their way up the tiers in the Airpoints frequent flyer programme.

Under changes being made to the programme from 31 October, every fare purchased by Airpoints members on Air New Zealand operated flights will earn Status Points, including all Smart Saver and tactical airfares.

Status Points are used to determine tier status, ranging from Jade to Silver, Gold and Gold Elite.

Previously, tier status within the programme was based on Airpoints Dollars earned, but because these are not earned on some fares, some flights did not count towards customers’ status.

Because of this change it is important that you enter your client’s Airpoints number into all bookings from now on so that they are recognised for all flights they take with us.

does this date refer to flights purchased after this date, or to flights taken after this date?

I expect it would be flights taken from 1 November, regardless of when they were purchased. Of course still nil earning for flights paid with airpoints.

I expect it would be flights taken from 1 November, regardless of when they were purchased. Of course still nil earning for flights paid with airpoints.

If you paid for your flexi saver tickets or above by Airpoints, you would still be ticketed in normal fare class, ie YBMH etc. Does that mean you could actually claim miles with other *A programs? I mean how would other programs know?

If you paid for your flexi saver tickets or above by Airpoints, you would still be ticketed in normal fare class, ie YBMH etc. Does that mean you could actually claim miles with other *A programs? I mean how would other programs know?When the other program sent the claim through to NZ they would deny it as a redemption.

No credit.

I've been trying to figure out how you could earn 1350 points in less than a week, please tell us how you did it, I can only guess that you did NZ UK return a number of times, never getting off the plane, what kind of job do you have that requirers that much travel.

Are you one fo the Black Gold Elite members?
Last Northern Lights Sale gave extra Airpoints. What you then needed to do flying BP, start on somewhere in NZ in the second zone, overnight then go to LAX of HKG and stopover, then go to LHR stopover then to HKG or LAX stopover, then back to AKL stopever then to the point of origin. Stopovers yield more points than flying "direct" and the Northen Lights bonus toakes you over the threshold. That was last year though:(
I know this from a certain incorridgible that was trying to influence my behaviour.:eek:;)

Last Northern Lights Sale gave extra Airpoints. What you then needed to do flying BP, start on somewhere in NZ in the second zone, overnight then go to LAX of HKG and stopover, then go to LHR stopover then to HKG or LAX stopover, then back to AKL stopever then to the point of origin. Stopovers yield more points than flying "direct" and the Northen Lights bonus toakes you over the threshold. That was last year though:(
I know this from a certain incorridgible that was trying to influence my behaviour.:eek:;)
Surely this would only work on a mixed-carrier itinerary though?

Last Northern Lights Sale gave extra Airpoints. What you then needed to do flying BP, start on somewhere in NZ in the second zone, overnight then go to LAX of HKG and stopover, then go to LHR stopover then to HKG or LAX stopover, then back to AKL stopever then to the point of origin. Stopovers yield more points than flying "direct" and the Northen Lights bonus toakes you over the threshold. That was last year though:(
I know this from a certain incorridgible that was trying to influence my behaviour.:eek:;)

I just can't see why you would need to do that, the only jobs I can think of that would require that kind of travel schedule are diplomatic couriers and air marshals. It's interesting that Kiwi Flyer hasn't said how he did it, many people have asked.

Some of us need to do things in LAX, HKG, etc as well as in Europe ;)

Kiwi Flyer .. Man of Mystery :cool:

Kiwi Flyer .. Man of Mystery :cool:


So he's Austin Powers?

So he's Austin Powers?

Pretty much!

But don't tell anyone...it's an NZ board secret ;)

Kiwi Flyer .. Man of Mystery :cool:

So he's Austin Powers?

Pretty much!

But don't tell anyone...it's an NZ board secret ;)
Well if you really want to know, Kiwi Flyer is an ......:p

Back to the topic, while talking with Airpoints on the phone last night they confirmed that another change to the programme is the removal (somehow) or changes to the mixed carrier earning. For example flying AKL-LAX-ORD in biz will now earn the full NZ airpoints for AKL-LAX even though the connection is on to UA.
Very good change ^

Pretty dull really...

On Air New Zealand flights that don't earn Airpoints Dollars (e.g. Smart Saver and grabaseat), you will earn Status Points at the Discount Economy rate. On Air New Zealand flights where you earn Airpoints Dollars, you will earn an equal number of Status Points.

