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Originally Posted by
ab2013
Hmmm I might take that into account when I look at AU-NZ tickets, though I originally planned on redeeming Avios rewards for a flight on QF through Chase and swiping my Priority Pass card for comp lounge access and/or food+drink (after all, have to live up to my reputation as a millennial). Will be sure to report my experience!
Using ff miles/points for an economy TT fare can be poor value compared to cash. There is a lot of competition Australia - New Zealand on the trans Tasman route. Trans Tasman pricing is very competitive. Fares are often ~AU/NZ$225-$275 one way in economy/coach, but can be more or less. Both economy & business fares can be low to very low. Or at peak times can be very high (double or triple the lowest). Air NZ often has
sales. China Airlines were usually cheapest in the (southern hemisphere) summers of 2015-16, 2016-17 & 2017-18. Often best to buy on the com.au or co.nz web sites and/or select NZ or Australia in the upper part of web site as point of sale (POS).
Flights, east coast Australia BNE SYD MEL, to NZ are scheduled to take about 3:15hr to 3:45hr. East bound is a little faster due to prevailing winds. The flight schedules are padded so they often arrive early.
There is no advantage in buying a Aust-NZ return ticket. All air fares in Australia and New Zealand are sold as one ways. Effectively no such thing as a “return” with or without conditions. A “return” is just 2 one ways in a single PNR/ticket. It is often better to buy one ways, including on different carriers. Purchasing in NZ is often cheaper than purchasing the same NZ to Australia flight as the second leg of a “return” purchased in Australia.
For trans Tasman flights carefully check what is included in the price. Depending on the airline and/or fare booking class frequent flyer miles,
water, food, checked baggage, seat selection and/or in flight entertainment can all be extra to the base fare.
Airlines that fly trans Tasman routes Australia (CNS* MCY* BNE OOL NCL SYD CBR MEL ADL PER) to/from New Zealand (AKL WLG CHC DUD ZQN) (not from all airports to all airports).
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