Thanks for explaining that (read in another thread they did sweeps just once a month), sounds pretty logical, so will let you know. Just don't understand why myairnz showed "New Tier Level" for a day and then changed back to the normal "you need XX points to reach Gold" the next day. Definately very confusing, or maybe that's just because I had points expiring.

...nevermind - it works.

Something for you Air NZ Online that is coming up in the TT thread, and that is whether there is anything in the works to allow prospective passengers to see the seat maps for their flights in advance of making a booking. Certainly many of the US airlines (well UA and CO at least) offer this, and with the reduced Space+ offering on the 320s it sounds like those with flexible schedules might appreciate being able to take a peek at the type of seats available before booking.

Yes, 100 times yes!

myairnz changed to Gold this afternoon (this morning was still Silver) so looks like your dates are right. A bit annoyed the 4 flights I've taken in the last 2 weeks don't count towards Gold requalification, but oh well. Probably won't make it anyway, but every point counts!

Hi Top of climb

We have looked at adding seat request into the booking flow to allow customers to view available seats before booking. We actually looked at it when we launched our Skycouch seat, however feedback from customers as part of our user testing was that it was a distraction to the task of booking flights.

Seat request at the end of the booking and post booking through Myairnz or manage bookings is really successful and has a very high uptake.

I am sure it will be something we continue to review and revisit with our customers.

Thanks

Paul
Senior E-commerce Development Specialist

Thanks Paul. I don't know how the experimental version was incorporated into the booking flow, but I would have thought a simple "view seat map for NZxxx" link that unobtrusively appears below each flight number would solve that problem - that way people don't need to click on it if they don't want to. Maybe something you and the team could keep in mind for the next review.

Cheers.

Paul, I don't know who your "user testers" were, but they clearly were not HVCs who want Space+. It's simply crazy to think it's better for your customers not to know what their available seats are before they book. Of course we want to know what the available seats are before we book. And for many HVCs, we are NOT going to book unless we can confirm in advance that we will get a decent Space+ seat.

I guess E/F is your friend here.

Not even using Travelocity can you dig up a seat map on Air NZ flights.

Noticed yesterday that the booking engine is now showing all inclusive prices at flight selection for the Australian website, rather than the base fare.

Hi there

Over 50% of the customers who took part in the user testing over 2 days were HVC's. The feedback we get through user testing is so valuable to the change we are proposing plus how it is today.

I am not suggesting customers don’t want to know what seats are available before booking. The challenge is how we introduce it into the booking flow without it being a distraction for our customers and taking them away from the main task of making a booking.

Having seat request in the booking flow may be reviewed going forward as we make further enhancements and improvements to the websites.

I hope that helps

Thanks

Paul

Hi Paul,
Personally I like the way Air Canada handles the seating question when purchasing online.
WLGNZ

Personally I do not see the seating plan as too important for me. I look at the schedule fisrt, most flights I cannot change the date, so if the seat is not available it does not mean I will cancel my plans (often short notice).
Having seats pre-allocated such a long time ahead will always disadvantage flyers like me. I was not happy when NZ introduced it, I was not happy when QF et. al. also introduce it.
If this is a big issue then I would subscribe to KVS or Expert Flyer.

I want to book a AKL-BNE/MEL-AKL using the multicity tool - however, it automatically books me into economy class rather than giving me any choice? The only way to get seat + bag is to book flights individually which I don't really want to do. Thanks

I've experienced the same problem. Buying two singles is way more expensive too!