These being the only changes to status benefits:

ePass

If you are a Gold Elite, Gold, Silver or Koru member you will receive your own ePass. The ePass is an electronic tag that identifies you at our airport kiosks, boarding gates, and Koru Lounges.

When travelling within New Zealand, if you only have carry-on luggage, just scan the ePass at the gate when you go to board. If you have bags, scan the ePass at a kiosk. Collect your boarding pass, attach the printed bag tags and drop your bags on the bag drop belt. Remember to make sure your bag weighs less than 25kg.

Stick the ePass to the back of your mobile or anything else you can be sure you'll have with you at all times. Your personal ePass works on a radio frequency and only contains one unique code, which we use to identify you. We don't store any other information on your ePass so you can be confident all your personal information is safe.

Gold Elite Gifts

We've introduced Gold Elite Gifts to thank our Gold Elite members for choosing to fly with us so frequently. When a member reaches 2500 Status Points from their last requalification date, we'll get in touch with them to ask what gift they would like. An example of a Gold Elite Gift could include:

* A degustation and wine match dinner for two at one of the award winning restaurants of our consultant chefs.
* A case of medal winning wines from the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
* An extra year at Gold Elite status.

Back to the topic, while talking with Airpoints on the phone last night they confirmed that another change to the programme is the removal (somehow) or changes to the mixed carrier earning. For example flying AKL-LAX-ORD in biz will now earn the full NZ airpoints for AKL-LAX even though the connection is on to UA.
Very good change ^Yup -
We've changed the way you earn Airpoints Dollars on journeys that include flights on partner airlines. Now any Air New Zealand flights included in these journeys will earn based on the rates in the Air New Zealand Earn Chart. Partner airline flights will still earn based on rates in the Partner Airline Earn Chart. This means you can earn more Airpoints Dollars than before on these types of journeys.

But:

Pricing Changes Coming
The price of Airpoints Reward upgrades, companion tickets, and flights with our partner airlines will be increasing on 1 December 2008. You can use your Airpoints Dollars to purchase Rewards at the current rates until then.

Note well!

Quote:
Gold Elite Gifts

We've introduced Gold Elite Gifts to thank our Gold Elite members for choosing to fly with us so frequently. When a member reaches 2500 Status Points from their last requalification date, we'll get in touch with them to ask what gift they would like. An example of a Gold Elite Gift could include:

* A degustation and wine match dinner for two at one of the award winning restaurants of our consultant chefs.
* A case of medal winning wines from the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
* An extra year at Gold Elite status.

So is the above another way of saying they are going to scrap the christmas gift for gold elites?

So not only is the earning not matching increased fares (and hence increased burn rates on NZ) but they want to increase burn rates on upgrades and mixed itin awards? :td:

So not only is the earning not matching increased fares (and hence increased burn rates on NZ) but they want to increase burn rates on upgrades and mixed itin awards? :td:
Yep reminds me of a CC project I worked on.
We were devaluing the CC point to FF points (negative customer expereince) and decided to give the customer a good experience by offering them a "campanion card" of a different brand that offered 2 points for $1. Of course there were additional annual charges but the biggest factor the other brand gave a lots more of the value transaction. Anyway the project was a roaring success.:)

Quote:
* An extra year at Gold Elite status.

So is the above another way of saying they are going to scrap the christmas gift for gold elites?

Heck, I'd take that over a picnic rug or an art print of a sailboat any day :D

justakiwi

My thoughts.

1) All paid NZ flights earn status points.

A good move to offset the QFF advantage.

2) Mixed itinerary earning will now be partner airline flights on the partner chart and Air NZ flights on the Air NZ chart.

About time. Removes one of the biggest annoyances. However I do question whether this will be positive in every situation, because the Air NZ chart is per journey and the partner chart is per flight. Will have to see how they've applied it first.

3) Gift at 2500 status points.

Positive, assuming the gift is significantly better than the Christmas gifts. At last some benefit in continuing to credit to airpoints once (re)qualified GE. It would be even better if they publish what the gifts to select from are, and one or more option(s) for additional upgrade vouchers/bonus airpoints dollars.

4) Increased cost of upgrades from 1 December.

Not surprising given how difficult it is to clear upgrades, and a way for NZ to increase the value of the complimentary upgrade voucher. However, it rankles that airpoints earning rates have not kept up with higher fares and higher burning rates. Since the change to airpoints dollars it has been almost one-way traffic in that all changes are in favour of Air NZ (obvious exception being trans-tasman redemptions).

