Originally Posted by
dadig
I think enough said that RU are pointless unless you are into a feeling lucky like the lottery.
If flying J/PE is important then book it direct. I fall into this category but certainly will ask the call centre on award seats before booking. I don't like leaving things to chance. My issue is Air NZ does not make this distinction clear enough and in many respects is less "recognition" and more "chance"/"luck"
I definitely don't fall into the "enough" category and have to respectfully disagree.
Only ever have 1x RU request (Gold) and 1x Elite APD request not come through in the past 4 years. Otherwise my RUs or E-APD always clear, most of the time at booking, with the rest almost all at T-7 days prior, and once or twice only at the gate.
That is including on NZ1/2, to North America and to Asia.
Trans Tasman route is a 99.99% certainty of clearing as well.
Bookings are spread between 6-8 months out (early-bird sales) and "last minute" 3-4 weeks out, travelling throughout the year.
Honestly I am at a loss of so many Elites (and Golds) complaining about not ever able to use RU. Surely I am not the only "exception"...