Hidden among the hype about the new Pacific Express launch is some less welcome news - an increase in the points cost of flying business class.

Firstly, the business class award cost has risen from 50,000 to 60,000 for Tasman and Pacific flights (excluding flights to/from Perth or Tahiti/Hawaii). Companion awards rise from 35,000 to 42,000. From Australia to the Pacific, a business class award is now 100,000 - I think this is unchanged? (Can I just use this opportunity to point out once again what poor value these awards represent compared to some of the other *A FFP's - for example, AC Aeroplan allows flights from anywhere in Australia/NZ/South Pacific to anywhere else in the region for 25K in Y / 35K in J / 45K in F. Hmmmm, which one should I choose - Perth to Tahiti in AirNZ business for 35K on Aeroplan or 180K using AirPoints?

Secondly, the cost of upgrading between NZ and Australia and NZ and the Pacific Islands is to increase from 10,000 AirPoints to 15,000 AirPoints. Only the intra-Pacific upgrade awards remain at 10,000 points. You can see the upgrade chart here. I had just been thinking that the upgrade costs were a bit too reasonable to last!

Anyway, I'm glad I got in my trans-Tasman upgrade before the rule change! According to Highpoints, these changes take effect for bookings made from March 31 - presumably that means you can book now for flights from April onwards and pay the old rate.

[edited to fix link]

[This message has been edited by mad_atta (edited Mar 02, 2004).]