5) Increased cost of partner awards from 1 December.

Again not surprising. The cost of redemptions on Air NZ has been steadily increasing as fares have increased, so an increase in partner redemptions is needed to maintain relativities. However, given earning rates have not been increased it is unfair IMO.

Now, impact on me.

1) Nil practically - while I have lots of grab-a-seat and smart saver fares I don't need more status points.

2) Very good and will result in more Air NZ bookings from me. Sometimes I fly other alliances in part because the earning rates are decimated due to the need for mixed airline itineraries. I'm a bit cautious about implementation though (see above for a question).

3) Will it be a yawn or will it be good? Who knows. I've finally managed to log in on a different computer and notice I have 1,048 status credits missing. :rolleyes:

4) :td:

5) :td:

Discounted business class awards on NZ are also going up 1 December (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/flight_rewards/discounted_business_award_fares_nz.htm).


One-way cost (+ taxes)
AKL to Current New
Honolulu 1,060 1,830 +73%
Noumea 1,020 710 -30%
Tahiti 1,020 710 -30%
Asia 1,420 1,980 +39%
USA 1,750 2,790 +59%
Canada 1,750 2,790 +59%
London 2,270 3,190 +41%


NOU/PPT are the exception, but their existing award cost was over-priced (being higher than some fares).
On the new scale, HNL and Asia look overpriced relative to fares.

Partner awards are going up (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/flight_rewards/star_reward_redemption2.htm), a lot.


Rates per one-way sector (+ taxes)
Current rates New rates Difference
Route Y Y+ C F Y Y+ C F Y Y+ C F
NZ & Oz 305 500 960 1,260 305 500 960 1,260 0% 0% 0% 0%
NZ & Asia 815 1,145 1,555 1,950 990 1,180 2,110 2,640 +21% +3% +36% +35%
NZ & N.Am 870 1,420 1,750 2,215 1,000 1,490 2,720 3,443 +15% +5% +55% +55%
NZ & Pacific 305 - 960 1,260 305 - 960 1,260 0% - 0% 0%
NZ & Europe 1,455 1,810 2,270 3,130 1,460 1,810 2,270 3,130 +0% 0% 0% 0%
NZ & HNL/PPT 595 - 1,060 1,720 600 - 1,060 1,720 0% - 0% 0%

Oz & Asia 735 - 1,460 1,855 890 - 1,980 2,520 +21% - +36% +36%
Oz & Africa 715 - 1,525 2,570 866 - 2,068 3,491 +21% - +36% +36%
Oz & N.Am 995 - 1,775 2,240 1,150 - 2,760 3,480 +16% - +55% +55%
Oz & Europe 1,280 - 2,315 3,170 1,280 - 2,320 3,170 0% - +0% 0%
Oz & HNL/PPT 785 - 1,445 1,840 790 - 1,450 1,840 +0% - +0% 0%
Asia & Africa 760 - 1,485 1,880 920 - 2,010 2,550 +21% - +35% +36%
Asia & N.Am 805 - 1,530 1,925 970 - 2,070 2,620 +20% - +35% +36%
Asia & Europe 910 1,235 1,620 2,015 910 1,235 1,620 2,020 0% 0% 0% +0%
Asia & HNL/PPT 810 - 1,535 1,930 810 - 1,540 1,930 0% - +0% 0%
Asia & M.East 760 - 1,485 1,880 920 - 2,010 2,550 +21% - +35% +36%
Afr. & Europe 760 - 1,485 1,880 760 - 1,490 1,880 0% - +0% 0%
Afr. & M.East 495 - 1,155 1,420 600 - 1,560 1,930 +21% - +35% +36%
Afr. & S.Am 1,220 - 2,210 2,885 1,480 - 2,980 3,920 +21% - +35% +36%
N.Am & C.Am 535 - 1,190 1,445 650 - 1,610 1,960 +21% - +35% +36%
N.Am & S.Am 695 - 1,485 1,880 840 - 2,010 2,550 +21% - +35% +36%
N.Am & Pacific 950 - 1,445 1,840 950 - 1,450 1,840 0% - +0% 0%
N.Am & Europe 650 1,195 1,445 1,840 750 1,379 2,250 2,860 +15% +15% +56% +55%
N.Am & HNL/PPT 990 - 1,455 1,880 990 - 1,460 1,880 0% - +0% 0%
N.Am & M.East1,035 - 1,415 2,280 1,190 - 2,200 3,540 +15% - +55% +55%
N.Am & Africa1,220 - 2,210 2,885 1,400 - 3,440 4,480 +15% - +56% +55%
C.Am & S.Am 535 - 1,190 1,445 650 - 1,610 1,960 +21% - +35% +36%
C.Am & Europe1,035 - 1,815 2,280 1,190 - 2,830 3,540 +15% - +56% +55%
C.Am & Oz 885 - 1,575 1,975 890 - 1,580 1,980 +1% - +0% +0%
S.Am & Europe1,035 - 1,815 2,280 1,190 - 2,830 3,540 +15% - +56% +55%
S.Am & M.East1,035 - 1,815 2,280 1,190 - 2,830 3,540 +15% - +56% +55%
S.Am & Oz 885 - 1,575 1,975 890 - 1,580 1,980 +1% - +0% +0%
Eur & HNL/PPT1,454 - 2,280 3,135 1,460 - 2,280 3,140 +0% - 0% 0%
Eur & M.East 535 - 1,190 2,345 650 - 1,610 3,180 +21% - +35% +36%

