Originally Posted by
Joneseight
This is my first post, but have been lurking around for quite a while now. Finally thought is was time to sign-up and start contributing.
I think it has been pretty clear what Air NZ has been trying to convey to their frequent fliers over the last while, and this recent change is not at all surprising.
I gave up on their program ever since they started reducing partner airline earning, over a year ago.
Before Air NZ diluted the value of Airpoints dollars with the Airpoints top-up feature, using points for partner award bookings was never worth while. However when I look at the new partner award chart, it seems that you can get some very good deals on flights. Assuming there is award availability.
e.g. A return flight(works) from AKL to PER costs over $1000, but if you booked an award flight flying Virgin you would pay only $635 (460 + 175tax).
Or a oneway flight from NZ to North America(I presume that also includes the east coast) are $750 for economy and $2040 for Business, which is unbelievably cheap.
However, does anyone know what surcharges are added? And what the maximum mileage, that can be flown for a given route is? Do they allow you to fly from NZ to North America via Asia. Or NZ to Australia via Asia?
You cannot book NZ only flights based on the partner chart. NZ awards are whatever is for sale. So in order to book AKL-PER you would have to involve a partner airline in the same itinerary.
From New Zealand to North America, I think you would have trouble finding availibility most of the time.
I am not too sure about fuel surcharges, but you will need to pay $100 booking fee per booking.
NZ partner awards are on one way per sector basis. So for instance, to book AKL-HKT via BKK, you would need to book a AKL-BKK and a BKK-HKT.
I know the redemption rates are better than before but if you have a look at US or AV which allows you to buy miles as well, they are hardly good value.