AIRLINE NEWS
Air New Zealand has increased its change and cancellation fees on most airfares. Amendment to the change fee for domestic ‘Seat’ and ‘Seat+Bag’ fare is now NZ$60 per transaction (was $50). International change fees for Economy and Premium Economy are now $100. Change fees are per one-way journey. Cancellation charge for longhaul Premium Economy is $300 and Business Class $400. Our Shorthaul specialists Shevaughan and Moeroa recommend buying the slightly higher flexi fares ($20 more than ‘Seat+Bag’) as these do not have a change fee component, you simply pay the higher airfare on the new flight, if applicable.
Whilst with Air New Zealand, their Wellington Regional Lounge will be closed from 20 Dec to 20 Jan. Eligible passengers will be able to access the Wellington Domestic Lounge (located after security) over this time. The lounge is traditionally quiet over the Christmas and New Year period.
The strike by Air New Zealand Airbus A320 short haul and domestic Flight Attendants scheduled for Thursday 18 December has now been cancelled.
Regulations around travelling with a ‘power bank’ are becoming more restrictive for more airlines. Rule number one is never pack your power bank into your check in luggage. Rule number two requires you to have them visible and kept in the in-seat pocket. Many airlines will not allow you to keep them in the overhead locker in your hand luggage. The size and number of these is also restricted. If you are transiting from one airline to another (including code-share flights) be aware that the regulations will likely be different for each airline.
Next year marks a century for German airline Lufthansa and a new livery will dress LH’s most important sub-fleets. The blue fuselage will have a white crane (pictured), its wings merging into the aircraft wings. The number 100 will be on the left and underside of the fuselage. The anniversary fleet will be led by Berlin, a new 787-9, an A380, A350- 1000, A350-900, A320, and a 747-8 aircraft.
China Eastern Airlines has commenced services between Auckland and Buenos Aires. The twice weekly service originates in Shanghai.
Qantas is about to open the doors to its new International Lounge at Auckland Airport on 17 Dec. The footprint of the new lounge is 60% larger than the previous space, with capacity for more than 370 customers across dedicated zones for dining, relaxing and working. QF Platinum One and Platinum Frequent Flyers will have access to a new dedicated dining area featuring seasonal menus and signature first lounge dishes.
This month has seen the launch of the new non-stop Qantas service between Auckland and Perth. The three-weekly flights connect to the airline’s new service Perth to Johannesburg. Qantas has also announced services between Auckland and Apia, Samoa plus Auckland and Gold Coast. These new short haul flights include the full-service Qantas in-flight offer and including Business and Economy Class cabins.