NZ domestic 120 - - - 120 - - - 0% - - -
Intra zone
<2000 km 250 - 580 845 250 - 580 845 0% - 0% 0%
>2000 km 530 - 760 1,090 640 - 1,030 1,480 +21% - +36% +36%


Oh dear this is really bad. Costs on Air NZ flights have gone up the most :td:

Some of those new partner award rates look more expensive than the actual fare for the route. Any word on upgrade increases?

Yes upgrades are going up a lot too. I'll post those shortly.

Upgrades on NZ are also going up 1 December (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/upgrade_chart2.htm).


One-way cost
Routes with no premium economy (this includes all trans-tasman from 1 December)
Economy to Business
Route Current New Change
S/by C'firm S/by C'firm S/by C'firm
NZ & Oz (xPER)220 250 250 350 +14% +59%
NZ & PER 330 330 450 550 +36% +67%
NZ & Pacific 220 250 250 350 +14% +59%
NZ & HNL/PPT 330 550 430 715 +30% +30%
Intra Pacific 175 220 175 220 0% 0%
LAX & Pacific 330 550 330 550 0% 0%

Routes with premium economy
Economy to Business Premier
Route Current New Change
S/by C'firm S/by C'firm S/by C'firm
NZ & LHR - 1,980 - 3,270 - +65%
All others 660 1,485 730 1,630 +11% +10%
Economy to Premium Economy
Route Current New Change
S/by C'firm S/by C'firm S/by C'firm
NZ & LHR - 605 - 880 - +45%
All others 220 440 220 440 0% 0%
Premium Economy to Business Premier
Route Current New Change
S/by C'firm S/by C'firm S/by C'firm
NZ & LHR - 1,370 - 2,300 - +67%
All others 440 1,045 480 1,150 +9% +10%

Upgrades on *A are also going up 1 December (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/star_upgrade_chart2.htm).

There are some rule changes too.
S, J & Z on SQ are no longer eligible for upgrade.
J on LH is no longer eligible for upgrade.

Upgrades on OZ/OS/LO/LX/TP/TG/SQ/UA must be requested at least 7 days before departure, previously no requirement. NH/LH remain unchanged at 28 days before departure.


One-way cost
Route Current New Change
Y->C C->F Y->C C->F Y->C C->F
NZ & Oz (xPER) 240 260 380 410 +58% +58%
NZ & PER 360 390 600 650 +67% +67%
NZ & Pacific 240 260 380 410 +58% +58%
NZ & Asia 1,550 1,790 1,700 1,960 +10% +9%
NZ & N.Am 1,550 1,790 1,700 1,960 +10% +9%
NZ & Europe 2,180 2,400 3,600 3,960 +65% +65%
NZ & HNL/PPT 550 600 720 780 +31% +30%

