Air Nz offering 'Change Flexibility', but only for new bookings.
Mar 10, 2020, 2:56 pm
#16
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Programs: Krisflyer, Qantas Frequent Flyer, Air NZ Airpoints, Koru, NZ*S and former *G
Posts: 317
Yes, I have had fares held in credit previously and would be a fair outcome, we have 2 pax booked on long hauls that are (possibly) going to be changed - outward in PE to LHR which is non-cancellable (and cost too much to walk away from) but can be changed for a $50 fee per one way, and returning flights in J (CPH to CHC) which can be cancelled for $250 fee or changed for $100 fee.
What I do not understand is the differentiated treatment for existing bookings vs new bookings, which is saying new business is more important to them than my current business, and yes NZ is being less flexible than many other airlines.
What I do not understand is the differentiated treatment for existing bookings vs new bookings, which is saying new business is more important to them than my current business, and yes NZ is being less flexible than many other airlines.
Last edited by ottiehund; Mar 10, 2020 at 3:07 pm Reason: correction
Mar 10, 2020, 5:00 pm
#17
Join Date: Apr 2018
Programs: NZ *G
Posts: 90
Mar 10, 2020, 7:07 pm
#19
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: NZ*E
Posts: 808
to my understanding, they are, but for my bookings, they will charge me another service fee is I do not rebook at the time this is put in credit. Change fee is $50 per sector, and service fee is $60 per sector, so for me, it is $220 when I rebook when I put in credit
Mar 10, 2020, 8:44 pm
#20
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Auckland
Programs: NZ Elite Partner/Silver (in own right), PR Classic, QF Bronze, UA Member, VA Red
Posts: 1,551
Yes, I tried to cancel flights without having to pay the penalty but the person on the phone/their supervisor was not helpful and refused to waive the penalty. That is ok (I did pay the cheap, non-refundable fare as well) but then I got a lecture about how I should take vitamin D supplements to 'boost my immune system' to prevent the coronavirus! The person on the phone also suggested that COVID-19 rates were so high in the northern hemisphere because over there it is winter and sunlight levels are low leading to low levels of vitamin D! Extremely unprofessional and, frankly, useless information. I am in the medical field so I know the truth.. vitamin D does not prevent COVID-19!
Mar 10, 2020, 10:33 pm
#21
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: New Zealand (when I'm home!)
Programs: Air NZ Elite
Posts: 1,218
Ah that's a relief. A $220 fee is obviously not everyone's most ideal outcome, but losing thousands of dollars vs. losing $220, I'll take my $220!
Mar 11, 2020, 12:15 pm
#22
Join Date: May 2005
Location: YYJ
Programs: AC-E50K / WS-P / Hyatt-G
Posts: 257
Use of credit...
Hello there, I'm in a similar situation--will call to try to get a credit for a booking which is non-refundable. Preserving the credit for 12m is a decent option, at least it is better than losing the entire cost of the booking.
Quick question--as Air NZ is a SA carrier, would I be able to use the credit on other SA carrier flights? I suppose the question is, could I call Air NZ, pay their service fee and change fee, and for example, book with my Air NZ credit, flights from YVR to HNL for instance?
Thanks all! Apologies if this is a ridiculous question!
Quick question--as Air NZ is a SA carrier, would I be able to use the credit on other SA carrier flights? I suppose the question is, could I call Air NZ, pay their service fee and change fee, and for example, book with my Air NZ credit, flights from YVR to HNL for instance?
Thanks all! Apologies if this is a ridiculous question!
Mar 11, 2020, 5:32 pm
#25
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: New Zealand
Programs: Air NZ *E
Posts: 142
Hello there, I'm in a similar situation--will call to try to get a credit for a booking which is non-refundable. Preserving the credit for 12m is a decent option, at least it is better than losing the entire cost of the booking.
Quick question--as Air NZ is a SA carrier, would I be able to use the credit on other SA carrier flights? I suppose the question is, could I call Air NZ, pay their service fee and change fee, and for example, book with my Air NZ credit, flights from YVR to HNL for instance?
Thanks all! Apologies if this is a ridiculous question!
Quick question--as Air NZ is a SA carrier, would I be able to use the credit on other SA carrier flights? I suppose the question is, could I call Air NZ, pay their service fee and change fee, and for example, book with my Air NZ credit, flights from YVR to HNL for instance?
Thanks all! Apologies if this is a ridiculous question!
Mar 12, 2020, 12:47 pm
#26
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,098
Air NZ policy changed last night to offer flexibility for all long haul bookings prior to 1st July. No flexibility on Aussie and Pacific Islands yet, but I guess in the coming weeks when flights are all cancelled they'll have to extend it!
Mar 12, 2020, 7:26 pm
#27
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: NZ*E
Posts: 808
is that all bookings for travel before 1 July? what a shame that I have already got mine with a service charge - or may be I should not complaint as I to the main truck back...
Mar 12, 2020, 9:10 pm
#28
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: New Zealand (most of the time)
Programs: Air NZ Elite *G, Honors Gold, IHG Platinum Elite
Posts: 6,098
Mar 12, 2020, 11:23 pm
#29
Join Date: Feb 2011
Programs: NZ*E
Posts: 808
Mar 13, 2020, 8:58 pm
#30
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 93
Given Air New Zealand's primary responsibility is to their shareholders I imagine the original policy was a way to help stem the bleeding to a degree. Considering Air NZ's passengers are largely inelastic, they probably don't really care about people being a bit miffed. What are they gonna do - fly Qantas for the rest of their lives?