jeffrocowboy

Hi all, hoping for some advice before I call NZ so I might know what to expect.

I have an upcoming trip: AKL-HKG-FRA on NZ (first sector), CX (second sector) - one NZ ticket with a 8 hour transit at HKG.

AirNZ have now had a schedule change and suggested moving to the AKL-HKG flight 24 hours earlier creating a 32 hour 'transit' in HKG. In normal circumstances I would have been ok with this longer stop in HKG - always something to do. But with HKG COVID testing requirements it's a bit more of an inconvenience.

Is it likely AirNZ would offer any other routing on the desired data of travel - e.g. an option via SIN is available

Are there any other options that I could pursue.

The option of putting flight into credit exists.

Thanks for any suggestions.

nzkarit

How far out are we talking as to close everything is booked.

I have had suggestions of different routes in past. Do some research first. Have some dates and flight numbers handy when talking.

jeffrocowboy

Flights are in April - there is availability via SIN

codyc1515

Yes - it is worthwhile to research some options. You can sometimes do quite well out of this from a SP/APD perspective.

jeffrocowboy

yes the option via SIN was out first preference, but it was a lot more expensive

Thai-Kiwi

Ask them to change to via SIN as the offered re-schedule is unsuitable to you.

I have a more trivial case WLG-BKK in PE, initially WLG(NZ)-CHC(NZ)-SIN(SQ)-BKK as via AKL on NZ was too expensive. Then NZ elected to cancel CHC-SIN and put us on a codeshare SQ metal CHC-SIN with a lousy SP earn. I asked that we were re-routed WLG(NZ)-AKL(NZ)-SIN(SQ)-BKK for this reason.

Although the e-ticket shows U instead of O, the APD/SP earn remains at O levels.

codyc1515

Doesn’t matter. In a schedule change situation (their fault, not mine) I’ve always found NZ to be accomodating.

RatherGhastly

I imagine that, by April, there will be further relaxation of the testing régime, but, even now, you can administer the test yourself using a RAT kit, even one you bring with you from NZ. If visiting HK for a day appeals to you, I wouldn't discount it simply on account of Covid testing.

jeffrocowboy

thanks all for your advice - successfully changed to via SIN on NZ, then SQ - which was initially desired routing (but not originally purchased due to being much more expensive)

upshot of this - get more time in Frankfurt which protects forward travel from delays and my first flight on SQ

kapchi

What about booking class, is it the same? Will you get more SP/APD?

jeffrocowboy

It's booked into L - so I don't think I will get SP or AP: From the website it says this one of the "​​​​​​Booking classes ineligible to earn on flights with an 'NZ' flight number"