Originally Posted by
b1m9t0
Pardon? Don't think to speak on behalf of New Zealand citizens, especially if you are not one. New Zealand is its own sovereign state and the government passes legislation for New Zealand as it sees fit. The government is also a majority shareholder in Air New Zealand. If Air New Zealand's refund policy was so abhorrent to taxpayers then there are mechanisms for it to be addressed and the law to change.
The USA and EU have such laws in place because they are significantly larger markets and experience significantly more delays and flight cancellations than [Air] New Zealand. A once in 100 year global pandemic is not necessarily justification to introduce laws demanding Air New Zealand and other airlines operation here refund in this and that situation. If anything, it is likely it would happen in conjunction with Australia.
Concur really.
Outside of this AirNZ was good at refunding the few cancellations they had (outside of weather, which most likely wouldn't be covered anyway). To me this is the key part in BAU operations AirNZ refunded without a stick of legislation.
Even when they were first bringing in flight changes (a week before NZ's border changes) a trip I had to Japan which had the return shifted a day was offered a refund or change to next day. (I'm kicking myself as said change day).
I suspect AirNZ will go back to this policy, once this is all over. Just now with a global pandemic cash is king. I doubt the Govt will want to change things which means a national asset (a lot of exports & tourism requires an airline based in NZ with a focus on NZ) will become insolvent.
Yes a refund would be nice but I understand the business needs for credits. Future international travel for me would be more difficult without AirNZ as an airline.