Originally Posted by
Mwenenzi
USA law only applies for USA. USA does not make laws for or in New Zealand.
If a flight was purchased in New Zealand, NZ laws will apply.
New Zealand is a sovereign country.
US transport regulator rules apply to all flights to, within, or from that jurisdiction. US DOT has jurisdiction over OP's ticket, which originates within the United States. The United States is also a sovereign country, with the authority to regulate transport within, terminating at, or originating from, its soil. As the flight originated in the United States, US DOT rules apply. You are wrong.