Air New Zealand Air Points - AKL Domestic Check-In... how to talk to live person?

Flying AKL//ZQN on some cheap tix. At 6'7" tall I would love a Space+ seat but cannot get one ahead of time. I've already tried by email for some pity but it was unsuccessful. That leaves trying in person at the airport.

Never been to AKL but from what I have read here and in trip reports they seem to have domestic checkin fully automated. So... what is the process for wanting to talk to a live human being about getting a little sympathy and a Space+ seat? I don't want to look like I'm lost and need help with the machine and I don't want just any human out there to help with the machines or baggage drop. I want to walk up to someone who can actually pull up our flight and has the ability to put me in Space+ and hand me a new BP. Where do I find such a person when checking in at AKL?

Thanks.

p.s. No *A status.

If you walk straight in to the ANZ Check-In section, on your left there is a person sitting at a desk, which can do all those tricky things. Sporting Goods, Large Items and probably seating in your case.

What Jetsetkiwi has said, also there are plenty of Air NZ staff around to assist usually.

As above info. Plenty of staff wandering around as well as actual counters on either side of the automated machines. You will need to check-in with the machine first then go to the person at the counter and ask to move forward. I do this all the time when flying NZ. I just ask if there is any chance of getting a seat further up the front...has been successful every time.

Good luck.

Try to preselect row 13 or 14, these rows at 31" pitch, which will help if you cant get space plus.

Just be great full that the 28" pitch didnt last very long at all.

This trip report has some good photos of the domestic terminal @AKL

http://www.airliners.net/aviation-forums/trip_reports/read.main/150733/

If desperate, the less sympathetic might suggest you buy a Koru Club or RCC membership if the leg room is that important. Of course, this commentator is only 1.7m ... but seriously, if you have no status but require legroom, then it may be worth it.

Cheers, TK

Try to preselect row 13 or 14, these rows at 31" pitch, which will help if you cant get space plus.

This trip report has some good photos of the domestic terminal @AKL


Currently in Row 13. Also, I wast just looking at that trip report. It was what spurred me to post this thread.

If desperate, the less sympathetic might suggest you buy a Koru Club or RCC membership if the leg room is that important. Of course, this commentator is only 1.7m ... but seriously, if you have no status but require legroom, then it may be worth it.


I just don't think I can justify it as I rarely fly *A. AKL/ZQN isn't the end of the world. I knew what I was risking when I bought the cheap tickets. I'm going to fall back on my hope that when I actually stand next to an agent and they look at me a hair over 2m they realize I actually need the seat. EF shows moderate loads out and light loads back, so hopefully it will work out.

Thanks for all the replies.

My friend, well over 2m, got upgraded Y-->F on QF BNE-LAX, no status, so you can always get lucky :)

If desperate, the less sympathetic might suggest you buy a Koru Club or RCC membership if the leg room is that important. Of course, this commentator is only 1.7m ... but seriously, if you have no status but require legroom, then it may be worth it.

Cheers, TKRCC - how would that do it?

It wouldn't! Was thinking of lounge access....:o

Well spotted.....

RCC - how would that do it?
Indirectly, by asking a Koru agent in the lounge to sort out a better seat - which they will do happily, if you're in the lounge.