Air New Zealand Air Points - questions flying YVR-AKL-SYD

Hi Folks,

I purchased a award ticket using UA points for my Fiancee to fly YVR-AKL-SYD in business. I have a few questions I was hoping some of you might be able to answer.

-Will she need any visa or documentation to transit via AKL to SYD? Aside from Visa to enter Australia, does she need any other documents for NZ or health checks/forms?

-Is there a lounge she can use in YVR? I am unsure of if there is a Maple Leaf Lounge in the internationals area (I am unfamiliar with this part of the airport in Vancouver). Her flight departs at 9pm...

-Can anyone comment on the 777 flown between YVR and AKL? She is flying business... How does it compare to new UA Business product? Any suggestions for her trip?

-She is scheduled to arrive in AKL at 6am and depart again at 7am. Does she have to clear any customs or anything in Auckland? Does the flight ever land early or is there any padding built into the schedule? Is this enough time for a connection? I don't assume she will have time to stop at a NZ *A lounge in AKL...

Any other comments/suggestions would be greatly appreciated. She is not a seasoned traveler and I would like to flesh out any and all surprises before she departs.

Thanks in advance.

Those that need a visa to enter NZ also need a visa to transit NZ. But many nationalities do not require a visa (eg US, Canada, Australia, etc).

Currently NZ does have a (rather long) health form. All arriving international passengers have to fill this in, including international transit passengers.

Australia also has a health form (much shorter). Not that it is relevant for her, but international transit passengers do not need to complete this form.

In YVR Air NZ uses AC Maple Leaf Lounge in the international part of the terminal (as opposed to domestic or transborder). NZ business class on 777 (or 747) is great. Great flat suites, great service, good food & drink, great IFE which starts as soon as you board and only finishes on touchdown. Being a long overnight flight there is an opportunity for a decent sleep.

At AKL she should follow the signs for international transit. (This is on the right at the base of the pier on which the arrival gate will be located.) If turn left along a passage and up a slight slope then she has gone too far. There is a security check (and hand over the health forms), but no need for immigration (unless checked luggage was only tagged to AKL). Once through turn left and then left again down a corridor to get to the lounge. Transits do not take long so she will have time for a shower or a coffee if she is quick.

1 hour is fine for this transit. If the flight departs YVR on time then it will likely arrive in AKL early - Air NZ pads schedules same as most airlines (not as excessively as some though). In the unlikely event the YVR flight is delayed then either the 7am flight may also be delayed or she will be rebooked onto the next Air NZ flight to Sydney (9am IIRC).

Those that need a visa to enter NZ also need a visa to transit NZ. But many nationalities do not require a visa (eg US, Canada, Australia, etc).

Currently NZ does have a (rather long) health form. All arriving international passengers have to fill this in, including international transit passengers.

Australia also has a health form (much shorter). Not that it is relevant for her, but international transit passengers do not need to complete this form.

In YVR Air NZ uses AC Maple Leaf Lounge in the international part of the terminal (as opposed to domestic or transborder). NZ business class on 777 (or 747) is great. Great flat suites, great service, good food & drink, great IFE which starts as soon as you board and only finishes on touchdown. Being a long overnight flight there is an opportunity for a decent sleep.

At AKL she should follow the signs for international transit. (This is on the right at the base of the pier on which the arrival gate will be located.) If turn left along a passage and up a slight slope then she has gone too far. There is a security check (and hand over the health forms), but no need for immigration (unless checked luggage was only tagged to AKL). Once through turn left and then left again down a corridor to get to the lounge. Transits do not take long so she will have time for a shower or a coffee if she is quick.

1 hour is fine for this transit. If the flight departs YVR on time then it will likely arrive in AKL early - Air NZ pads schedules same as most airlines (not as excessively as some though). In the unlikely event the YVR flight is delayed then either the 7am flight may also be delayed or she will be rebooked onto the next Air NZ flight to Sydney (9am IIRC).

Thank you for the detailed response Kiwi Flyer. She is Canadian so I assume her passport will suffice for transit purposes. Regarding the health form, is this something she receives at check-in or on the plane, or will she need to complete this prior to check-in? Also, will Air NZ generate a ETA for Australia for her or does she have to apply for this online herself?

Thanks again,

The health forms are handed out on the aircraft. She will need to arrange the Australian ETA herself. I do not know if Air NZ offers to assist with this ex-Canada.

Wow - YVR has gone to a 744?! Is the route really doing so well?

Wow - YVR has gone to a 744?! Is the route really doing so well?

It has?

It looks like it... I checked for the first week of July, and it appears to be a 744.

Well it was on the 14/06 AKL-YVR with one free BP seat upstairs, and again tonight YVR-AKL 21/06 on my way home ^

How were the loads on your return flight?

It looks like it... I checked for the first week of July, and it appears to be a 744.

For fun I looked at late July, also looks like a 744... But it switches to 777 in August, when my SO is booked.

How were the loads on your return flight?

PE wasn't full on the return, so you'd stand a good chance of obtaining an u/g.

It has been a 744 for some time (but sadly does revert). It's quite popular with people flying on the LH Wunderbar to FRA.