Oz & Asia 1,170 1,480 1,860 2,150 +59% +45%
Oz & N.Am 1,410 1,790 1,550 1,960 +10% +9%
Oz & Europe 1,850 2,540 3,060 4,190 +65% +65%
Oz & HNL/PPT 1,160 1,470 1,520 1,920 +31% +31%
Asia & Africa 1,190 1,500 1,610 2,030 +35% +35%
Asia & N.Am 1,220 1,540 1,650 2,110 +35% +36%
Asia & Europe 1,550 1,790 1,550 1,790 0% 0%
Asia & HNL/PPT1,230 1,540 1,230 1,540 0% 0%
Asia & M.East 1,190 1,500 1,610 2,030 +35% +35%
Afr. & Europe 1,190 1,500 1,190 1,500 0% 0%
Afr. & M.East 920 1,140 1,240 1,550 +35% +36%
N.Am & C.Am 950 1,160 1,290 1,570 +36% +35%
N.Am & S.Am 1,190 1,500 1,610 2,030 +35% +35%
N.Am & Pacific1,160 1,470 1,160 1,470 0% 0%
N.Am & Europe 1,550 1,790 2,410 2,780 +55% +55%
N.Am & HNL/PPT1,160 1,500 1,160 1,500 0% 0%
N.Am & M.East 1,130 1,820 1,760 2,830 +56% +55%
N.Am & Africa 1,770 2,300 2,760 3,570 +56% +55%
C.Am & S.Am 950 1,160 1,290 1,570 +36% +35%
C.Am & Europe 1,450 1,820 2,260 2,830 +56% +55%
C.Am & Oz 1,260 1,580 1,260 1,580 0% 0%
S.Am & Europe 1,450 1,820 2,260 2,830 +56% +55%
S.Am & M.East 1,450 1,820 2,260 2,830 +56% +55%
S.Am & Oz 1,260 1,580 1,260 1,580 0% 0%
Eur. & HNL/PPT1,820 2,510 1,820 2,510 0% 0%
Eur. & M.East 950 1,880 1,290 2,550 +36% +36%

Intra zone
<2000 km 460 680 460 680 0% 0%
>2000 km 600 870 810 1,180 +35% +36%

So not only is the earning not matching increased fares (and hence increased burn rates on NZ) but they want to increase burn rates on upgrades and mixed itin awards? :td:

Posted from the point of view of someone with no status ...

I am glad that all flights will now at least get status points - I will at least get some status (most of flights I take in the past have earned nothing, so I tended to us QF when I can). So a good move by AirNZ to make me loyal to them.

However as KF points out my AirBucks dont go as far as they used to - every $100 rise in the price of an airfare I wish to purchase means an extra 8.3 domestic flights at 12 status points.

AirNZ really has us screwed.

.

2) Mixed itinerary earning will now be partner airline flights on the partner chart and Air NZ flights on the Air NZ chart.

About time. Removes one of the biggest annoyances. However I do question whether this will be positive in every situation, because the Air NZ chart is per journey and the partner chart is per flight. Will have to see how they've applied it first.


This should eliminate the confusion surrounding the "mixed accrual bonus" award that all FF's are supposed to receive on flights to/from the USA.

Overall I'd put this as a net devaluation of 25%. Others may have different views.

All the talk of status earning on cheap fares is a distraction from the real impact changes.

I'm not happy.

I thought it would be worthwhile to get some calculations done on the value of inflation.

These figures compare the new NZ longhaul business award costs on 1 December with those put into effect with Airpoints Dollars on 16 November 2004.

It has been divided by 4 to get what is roughly an annual inflation rate.

New Original Inflation Divided by 4
Honolulu 1830 725 152.414% 38.10 %
Noumea/Tahiti 710 725 -
Asia 1980 1000 98% 24.50 %
North America 2790 1250 123.2% 30.80 %
London 3190 1600 99.375% 24.84 %

Overall I'd put this as a net devaluation of 25%. Others may have different views.

All the talk of status earning on cheap fares is a distraction from the real impact changes.

I'm not happy.

that's the 'good news' they want to sell, to hide the other news.

Are the changes enough to push people to other programmes - and if so which?

that's the 'good news' they want to sell, to hide the other news.

Are the changes enough to push people to other programmes - and if so which?

so what are the real choices, does NZ read this forum??

I think the increased mileage requirements are yet another suck at getting down the balance sheet liablity for miles, the %increases are in my opinion TOTALLY unfair when we consider the price increases yes they are tactically selling seat on akl-syd but they aint from wlg thats for sure so whilst they say fares have come down , for some they have but many of us not. now we see our bank of pioints value AUTOMATICALLY diminish by X % , the dec 1 date is that for flights or redemption.? so my plans for the big oe UG now will screw me...hmmm

so with the change in points using *star partners where do stand with

akl-sfo nz metal -lh ticket
sfo -fra -yvr LH
Yvr-akl NZ Nz ticket seemingly as seperate PNR

last time i posted this i got
260 (plus bonus of 40)
90
90
260 (plus bonus of 40)

i am probabaly thick but am confused what i wll get now....

now i have just logged in to MY air nz , this is intersting , it has deleted my 3 comp upgrades, it has recognized a itinanary that is the LH one and shows up as my next flights , but wont show the YVR -akl flight which is on a nz pnr???

some nice features there designed to help us spend points easily!! can be deleted as they are widgest i see.

further does current status miles stand for the 2500 "gift" as it should as i have earnt a lot of points this year ......

lastly i dont see the status date on my deatils and how many points i need to maintain , perhaps its too new???

My interpretation was that this was just affirming the mixed accrual bonus system.

A PNR booked with a second airline or through a GDS will always have a seperate PNR within that which is housed on NZs system.

If you think about it Airpoints Dollars is a genius scheme (As long as the customers don't leave) - as inflation eats away at the value, and NZ don't pay interest.

The problem is these fixed redemptions - ugs, star partners and longhaul business redemptions. Still they have managed to get away with increasing AKL-HNL by to over 2.5 times what it was in just 4 years. And the product remains unchanged.

now i have just logged in to MY air nz , this is intersting , it has deleted my 3 comp upgrades, it has recognized a itinanary that is the LH one and shows up as my next flights , but wont show the YVR -akl flight which is on a nz pnr??3 Comp upgrades?

Do the LH segs show up?

Overall I'd put this as a net devaluation of 25%. Others may have different views.

All the talk of status earning on cheap fares is a distraction from the real impact changes.

I'm not happy.

and i agree ENTIRELY with that sentiment they have "flossed" this really well the underlying principal is our loyalty is being diminshed and if taken "personally" valued less.

the dec 1 date is that for flights or redemption.?

You need to have awards ticketed, or upgrades confirmed before 1 December (NZ time) to get the current rate ... except for those cases where the rate is not changing.

Note any seat redemptions are totally unimpacted by the changes.

so with the change in points using *star partners where do stand with

akl-sfo nz metal -lh ticket
sfo -fra -yvr LH
Yvr-akl NZ Nz ticket seemingly as seperate PNR

last time i posted this i got
260 (plus bonus of 40)
90
90
260 (plus bonus of 40)

i am probabaly thick but am confused what i wll get now....

Assuming this is in business class you should get 300+90+90+300, ie the same.

My interpretation was that this was just affirming the mixed accrual bonus system.

No. Mixed accrual bonus applies only on NZ to North America, LAX-LHR, LHR-HKG and NZ to Asia. However someone doing something like JNB-PER-AKL in business class will see their PER-AKL earn jump from 40 (yes it is that mean at the moment) to 110.

If you think about it Airpoints Dollars is a genius scheme (As long as the customers don't leave) - as inflation eats away at the value, and NZ don't pay interest.

Of course this is a major reason earning was fixed instead of being linked to airfare. (Then again, SQ PPS changes shows that linking to airfare is problematic if you have differential earning rates on own metal vs other airlines.)

The problem is these fixed redemptions - ugs, star partners and longhaul business redemptions. Still they have managed to get away with increasing AKL-HNL by to over 2.5 times what it was in just 4 years. And the product remains unchanged.

Not quite unchanged. New PTV and AVOD has recently been added.

now i have just logged in to MY air nz , this is intersting , it has deleted my 3 comp upgrades

How did you get 3? Normally when you go up a status level the complimentary upgrades earnt at the previous level are removed if they were unused.

"How did you get 3? Normally when you go up a status level the complimentary upgrades earnt at the previous level are removed if they were unused."


I actaully had 4 as i was recredited two for a disrupt at LAX in april and also after complaining got a points credit along with miles fro UA C class to syd- and then to wlg so they recredited the two back on top of my renewing GE , Woman used one on syd wlg which i was annoyed about but anyway i need to deal with that. so i guess it was timing thing.
Better get on and use these.
thanks for points comments will report back when i get back on that score.


so wehre are my status pointsor are these the figure including the advance , which i dont think somehow , perhaps they havent been posted up yet etc.

You need to have awards ticketed, or upgrades confirmed before 1 December (NZ time) to get the current rate ... except for those cases where the rate is not changing.

Note any seat redemptions are totally unimpacted by the changes.

when you say seat redemptions are totatlly etc can you explain , hmmm this make sit tricky as i am away all of november ...ah well :td:

any seat redemption = using airbucks instead of $ on Air NZ only bookings

the changes impact
* upgrades (other than complimentary upgrades)
* "discounted" longhaul business awards
* partner awards (which includes mixed NZ-other itineraries)
* earning on mixed NZ-other itineraries
but no impact on
* NZ only itineraries (any seat awards or earning on paid tickets)

3 Comp upgrades?

Do the LH segs show up?

was four as mentioned below...

yes this what i find strange the PNR is the one i received from expedia for the LH ticket and its this one that shows up in myair nz, it shows all flights , 3 with LH no and one with NZ number and then goes to show as i said elswehere that the flight to sfo is "operated by luthansa" i know its code shared by LH and ac etc etc but is specifcic thatthe operator is LH , not that it matters really i dont think??

do others myairnz web page show there status miles ??

No. Mixed accrual bonus applies only on NZ to North America, LAX-LHR, LHR-HKG and NZ to Asia. However someone doing something like JNB-PER-AKL in business class will see their PER-AKL earn jump from 40 (yes it is that mean at the moment) to 110.Trust you to run into a problem like that :D

It sounds from your report that the AVOD is a downward step with narrower seating!

do others myairnz web page show there status miles ??

Mine does ... and they're even correct. :rolleyes:

Mine does ... and they're even correct. :rolleyes:

:) lucky you..maybe i have to start again....:confused:

do others myairnz web page show there status miles ??

mine does, but is missing just over 1000 status points

Trust you to run into a problem like that :D

It sounds from your report that the AVOD is a downward step with narrower seating!

That was just one example. There are plenty of others. Trans-tasman is another example - current system lose half the value on a mixed airline itinerary. It is not as if you have a choice of *A airlines on the Tasman.

mine does, but is missing just over 1000 status points

Didn't think you'd notice a mere 1000 missing. ;)

I cheked the Aussie site yesterday and upgrades don't seem to have increased or have i missed something:confused:

It's hard not to notice when page after page of detail has flights with airbucks but no status points.

I cheked the Aussie site yesterday and upgrades don't seem to have increased or have i missed something:confused:

Did you click through to this chart (http://www.airnewzealand.com.au/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/upgrade_chart_au_2.htm)? The changes are effective 1 December so the old charts are still the default values.

Changes in status earnings ok for me, though the number of status points to reach and maintain G and GE has gone up a little.

I notice East Aus to Asia on AirNZ in BP will earn the same as AKL to Asia, 210 status points. Best to do as two separate tickets to maximise the earning, I hope this will be possible.

Good news about the mixed carrier earnings, this should have been fixed years ago.

Quick query, what is the status earning for non AirNZ flights on Star Alliance?
Looked on the web page but couldn't find any details. Will it be the same as the number of Airpoints earnings?

Changes in status earnings ok for me, though the number of status points to reach and maintain G and GE has gone up a little.

That is just an exchange rate effect. The requirements in NZ (and everywhere other than Australia and Norfolk Island) are unchanged.

Quick query, what is the status earning for non AirNZ flights on Star Alliance?
Looked on the web page but couldn't find any details. Will it be the same as the number of Airpoints earnings?

For longhaul all flights earn status points at exactly the same rate as they earn airpoints dollars. OZ partner earning chart (http://www.airnewzealand.com.au/airpoints/earning_airpoints_dollars/star_earn_accrual_au.htm). Note partner earning is unchanged.

This might have been alluded to earlier...

My Status credits are now "up".... and interestingly they are different to the Airbucks earnings for specific flights... (I am Aussie based)

In fact the Status point crediting is the same as the NZ based Airbucks earnings for those flights...

That may of course be intentional... or related to what KF said earlier.... maybe we all earn the same status points.. and have the same qual levels now???

I have not researched that.. it's getting late!!! ;)

Well seems that us Australians are up for some great discounts. When you click on the current (pre Dec 1) partner award chart to go to the new rates, this (http://www.airnewzealand.com.au/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/flight_rewards/star_reward_redemption_2.htm)is what you get. Obviously a mistake! Anyone seen the new rates for Aussie Airpoints members?

Well seems that us Australians are up for some great discounts.

I saw that too! Makes this a very attractive program, with an earn:burn ratio of 1. :p

Am very disappointed by the devaluation of my modest balance. Based on the NZ changes and my (previously) planned redemption, I'd need 55% more dollars. Not sure what I'll do now.

Received an email from NZ regarding changes to airpoints. Only 6 days behind schedule :)

Discounted business class awards on NZ are also going up 1 December (http://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airpoints/spending_airpoints_dollars/flight_rewards/discounted_business_award_fares_nz.htm).


One-way cost (+ taxes)
AKL to Current New
Honolulu 1,060 1,830 +73%
Noumea 1,020 710 -30%
Tahiti 1,020 710 -30%
Asia 1,420 1,980 +39%
USA 1,750 2,790 +59%
Canada 1,750 2,790 +59%
London 2,270 3,190 +41%


NOU/PPT are the exception, but their existing award cost was over-priced (being higher than some fares).
On the new scale, HNL and Asia look overpriced relative to fares.

Well these increases seem to reasonable for those on the eastern side of the ditch. For those of us on the other side things are a little bit more dire with regards to these "special" business class fares(and you've got to remember these are AUD's not NZD airpoints):

One-way cost (+ taxes)
from Eastern Australia
to old new
Honolulu 1,290 2,130 +65%
Noumea/Tahiti 920 1,250 +36%
Asia 1,305 2,360 +81%
North America 1,590 4,150 +161%
London 2,070 4,200 +103%


So for a business class to North America, the best way would be to do one redemption to AKL (959++), then a second from AKL (if avail) for 2790NZD converted to AUD airpoints at prevailing rate.

On the upside the new Aussie airpoints chart has been posted and no changes for Australia to North America on star alliance - which is still good value (on either UA or AC - 740 in Y, 1590 in C). But Asia/Europe routes are significantly more expensive (the influence of SQ perhaps??)

Quote:
Gold Elite Gifts

We've introduced Gold Elite Gifts to thank our Gold Elite members for choosing to fly with us so frequently. When a member reaches 2500 Status Points from their last requalification date, we'll get in touch with them to ask what gift they would like. An example of a Gold Elite Gift could include:

* A degustation and wine match dinner for two at one of the award winning restaurants of our consultant chefs.
* A case of medal winning wines from the Air New Zealand Wine Awards.
* An extra year at Gold Elite status.

So is the above another way of saying they are going to scrap the christmas gift for gold elites?

To update the NZ*E+ gifts are additional to NZ*E christmas gifts, at least this time. Delivery of the first batch is now due February.

Check you Status Points After you fly.

I had to do a Manual Claim for my SYD-AKL on Monday, AKL-BNE worked straight away.

on the subject of status points , i have a had a small "debate" with NZ regards the fact that as i requal'd in half a year my staus poiints on my statement disappear , this is not right in my opinion, i will not make double status like some but i do need to know what the amount is so i can decide to throw them at another program or actaully try hard to reach the new level. i have banged on about this for some time that the , ongoing miles between requal and anniversary go down the plug hole and this is jolly unfair. No one will gove me a reason why the status points tally diappears , i would believe it becasue we dont think abt how many miles we are accruing in dead zone , yes i know i can choose to accrue them elsewhere but as i have already over requal'd by 200 which cant be helped i am in a diff position. i wont have enough to make enough i dont think in say TG but perhaps those who are wise could make a comment , as i estimate i will accrue the equivalent of 600 staus points before anniversary rollover.

on the subject of status points , i have a had a small "debate" with NZ regards the fact that as i requal'd in half a year my staus poiints on my statement disappear , this is not right in my opinion, i will not make double status like some but i do need to know what the amount is so i can decide to throw them at another program or actaully try hard to reach the new level. i have banged on about this for some time that the , ongoing miles between requal and anniversary go down the plug hole and this is jolly unfair. No one will gove me a reason why the status points tally diappears , i would believe it becasue we dont think abt how many miles we are accruing in dead zone , yes i know i can choose to accrue them elsewhere but as i have already over requal'd by 200 which cant be helped i am in a diff position. i wont have enough to make enough i dont think in say TG but perhaps those who are wise could make a comment , as i estimate i will accrue the equivalent of 600 staus points before anniversary rollover.I doubt they do this deliberately - the sort of people that program shop usually would keep detailed records of their accruals (or even simple ones).

The answer to your last question depends on whether the status points being earned on longhaul or shorthaul or domestic flights, in C or Y?

There is a monthly sweep to check who qualifies for NZ*E+ gifts.

Recently recieved the Elite+ gift and we are looking forward to the free night out at Citreon (in my opinion one of the best restaurants in WLG). Thanks Air New Zealand. ^^